Historic Newspapers: George Washington

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1792

• President George Washington
• Designing District of Columbia
• Federal buildings - Capitol

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress and a “Resolve”, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this a nice issue for display.
Over 2 front-page columns are on: “Reflections On the State of the Union”.
Page 2 has a report from London on the: “Arrest of Mr. Paine”, being the famed Thomas Paine. Page 3

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789

• President George Washington
• Inauguration - inaugural address
• A detailed eyewitness account
• In a American publication (rare)

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

THOMAS'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 mourning rules at the top and bottom.  The front page begins with a report headed with an engraving of a funeral urn above which is: "Testimonials of National Sorrow!" and beneath it: "On Saturday the 14th

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 18, 1775

• General George Washington
• Named Commander-in-Chief
• Continental Army - British reaction

The front page begins with a nice item from London concerning George Washington: "General Washington, who was lately appointed Generalissimo over the Provincials, has refused any salary, and is to attend to the hazardous and arduous duty allotted him from principle only. A most noble example & worthy of imitation in Great Britain, particularly at this time for

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Sept., 1777

• Siege of Fort Ticonderoga
• General George Washington
• American Revolutionary War

Over 2 1/2 pages are taken up with: "Letter from Gen. Washington to Gen. Sir William Howe" from Middlebrook, June 10, 1777, signed by him in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by another letter from Washington to Howe, which begins: "The fortune of war having thrown Major-General Prescot in our hands, I beg leave to propose his exchange for Major-General Lee..."

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, September 11, 1790

• President George Washington
• Address received and response
• Brethren of King David's Lodge
• Newport, Rhode Island lodge
• Masonic - Jewish - Jews - Judaica

This is a very significant newspaper.  The middle column on the back page (page 4) contains the: "Address of the Master, Wardens, and Brethren of King David's Lodge to George Washington, President of the United States of America" signed in type by committee members Moses Seixas and Henry

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 27, 1781

• Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
• American Revolutionary War ending

A wonderfully historic issue and nicely presented, as the details of Cornwallis surrendering to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The entire middle column of the front page is Washington's historic letter, dated at "Head-Quarters, near York, 19th October. 1781" and beginning: "Sir, I have the honor to inform Congress,

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 2, 1796

• During President George Washington administration
• National University in the Federal City - Wash. D.C.

Page 2 has a report from the Virginia House of Delegates concerning Washington: "...that the plan contemplated for erecting an University at the Federal city...And whereas when the general assembly of Virginia presented sundry shares in the James River and Potomac companies to George Washington as a small token of their gratitude for the great, eminent

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 27, 1796

• President George Washington
• Mass. Governor Samuel Adams

The front page begins with a document: "Official By the President of the United States" concerning building codes for houses in the new city of Washington, D.C. It is signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Taking half of the front page is: "An Act for Establishing a Turnpike Gate on such Roads..." signed by the governor of Massachusetts: Samuel Adams.
Page 2 has a letter of "thanks" from the mayor of

THE MASSACHUETTS GAZETTE or the GENERAL ADVERTISER, Springfield, July 29, 1783

• General George Washington
• Circular letter re. U.S. Army
• Revolutionary War ending

The entire front page, all of page 2, and a portion of page 3 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.

It is headed: "A Circular letter from His Excellency General WASHINGTON, Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America". Then a prefacing note: "Occasioned by his

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 30, 1789

• President George Washington
• U.S. government in it's infancy

Certainly the most significant & historic content is the page 3 report that: "The President of the United States has been pleased to nominate, and by & with the advice & consent of the Senate, to appoint, JOHN JAY, of New York, Chief Justice..." followed by a list of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court as well.
Also of great significance are the other appointments listed:

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 9, 1789

• Mary Ball Washington death
• 1st president G.W.'s mother
• Debate on Nation's capital location

Page 3 has a very nice obituary report on the death of the President's mother. Datelined: "Fredericksburg, August 27" it begins: "On Tuesday, the 25th let. died in her house in this town, Mrs. Mary Washington, aged 82, the venerable mother  of the illustrious President of the United States, after a long & painful indisposition, which she bore with

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 12, 1791

• President George Washington
• re. State of the Union Address

Almost half of the front page is taken up with: "Answers Of Both Houses of Congress to The President's Speech", meaning George Washington's 3rd annual state-of-the-union address.
The first column has "The Senate's Answer" which is signed in type: John Adams, Vice President of the United States & President of the Senate" to which the president gave a short reply, signed in type: G. Washington.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 29, 1797

• President George Washington acts
• Alexandra-Washington Masonic Lodge

On the front page under "Laws of the United States" are three "Acts" of Congress, each signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Also, on the front page under "Masonic" is an address from Lodge, No. 22, of the Ancient York Masons at Alexandria to the President, delivered during a meeting attended by Washington, and signed in type by James Gillis, the lodge Master. The President's gracious

SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, Dec. 8, 1794

• President George Washington
• State of the Union Address

Certainly the prime content takes most of page 3, being the: "SPEECH Of His Excellency George Washington, Esq." to Congress, which was his annual state-of-the-union address. It is signed in type at its conclusion: Geo. Washington. Within the address, Washington notes the issues of the day, the events of 1794, and some thoughts about the future.
The presidential annual address was a tradition

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 12, 1852

• Washington Monument obelisk
• George Watterston & construction

Page 2 has: "Gen. Scott At The West" meaning Ohio, which includes: "Speech of Gen. Scott at Hamilton" and: "Speech of Gen. Scott at Dayton".
Page 2 also has a nice, half-column article: "Washington National Monument" being a letter concerning the building of the Washington Monument at the District of Columbia, signed in type by: G. Watterston, the 3rd Secretary of the

J. 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 on pages 2, 3 and 4, with: "Public Testimonials, of Respect In Commemoration of the Virtues & Character of GENERAL WASHINGTON" "Tributary Honors at Berwick" "Tributary Honors at North Yarmouth" and

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792

• President George Washington
• State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, November, 1792

• President George Washington
• State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is President Washington's state-of-the-union address, found in its entirety at the back of the issue.
Headed: "THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH" it is prefaced with a paragraph reading in part: "...the national legislature assembled...at Philadelphia...the President of the United States...repaired to the Senate Chamber...with both Houses being present, the

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1790

• President George Washington letters

Page 2 has a letter read in Congress from the people of Paris, beginning: "The news has reached our ears--Franklin is no more! Franklin the citizen of the world! All nations are indebted to him..." with more.
Page 3 has the address of the Senate to George Washington in response to his state of the union address, which is then acknowledged by a brief letter signed in type: G. Washington. Also on pg. 3

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, August, 1783

• General George Washington
• Circular letter re. U.S. Army
• Revolutionary War ending

ing the Revolutionary War. It contains a wealth of reports concerning the concluding events of the war.
Pages 1 and 2 have: "Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the American States". Another page has a lengthy list of the: "American Ships Taken" during the war. Another page has: "An Act for Forfeiture & ale of the Estates of Persons who have adhered to the

SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, Dec. 28, 1795

• President George Washington
• State of the Union Address - SOTU (S.O.U.)

Almost the entire front page is taken up with the President's: "SPEECH" being George Washington's annual state-of-the-union address for the year 1795, a tradition he started in his first administration and which continues to this day.
The "Speech" is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, June 15, 1803

• Parson Weems book advertisement
• President George Washington biography

The back page has a small advertisement for "The Rev. M. L. Weems", more popularly known as Parson Weems, the ad noting: "Is hereby authorized to solicit of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Philadelphia their subscriptions to the History of General George Washington."
Parson Weems was an author who wrote the first biography of George Washington immediately after his death.

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, June 9, 1783

• General George Washington letter
• Announcing the end of hostilities
• American Revolutionary War ending

Certainly the most significant content takes almost an entire column of page 3, which has George Washington's letter announcing a cessation of hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
It is prefaced with a note stating: "The following is a copy of the Orders issued by General Washington to his troops on the arrival of the information that the

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, July 24, 1783

• General George Washington - Farewell to the Army
• Commander-in-Chief - American Revolutionary War

The entire front page and most of page 4 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.
It is headed: "His Excellency General WASHINGTON'S LETTER to the several States which compose the American Republic - CIRCULAR" datelined at Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 11th, 1783.
This famous letter begins: "The great

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 4, 1789

• President George Washington
• 1st Inauguration - inaugural address

Most of page 3 is taken up with reports on the: "Proceedings of Congress" with datlines of April 28, then April 29, under the latter are reports on preparations for Washington's inauguration.
These reports include: "The committees of both houses of Congress, appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception, etc. of the President of

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787

• Constitutional Convention begins
• George Washington elected president

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its President.

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

• President George Washington
• State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects upon

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1782

• re. Battle of the Assunpink Creek - Trenton
• re. George Washington crossing the Delaware

Page 2 has a report beginning: "So determined are the French to pursue their favorite plan of annihilating the British power in North America, & particularly to the capturing the British army in New York...to co-operate with General Washington towards the reduction of that important garrison...".
All of pg. 4 & a bit of page 5 are taken up with letter No. II of a

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 day a quorum of

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795

• George Washington letter
• re. John Jay's Treaty

The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and having such extensive relations, some diversity of opinion might be expected...", signed in type: Go. Washington. 
The front page also has: "Federal Ship News" which begins: "The good ship Federal Government,

THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Dec. 26, 1795

• President George Washington
• Chief Justice John Rutledge

This is a quite scarce 18th century American title as it existed only until 1799 and rarely comes on the market. We suspect the circulation was somewhat limited.
The front page has nearly a full column on: "State of Politicks In America - From Cooper's Information Respecting America". Also on the front page: "Real Federalism Triumphant!
Pages 2 & 3 contain the Senate's response

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1795

• President George Washington
• Brunswick County, Virginia

Page 2 has the: "Answer Of the President to the Brunswick, Virginia, Proceedings" relating to the Jay Treaty, which is signed by him in type: G. Washington.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: In 1795, the citizens of Brunswick County, Virginia, along with neighboring counties, sent a formal address to President George Washington expressing their concerns about the recently negotiated Jay Treaty

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 1797

• President George Washington
• 64th birthday celebration & dinner

A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 has over a full column on the: "Celebration" of Washington's 65th birthday, including the 16 toasts and much more. Also an article: "The President's Birth Day".
Page 3 has a report from the Treasury Dept. followed by a notice: "The President of the United

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, June 27, 1803  The back page has a small advertisement for "The Rev. M. L. Weems", more popularly known as Parson Weems, the ad noting: "Is hereby authorized to solicit of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Philadelphia their subscriptions to the History of General George Washington."
Parson Weems was an author who wrote the first biography of George Washington immediately after his death. He was the source of some of the apocryphal stories about

THE HERALD OF FREEDOM & THE FEDERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 10, 1789

• George Washington presidential election win

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

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 8, 1853

• Creation of Washington Territory
• United States Congress passes

Being the "mouthpiece of the federal government", typically this newspaper was the first to report notable political reports and developments So it is no surprise that nearly half of the front page is taken up with the Act of Congress creating the Washington Territory.
Headed: "Laws OF The United States - An ACT to Establish the Territorial Government of Washington" the

WALKER'S HIBERNIAN MAGAZINE, (Dublin, Ireland), July, 1789  Bill Reese noted in one of his catalogs: "This important Irish monthly was founded in 1771 and continued until 1811, the later years under the auspices of Thomas Walker's son, Joseph. During its long run in its different incarnations, the "Hibernian Magazine" filled the role of a general Dublin periodical in its coverage of news and politics from Ireland, Britain, Europe and North America...".
The back several pages are where various

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789

• President George Washington
• First inauguration (historic)

Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of this significant event found on page 2, datelined: "Extract of a Letter from New York, dated May 1" with the text

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756

• Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
• Early Colonel George Washington
• French and Indian War officer

A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at that time: "Last week Colonel Washington arrived here [Phila.] from Virginia; as did the honorable Chief Justice Belcher from

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Jan. 8, 1853

• Nauvoo, Illinois - Mormons
• Washington monument

A short-live newspaper which preceded the first issue of "Harper's Weekly". This is the volume 1, number 2 issue. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication.
The front page shows: "The Late Collision on the Mississippi--Loss of the Steamer Western World". Prints inside include a nice half page of: "Nauvoo, from the Mississippi, Looking Down the River" with a related article: "The City of Nauvoo"

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1779

• Battle of Stony Point - New York
• American Revolutionary War night assault
• Generals George Washington & Anthony Wayne

This title has one of the more handsome mastheads of the era, with very ornate lettering and an engraving of a three-masted ship.
Page 2 has a lengthy letter in defense of Robert Morris against Thomas Paine. Also much on a meeting of freeholders at Boston, moderated by Sam Adams, with topics relating to the

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 18, 1790

• American ships Columbia Rediviva & Lady Washington
• President George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson

Page 2 includes an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, "...to enable the officers & soldiers of the Virginia line on Continental Establishment to obtain titles to certain lands lying northwest of the river Ohio, between the little Miami and Sciota." The Act of Congress is signed in type by the President:

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796

• President George Washington
• Retirement from public service

The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another letter signed in type: G. Washington, as well as a report from Georgetown concerning the votes of the Virginia electors for

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789

• Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
• Newly elected President George Washington

It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely noteworthy address as it is Franklin's strongest moral statement on the subject of slavery.
Franklin did not speak out against slavery until

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, June 28, 1803  The back page has a small advertisement for "The Rev. M. L. Weems", more popularly known as Parson Weems, the ad noting: "Is hereby authorized to solicit of the Ladies and Gentlemen of Philadelphia their subscriptions to the History of General George Washington."
Parson Weems was an author who wrote the first biography of George Washington immediately after his death. He was the source of some of the apocryphal stories about

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 26, 1794

• George Washington & John Adams
• Regulating French vessels in U.S. ports

The front page begins with an Act of Congress relating to French vessels taking refuge in United States ports. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice President: John Adams.
Page 2 has a letter from an officer in General Anthony Wayne's army relating to the Northwest Indian War and General St. Clair.
Four pages, never-trimmed

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783

"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

Beginning on page 1 and taking almost the entire back page is the historic

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1794

• President George Washington

The front page begins with a half column Act of Congress of the United States, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation - By Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Territory of the United States North-West of the Ohio" in which he cautions all residents: "...to observe a strict neutrality towards Spain, to abstain from every hostility against the subject or settlements of that crown..."

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 3, 1790

• George Washington and John Adams
• Thomas Jefferson & Benjamin Franklin

Over a full column on page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress which is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
 Page 2 also has much reporting from Congress. 
Page 3 includes: "Dr. Franklin--Leaves, in his Will, to the President, a gold-headed Cane with the