Historic Newspapers: Elections & Inaugurations

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 18, 1776  

* Great year to have (1776)
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare mention of Button Gwinnett
* Birth of the American Postal System

A front page report from Savannah includes: "Friday last our Provincial Congress proceeded to the election of delegates to represent this province in the grand Continental Congress..." with the winners noted, one of which was Button Gwinnett,.
This is rare mention of Button Gwinnett, who has the dubious…

Pamphlet titled: "A SERMON, preached before His Excellency JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; governor; His Honor THOMAS CUSHING, Esq; lieutenant-governor; the Honorable the Council, and the Honorable the SENATE, and House of Representatives, of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 26, 1784. Being the day of general election. By Moses Hemmenway, A.M., Boston, Printed by Benjamin Edes and Sons, M,DCC,LXXXXIV".
This was the first annual election sermon preached after the end of the Revolutionary War, just 8…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789 

* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration

 Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some items include the heading: "Commencement of Federal Government Under the New Constitution" followed by: "New York, April 1. This…

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1789

* General George Washington
* New York City prepares welcome
* First Inauguration as U.S. president 

 Page 3 notes preparations are being made for the new Congress to begin its work, and Washington to arrive in town: "There are now FOUR members of the lower, and TWO of the Upper House wanting...it is expected there will be a quorum this week.
All this time the working upon the federal State House has been unceasingly attended to--and…

THE HERALD OF FREEDOM & THE FEDERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 10, 1789  This is a very historically significant issue, reporting the official results of George Washington being elected President of the United States.
Page 3 has: "Interesting Intelligence" that includes:"...On the Monday following, (6th inst.) by the arrival of the Hon. Richard H. Lee, from Virginia, a quorum was formed of the Senate of the United States, when they proceeded agreeably to the Constitution, and made choice of the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789

* George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* From the enemy just after the Revolutionary War

  Certainly the most significant---and very historic--report in this issue is the account under the heading "America" of George Washington being elected the first President of the United States. The full text can be seen in the photos, however portions include: "The 4th of March, being the day appointed by the ordinance of Congress for…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society, the country's largest repository of pre-1876 printed Americana.
The reporting of this signal event…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1793

* George Washington re-election
* Botany Bay - Australia

There are several items of interest, one of which is several pages on the: "Minutes of the Proceedings of the National Convention of France" with much text on what should be the fate of Louis XVI.
This is followed by: "The Last Will and Testament of His Late Most Christian Majesty" which has near the beginning: "In the name of the Holy Trinity...This day, Dec. 21, 1792, I Louis…

NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793

* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory

By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792.  Page 3 has a report datelined February 20 which states: "On Wednesday last [the 13th] both houses of Congress met in…

"A Sermon Preached Before His Honor Samuel Adams, Esq. Lieutenant Governor; the Honorable the Council, Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 28tyh, 1794. Being the Day of General Election". By Samuel Deane, a pastor of the First Church in Portland.
This pamphlet was printed in Boston by Adams and Larkin, 1794.
Original string binding with untrimmed margins, 6 by 9 inches, period writing to the outer wrapper, very nice condition.

Note: Samuel Deane's…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 11, 1796  

* Samuel Adams, Massachusetts governor
* 18th century American original

Page 2 has a very brief report: "His Excellency Samuel Adams is re-elected Governor of this Commonwealth, for the year ensuing: by a majority of about 2000 votes."
Four pages, foxing and light damp staining, a bit irregular at the right margin.

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 9, 1796  The front page is taken up with various reports from Europe, with further reports on pages 2 & 3. Page 3 also has reports headed: "Federal Election".
The back page has: "Anecdote of Gen. Buonaparte" and various ads, including one headed: "75 Dollars Reward--Stop Thief and Runaway" with much detail.
Complete in four pages, never bound nor trimmed, ornate masthead, scattered foxing, and in nice condition.

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, February, 1797  The most notable report is the announcement that John Adams has been elected President of the United States.
A report near the back notes in part: "Yesterday, agreeable to a provision of the Constitution...the members...assembled...to count the votes of the Electors for, and determined the election of, a President and Vice President of the United States: when John Adams, Esq. was declared rot be elected President, and Thomas Jefferson,…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, March 8, 1797  

* John Adams inauguration
* V.P. Thomas Jefferson

The front page has an address: "To George Washington" from the Penna. legislature on his retirement from public office, to which he responded with a letter signed in type; Go. Washington. 
This is followed by another similar letter to the President, again with his response signed; Go. Washington. Then carrying over two page 2 is another letter with Washington's response,…

THE WEEKLY MUSEUM, New York, June 2, 1798  Page 3 has results of the: "Election" for Governor, showing a majority for Livingstone over John Jay. Also: "An Act More Effectually to Protect the Commerce & Coasts of the United States".
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 11 3/4 inches.

JENKS' PORTLAND GAZETTE, Maine (still part of Mass. at this time), March 2, 1801  

* Thomas Jefferson finally wins
* Controversial election of 1800

The election of 1800 was a very contentious one, ending with a Jefferson-Burr tie, but after 36 ballots the House of Representatives ultimately chooses Jefferson as president.

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, March 11, 1801  Page 3 has, under: "President Elect" a report: "The Committee instructed on the 18th instant to wait the President Elect and notify him of his election, REPORT--that they have, according to order performed that service, and addressed the President elect in the following words, to wit: 'The committee beg leave to express their wishes for the prosperity of your administration; and their sincere desire that it may promote your own…

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, March 13, 1801 

* Thomas Jefferson finally wins
* Controversial election of 1800

Page 2 has a notable report on the election of Jefferson, beginning: "At 12 o'clock the 35th ballot was taken, the result the same with that of the preceding ballot. At one o'clock the 36th ballot was taken which issued in the election of THOMAS JEFFERSON..." with more.
 Page 3 has a report from Washington beginning: "As far as accounts have been received from…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 1, 1801 

* re. Thomas Jefferson's presidential election victory

 Page 3 has an address by the legislature of Rhode Island to the President, congratulating him on being elected President of the United States. It is followed by: "The President's Answer" signed in type: Thomas Jefferson.
Four pages, damp staining near the spine, archival strengthening to a portion of the spine, scattered foxing.

Background: This rare archival find is a masterclass…

BOSTON GAZETTE, March 14, 1805 

* President Thomas Jefferson
* Inauguration - inaugural address

Page 2 has the lengthy: "President Jefferson's Speech" which is his inaugural address, introduced with: "This day, at 12 o'clock, Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, took the oath of office & delivered the following Inaugural Speech..." which takes nearly two columns.
One portion includes: "...I know that the acquisition of Louisiana had been disapproved of by some, from a candid…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 15, 1817  Featured is a chart showing that James Monroe is in the lead for Presidency of the United States. Another report has much detail on: "Cleopatra's Barge".
Five pages are taken up with considerable detail on: "Naval Depot" "Report of the Secretary of the Navy...Information Relating to the Selection of a Site for a Navy Depot" in the Chesapeake Bay. Included is a very lengthy report signed: Stephen Decatur.
This is complete in 16 pages, 6 1/4 x…

NEW YORK SPECTATOR, Feb. 19, 1817  The top of the front page as an announcing: "According to the provisions of the constitution the votes...for President and Vice President were yesterday counted...was officially proclaimed by the President of the Senate that JAMES MONROE is elected President...and DANIEL D. TOMPKINS is elected Vice President..." (see).
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small hole near the top of front leaf not close to the noted content, loss to a lower corner of the back…

(priced at a discount) NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER (a pair of issues), Baltimore, May 29, 1819 and March 5, 1825

* Maryland Jew Bill w/ passage
* Jewish religious rights
* Jews to hold public office (MD)

A fine pair of issues on the passage of the Maryland "Jew Bill".
May 29, 1819 issue: Certainly the best content is full text of the speech presented by of H.M. Brackenridge in the Maryland House of Delegates when the Jew Bill was under consideration. The text of Brackenridge's speech is…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 16, 1820  

* President Monroe is re-elected
* Rare mention of Daniel Boone
* Frigate Constitution is being re-fitted

The back page has a report with a small head: "Presidential Election" which begins: "It is probable that Mr. Monroe has been re-elected president by an almost unanimous vote & Mr.Tompkins re-elected vice president..." with a bit more.
This issue comes with a "Supplement" which includes a rare mention of Daniel Boone, the short…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, March 10, 1821  Beginning at the bottom of the front page is: "Inaugural Speech", which has a prefacing paragraph which includes: "On Monday last, the 5th of March, in the great hall of the house of representatives...chief justice Marshall administered the oath of office to Mr. Monroe, previous to his entering upon the duties of his second term of service as president of the United States: After which he delivered the following speech:..." and what follows is…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 27, 1824  The front page features a chart headed: "Presidential Election - Returns so far as they are known" showing votes for Adams, Clay, Crawford, and Jackson, with Adams having a commanding lead. Much related text as well carrying over to pages 2, 3, 4 & 5 with additional charts.
Inside has a fine letter signed in type: Bolivar mentioning in part: "Soldiers: You are going to complete the greatest undertaking ever entrusted to men, that of saving a…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 4, 1824  Among the articles are: "Presidential Election" which has a chart showing states and votes for each, plus another report of the Alabama votes for President by county.
Also inside: "LaFayette & the Sons of the Forest" being an emotional heart-felt meeting of Choctaw Indian chiefs and General LaFayette, which is ironically followed by: "Trial of the Osages" which describes in detail the accidental but unprovoked killing of white men by a handful…

BOSTON RECORDER & TELEGRAPH, Boston, Massachusetts, September 15, 1826

* Florida Territory elections for 1st time

Page 3 has a historic report reading, in full:

* An election is to be held in Florida on the first Monday in Oct. for the first time...in that territory. Thirteen members of the Legislative Council are to be chosen, in conformity with the act of Congress of the last session, to amend the acts establishing the Territorial Government

Other news. Some areas of foxing,…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 14, 1826 

* First Jews elected in Maryland
* Judaica - Jewish
* Andrew Jackson

One of the reports within has a small head: "The Jews" with the text including: "...that at the last election for members of our city council, two gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion were chosen by the suffrages of a large part of the citizens...Messrs. S. Etting and J. L. Cohen...They are he first Jews ever elected by the people to office in Maryland, being until lately…

UNITED STATES' TELEGRAPH--EXTRA, Washington, July 26, 1828  This was a campaign journal "...devoted exclusively to the Presidential election..." as stated in the masthead. It was published by Duff Green, who had come to Washington to establish a newspaper to promote the candidacy of Andrew Jackson. Mott says, "Green proved to be of the hard-hitting politician type of editor." which could be taken literally as during the publication of the "Extra", Green got involved in a fist-fight in the…

UNITED STATES' TELEGRAPH--EXTRA, Washington, Aug. 2, 1828  

* Rare campaign periodical
* General Andrew Jackson

This was a campaign journal "...devoted exclusively to the Presidential election..." as stated in the masthead.
It was published by Duff Green, who had come to Washington to establish a newspaper to promote the candidacy of Andrew Jackson. Mott says: "Green proved to be of the hard-hitting politician type of editor." which could be taken literally as during the publication of…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 22, 1828  One of the front page reports has a small head: "The Election" which begins: "The most anxious & ardent, as well as the most rude & ruthless political contest that ever took place in the United States, is now decided in the election of a large majority of electors pledged to the support of gen. Andrew Jackson for the presidency..." with much more.
The article is rather lengthy, carrying over to page 2 with a total of nearly a full page of…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, March 7, 1829  

* President Andrew Jackson
* Inauguration - inaugural address

An inside page has a nice article headed: "The Inauguration" which begins with details of the proceedings including: "...in the presence of an immense concourse of spectators, filling the portico, the steps...the president of the United States delivered his inaugural address as given below, and having concluded it, the oath to support the constitution was administered to him…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, March 9, 1833 

* General & President Andrew Jackson
* Inauguration - inaugural address

Certainly the best content in this issue is the inside page account of: "The Inauguration" which is followed by the: "Inaugural Address Of The President Of the United States, Fourth of March, 1833" which takes over half a page This was the inauguration & inaugural address of Andrew Jackson.
Other items of interest in this issue include: "The Indians" "Letter From…

HANOVER HERALD, Hanover, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1836. Page 3 features the Official Returns for President and Vice President for Pennsylvania along with the Electoral Election results.  The front page of the issue contains a $25.00 Reward for a runaway apprentice. This contains other news and advertisements of the day. This is complete in four pages with scattered lite foxing, otherwise in nice condition.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 11, 1837  Near the back is a report from Congress which includes, in part, a report of the formal election of Martin Van Buren as President, evidenced by a chart of the electoral vote by state.
The text reads in part: "...the return of electoral votes from each state was opened, read & recorded...After the counting of the votes was completed, & the result declared--The president of the senate proclaimed that Martin Van Buren was elected president of the…

NEW YORK OBSERVER, March 11, 1837

* Martin Van Buren inauguration
* Andrew Jackson farewell address

 Pages 2 and 3 contain the lengthy: "Farewell Address of Andrew Jackson" signed by him in type at its conclusion: Andrew Jackson. In it he reiterated his policies one final time. He appeal to the different regions of the country to place their loyalty to the Union above all else. He condemns monopolies, speculation and paper currency.

VERMONT CHRONICLE, Windsor, March 16, 1837  

* Martin Van Buren inauguration
* Andrew Jackson farewell address

Half of page 2 and most of page 3 are taken up with the: "Farewell Address Of Andrew Jackson, to the People of the United States" in which he reiterates his policies one final time. He appeals to the different regions of the country to place their loyalty to the Union above all else. He condemns monopolies, speculation and paper currency.
Of greater significance--although…

THE GLOBE, New Bedford, Massachusetts, Oct. 23, 1840 

* Election fraud proclaimed
* William Henry Harrison vs. Martin Van Buren
* First October surprise?

Page 3 has a 1.5 column article on voter fraud which includes in part: "They resorted to every means in their power to increase their vote. They’ve made a regular business of going from one Township to another and voting some of them as often as five times, and as many different places. Men are imported and carried like cattle from…

THE GLOBE, Washington, D.C., Nov. 9, 1840

* William Henry Harrison
* Presidential election victory

Perhaps there can be no better newspaper to report a Presidential election than one from the nation's capital.
Page 3 begins with: "The Election" "It becomes our duty to announce to the public that we have received returns of the elections in a sufficient number of the states to render the final result no longer doubtful. Gen. Harrison, the standard bearer of the Federal and Abolition…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 14, 1840 

* William Henry Harrison
* 1840 election victory

Page 2 has a report headed: "Presidential Election" which begins: "Sufficient returns are received to place the result beyond all question. It is now certain that William Henry Harrison will be elected president, and John Tyler, vice president of the United States..." with more, including a state-by-state chart of the electoral votes, etc. Related reports take the remainder of the page…

KENDALL'S EXPOSITOR, Washington, D.C., Feb. 3, 1841 

* William Henry Harrison
* Presidential election victory

The back page has a chart noting the: "Official - Popular Vote For President" for both Harrison and Van Buren, listed by state, showing a close election: 11,268,752 vs. 1,123,057.
This was an uncommon title which lasted but 4 years. The prospectus (not here) notes it was a semi-weekly devoted to "...the security of the right of suffrage by additional laws to punish bribery &…

NEW-HAMPSHIRE PATRIOT AND STATE GAZETTE, Concord, Feb. 19, 1841 

* William Henry Harrison
* Presidential election victory

Page 3 has: "Presidential Vote" which is the official chart of the electoral votes certified by the tellers and announced by the Vice President to the Congress. It shows 234 votes for Harrison and 60 for Van Buren. Also a detailed report: "Arrival Of General Harrison".
Four pages, irregular at the spine, small wear hole at the center of front leaf.

KENDALL'S EXPOSITOR, Washington, D.C., March 3, 1841 Being from the nation's capital it is not surprising there are various political reports. 
This is the volume 1, number 3 issue of an uncommon title that lasted but 4 years. The prospectus (not here) notes it was a semi-weekly devoted to "...the security of the right of suffrage by additional laws to punish bribery & fraud...an exposure of abuses & corruptions in government..." and more.
Amos Kendall was Postmaster General under Andrew…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 3, 1841 


* President William Henry Harrison
* Eve of his inauguration - inaugural
* From the city where it happened - rare

A terrific newspaper for the content found on page 3, which has considerable detail on the plans for the inauguration of William Henry Harrison which happened on the following day.
The first 1 1/2 columns are taken up with: "The Inauguration - Order of Procession" "Programme" "Regulations" "Line of March"…

THE GLOBE, Washington, D.C., March 4, 1841  

* President William Henry Harrison inauguration
* Very rare same-day report from nation's capital

A terrific & very desirable newspaper as this has a same-day report on the inauguration of President Wm. H. Harrison.
Such a report is likely only to be found in a newspaper from the nation's capital, however we have had several issues of the National Intelligencer for this date and they only report plans for the inauguration.
The top of page 3…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 5, 1841  

* President William Henry Harrison inauguration
* Inaugural address - best title to be had (rare)

Perhaps the best newspaper to be had on the inauguration of William Henry Harrison as the nation's ninth President, this being the premier newspaper from the nation's capital. 
Most of page 2 is taken up with: "THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS of Gen. William Henry Harrison, March 4, 1841, On entering Upon the Duties of the office of…

COURANT--EXTRA, Hartford, Connecticut, March 6, (1841)  

* William Henry Harrison
* Presidential inauguration
* Inaugural address

An uncommon single sheet "Extra" broadsheet with most of the front page taken up with the: "Inaugural Address or President Harrison" carrying over to page 2.
William Henry Harrison has the dubious distinction of being the first President to die in office, severing the shortest term (31 days) and having delivered the longest inaugural address, longer than…

BOSTON COURIER, March 8, 1841  

* William Henry Harrison
* Presidential inauguration
* Inaugural address

Beginning on the front page and concluding on page 2 is: "Inauguration and Inaugural Address" of President William Henry Harrison. Most of the space is taken up with his very lengthy inaugural address.
Following the address is: "The Inauguration of William Henry Harrison" which continues: "...as President of the United States, took place in the form and manner prescribed by law and…