Historic Newspapers: Founding Fathers (U.S.)
The following newspapers include articles with content related to: George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, George Mason, Thomas Paine, Paul Revere, and Benjamin Rush.
You may also want to consider doing a search for the following who have not been included within these listings:
Josiah Bartlett, Carter Braxton, John Calhoun, Charles Carroll, Samuel Chase, Abraham Clark, Henry Clay, George Clymer, John Dickinson, William Ellery, William Floyd, and Elbridge Gerry
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, Benjamin Harrison, John Hart, Joseph Hewes, Thomas Heyward, William Hooper, Stephen Hopkins, Francis Hopkinson, Samuel Huntington, and Andrew Jackson
Francis Lightfoot Lee, Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston, Thomas Lynch, Thomas McKean, Arthur Middleton, Lewis Morris, Robert Morris, John Morton, and Thomas Nelson
William Paca, John Penn, William Penn, Thomas Stone, Robert Treat Paine, George Read, Caesar Rodney, George Ross, Edward Rutledge, Roger Sherman, and Richard Stockton
Adam Smith, James Smith, George Taylor, Matthew Thornton, George Walton, Daniel Webster, William Whipple, William Williams, James Wilson, John Witherspoon, Oliver Wolcott, and George Wythe
If you believe we have a significant omission, please contact us with their name at: guy@rarenewspapers.com
You may also want to consider doing a search for the following who have not been included within these listings:
Josiah Bartlett, Carter Braxton, John Calhoun, Charles Carroll, Samuel Chase, Abraham Clark, Henry Clay, George Clymer, John Dickinson, William Ellery, William Floyd, and Elbridge Gerry
Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, Benjamin Harrison, John Hart, Joseph Hewes, Thomas Heyward, William Hooper, Stephen Hopkins, Francis Hopkinson, Samuel Huntington, and Andrew Jackson
Francis Lightfoot Lee, Richard Henry Lee, Francis Lewis, Philip Livingston, Thomas Lynch, Thomas McKean, Arthur Middleton, Lewis Morris, Robert Morris, John Morton, and Thomas Nelson
William Paca, John Penn, William Penn, Thomas Stone, Robert Treat Paine, George Read, Caesar Rodney, George Ross, Edward Rutledge, Roger Sherman, and Richard Stockton
Adam Smith, James Smith, George Taylor, Matthew Thornton, George Walton, Daniel Webster, William Whipple, William Williams, James Wilson, John Witherspoon, Oliver Wolcott, and George Wythe
If you believe we have a significant omission, please contact us with their name at: guy@rarenewspapers.com
Found 799 Results
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Item #648621COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 30, 1799 Page 2 has a "Message" signed in type: John Adams, which introduces some documents concerning the situation in France. Also a report on: "A Duel" fought between Majors Cushing and Lewis, with details.
Four pages, archivally rejoined at the spine, light foxing, good... Read full description -
Item #694383THE SENTINEL OF FREEDOM, Newark, New Jersey, Feb. 19, 1799
* Very rare 18th century publication
As any collector knows 18th century newspapers from New Jersey are very few & far between. Our records seem to indicate we've not previously offered an 18th century issue of this title before (and just one of the... Read full description -
Item #646221THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, March 13, 1799
* 18th century American title
The front page has an appeal: "To Delinquent Customers" signed in type by the famed publisher: Isaiah Thomas. Also: "A Proclamation" for a day of fasting, humiliation & prayer, by the governor. And also an... Read full description -
Item #594534COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 10, 1799 The front page has an address from the Grand Jury of Morris, N.J., to the President, and his gracious reply signed in type: John Adams. Page 2 has an address from the citizens and inhabitants of the Mississippi Territory to the President, and his gracious reply signed in type: ... Read full description -
Item #705974THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 5, 1799
* From the year of George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter from Lord Nelson to his wife. Page 3 also has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love... Read full description -
Item #686122COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 6, 1799
* President John Adams
* Act of United States Congress
* Commerce w/ San Domingo
Most of the front page is taken up with the continuation of an: "Act to regulate the Collection of duties on imports...". Page 2 has: "By the President of the United States of America, A... Read full description -
Item #599357COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 7, 1799
* President John Adams
* Trade with France
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" by the President of the United States concerning the ending of trade with France, signed in script type: John Adams (see). Also a brief item: "Naval Affairs" which notes the President offers thanks... Read full description -
Item #704006THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 9, 1799 P
* Alexander Hamilton during Quasi-War
age 3 has a report concerning the construction of a light house at Shell Castle and at Cape Hatteras. Also reports from New York, Pittsfield, Worcester, Boston and Lexington.
The back page has a nice "War Department" notice... Read full description -
Item #704007THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 16, 1799 The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mention that: "All officers...who are...absent from their commands are required...to report themselves by letter to Major General ALEXANDER HAMILTON..." with a bit more. This is the Alexander Hamilton who... Read full description -
Item #724667THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799 Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four... Read full description -
Item #704011THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 6, 1799
* General Alexander Hamilton
* At Trenton, New Jersey
The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mentioning that: "All officers...who are...absent from their commands are required...to report themselves by letter to Major General ALEXANDER... Read full description -
Item #714446THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 4, 1799
* 18th century American original
This issue was printed less just ten days before the death of George Washington.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic War, including a back page article: "Buonaparte's Retreat from Syria". Page 3 has a detailed ad for:... Read full description -
Item #703673THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, January 1, 1800
* George Washington death
* Historic & Highly sought item
This is one of the better issues to be had on the death & funeral of George Washington.
All columns and margins on pages 1, 2 & 3 have wide, black mourning rules. Page 4 has... Read full description -
Item #688630THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1800
* President George Washington's death
Near the back under the section headed: "Obituary, with Anecdotes, of Remarkable Persons" is the very historic report of the death of George Washington.
Beginning with the date of his death, the 14th, the obituary reads in part: ".... At... Read full description -
Item #708193J. RUSSELL'S GAZETTE, COMMERCIAL & POLITICAL, Boston, Jan. 13, 1800
* President George Washington's death
The front page has wide, black mourning rules, and the borders and all columns on pages 2, 3 & 4 also have wide, black mourning rules for the death of George Washington.
Related content is... Read full description -
Item #708870THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 1800
* Eulogy on the death of George Washington
* Turn of the 19th century originals
A pair of consecutive newspapers from shortly after the death of George Washington.
The front page of Jan. 29 has nearly two column taken up with: "Judge... Read full description -
Item #685753THE COLUMBIAN PHENIX, OR, BOSTON REVIEW, Boston, February, 1800
* Very rare publication
* re. George Washington's death
* Funerals - eulogy honoring his life
A very rare, short-lived literary magazine which lasted but seven issues, from January through July of 1800.
The predominant article... Read full description -
Item #718297COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 5, 1800
* Paul Revere
* Board of Health
The top of page 4 has a detailed report from the: "Health Office" which is signed in type by its President: P. Revere. Beneath this are two reward ads for deserters, one from the brig Atalanta, and the other a deserter from... Read full description -
Item #702636COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 9, 1800
* Death of Thomas Jefferson ?
Page 2 has an interesting report concerning the possible death of Thomas Jefferson. Headed: 'Of Mr. Jefferson", it begins: "The papers by the three last southern mails have brought account & contradictions of accounts of the death of Mr. Jefferson at... Read full description -
Item #707907THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 10, 1800 Although we've had other newspapers with notices from Paul Revere as President of the Health Office, this is perhaps the most detailed.
Found on page 4 is a notice headed: "Health Office" with various details, signed in type by its President: Paul... Read full description -
Item #707047THE SPECTATOR, New York, Aug. 9, 1800 Headed by an engraving of a heraldic eagle, the front page has four Acts of Congress, carrying over to page 2 where there are an additional three Acts and five "Resolves", each signed in type by the President, John Adams, with the Resolves also signed by Thomas Jefferson as... Read full description -
Item #701163THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 13, 1800
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The back page has over half a column taken up with an Act of Congress, signed in type by the President: John Adams, and the Vice President: Th. Jefferson.
The Act is: "...to authorize the sale & conveyance of lands, in certain case, by... Read full description -
Item #697109WEEKLY MUSEUM, New York, Oct. 18, 1800 Somewhat of a literary title but other content as well including a poem titled: "Slave Trade". Also: "Horrid Murder" "Radnor Forest"; an interesting unpublished letter by George Washington dated Nov. 26, 1775; "Female Constancy" and more.
Four... Read full description -
Item #701161THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 27, 1800 The back page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with two Acts of Congress, each signed in type by the President: John Adams, and the Vice President: Th. Jefferson.
One Act is for: "...appropriations for the military establishment of the United States...".
Four pages, some... Read full description -
Item #708880THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 24, 1800 A wonderful masthead makes this a displayable issue.
Page 3 has a report headed: "State of the Votes for President & Vice President of the United States" show votes for Adams, Pickney, Jefferson, and Burr. The report beneath the chart includes: "It is now... Read full description -
Item #694529CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 1, 1801 Much of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" including a bit: "...The house resolved itself into a committee of the whole on the bill for erecting a Mausoleum to George Washington...moved an amendment substituting a Monument, in the place... Read full description -
Item #703929JENKS' 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.
Page... Read full description -
Item #599167THE SALEM GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, March 3, 1801
* President John Adams
* Early U.S postal service
Page 3 has a letter to Congress signed by the President: John Adams, followed by a note: "An engrossed bill for extending the privilege of franking to John Adams, now President of the United States, was... Read full description -
Item #703946MIRROR OF THE TIMES & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Wilmington, Delaware, March 11, 1801
* Thomas Jefferson's first inauguration
* President of the United States
Over half of page 2 is taken up with Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address, headed: "PRESIDENT'S SPEECH" and prefaced with: "Wednesday last, at 12 o'clock, Thomas Jefferson,... Read full description -
Item #667545THOMAS'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... Read full description -
Item #702568MIDDLESEX 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... Read full description -
Item #693203INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Worcester, April 21, 1801 A page 2 testimony issued by the President recognizes the Charges des Affairs of the French Republic, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson.
The front page begins with 3 Acts of the Mass. Legislature signed by the governor: Caleb Strong.
Four pages, nice condition. -
Item #708886THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 22, 1801
* President Thomas Jefferson
* re. Presidential election victory
Page 3 has a letter from the President to the people of Providence, R.I., returning thanks for their congratulations for being elected President. It is signed in type: Thomas Jefferson.
... Read full description -
Item #649466COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 30, 1801 The front page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with: "Laws of the United States---An Act giving a right of pre-emption to certain persons...for lands lying...in the North West of the Ohio." signed in script type by the President: John Adams. Nice to have a script signature by the President on the... Read full description -
Item #667661THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 29, 1801 Page 3 has an address: "To Thomas Jefferson, President..." from the Assembly of Rhode Island, congratulating him on being inaugurated President. This is followed by: "The President's Answer" signed in type: Thomas Jefferson.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition. -
Item #708888THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 1, 1801 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... Read full description -
Item #667653COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 29, 1801
* President Thomas Jefferson
The front page has a "Remonstrance" of the merchants of New Haven, to the President, concerning the removal of the Revenue Collector & appointment of his replacement.
This is followed by: "The President's Reply" in which he justifies the... Read full description -
Item #667648NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, Aug. 4, 1801
* President Thomas Jefferson
* U.S. government efficiency
The front page has: "Mr. Jefferson's Letter" which is an editorial analysis of it, taking a full column. The ftpg. also has: "Virginia Influence" which explains the strong Virginia bias in the federal government. Page 2... Read full description -
Item #700650COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 2, 1802 The front page has 3 letters concerning the Tripolitan War, or the First Barbary War, including a letter from the President to the Bey [governor] of Tripoli, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson as well as James Madison.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed by the... Read full description -
Item #667691COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 3, 1802 The front page has a letter to the "...honored Bey of Tripoli, of Barbary..." concerning the on-going Barbary War, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed by: Th. Jefferson concerning France, within which is a letter signed in type by: Bonaparte.... Read full description -
Item #702766THE BALANCE & COLUMBIAN REPOSITORY, Hudson, New York, March 2, 1802
* re. Thomas Jefferson's state of the union address
* Alexander Hamilton pen name Lucius Crassus
Half of page 2 and most of page 3 are taken up with: "Examination Of The President's Message, Number IX" signed in type by:... Read full description -
Item #667654AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, April 1, 1802
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Georgia Legislature letter of congrats
The front page begins with an address of the Georgia legislature Thomas Jefferson, President of the U.S." to: "...congratulate the President on his elevation to the chief magistracy...",... Read full description -
Item #688829BOSTON GAZETTE, May 31, 1802
* Martha Washington death
* Mount Vernon
The bottom of page 2 carries the report: "DIED, At Mount-Vernon, on the 22 inst. Mrs. MARTHA WASHINGTON, widow of the late illustrious General George Washington. To those amiable and Christian virtues, which adorn the female character, she added dignity of manners,... Read full description -
Item #698041THE BALANCE & COLUMBIAN REPOSITORY, Hudson, New York, June 1, 1802
* Martha Washington death
* Mount Vernon - Virginia
Inside under "The Knell" is a brief yet very notable death report: "At Mount Vernon, on the 22d ult. Mrs. Martha Washington, relict of the late illustrious Gen. George Washington."
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 11... Read full description -
Item #706978NEW YORK EVENING POST, July 31, 1802 This is the famous newspaper founded by Alexander Hamilton in 1801, still publishing today.
The front page is taken up with advertisements, 8 of which are illustrated ship ads. Various news reports of the day from Thomas Jefferson's administration.
Four pages, minor margin tears, nice condition. -
Item #559591(10) BOSTON GAZETTE, dated in 1803-1808 A lot of ten issues from the early 19th century when Thomas Jefferson was president. News and advertising of the day provide perspective on this formative period. Irregular at the spine but without loss of text; some foxing and wear with lite staining, typical for the period. Perhaps a bit... Read full description -
Item #680732COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 30, 1803 The ftpg. has a letter from the people of Plymouth to John Adams inviting him to a celebration of: "...the first landing of our Fore Fathers at this place.", with his response, signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins,... Read full description -
Item #667347NEW YORK HERALD, April 2, 1803
* Thomas Jefferson
* Institut de France
Page 3 has an address from President Thomas Jefferson to the National Institute of France in which he humbly accepts the honor of being elected as: "...a foreign associate for the class of moral & political sciences...". It is signed in... Read full description -
Item #713218SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, April 26, 1803
* Rare early 19th century publication
With considerations for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France then much in focus, it is not surprising that over three-quarters of the front page is taken up with the 4th in a series of 7 essays titled: "The... Read full description -
Item #713219SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, May 3, 1803
* Prelude to Louisiana purchase
* Early 19th century publication
* President Thomas Jefferson era
With considerations for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France then much in focus, it is not surprising that nearly the entire front page is taken up with... Read full description
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