Historic Newspapers: U.S. Presidents

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  Certainly a very uncommon title from the 18th century, formatted much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine" or the era.
An inside page has a great document headed: "American United Colonies, In Congress, May 15, 1776" which is a statement concerning the lack of ability to give allegiance to the King and the desire to authorize each of the 13 colonies to form a new provincial government. It is signed in type by the President: John Hancock.
This…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776  A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report and great to have in a period newspaper.
Page 2 begins with a letter from Major General Lee to the President of Congress, dated at Charleston, giving a…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military service, with details. Page 2 begins with a report noting: "General Lee writes from Purrysburg...that…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  

* Battles of Saratoga
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
* Germantown and Brandywine

The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the…

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War

This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 28, 1778

* American Revolutionary War

 Most of page 2 is taken up with a very notable & historic: "Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America" signed in type by: Henry Laurens, President at that time, dated May 9, 1778.
In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of the British government’s intention to offer terms of accommodation that would have satisfied all American demands except…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the measures pursued…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779

* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise upon the back settlements & the interior of the country...That the Congress…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 25, 1781  

* Rare Revolutionary War title from America

A very handsome issue as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll with 'Independence' in the other, with the words 'Appeal To Heaven" above him.
Most of the front page is taken up with a letter: "To the Inhabitants of…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 29, 1782 

* Lord Charles Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown
* Revolutionary War

The front page is mostly taken up with: "An Ordinance Ascertaining What Captures on Water Shall be Lawful". This lengthy text carries over to take close to half of page 2 & is signed in type by: John Hanson, President of Congress.
Page 3 has some optimistic hopes from London including: "Though the croakers of politics be busily employed in…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782  

* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?

Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright period, JOHN DICKINSON, and other American gentlemen, and the speeches & publications of some patriots at home...They…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, April 19, 1783  

* John Dickinson of Pennsylvania
* Proclamation of the Cessation of Arms 
* End of hostilities of Revolutionary War

Over half of the front page is taken up with various dispatches concerning: "The Proceedings of the Federal Army near New Windsor, to Obtain the Redress of their Grievances".
This was called the Newburgh Conspiracy, a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the…

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.

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…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1783  

* American Revolutionary War
* Ending events towards peace 
* Benjamin Franklin as a diplomat 

Page 2 has over half a column is taken up with: "The Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia & the Liberties thereof, to his Excellency the President and Congress of the United States". This address deals with the end of the war with England, one small bit noting: "...we beg leave to assure Congress of the affection of…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1786  Included is a: "Topographical Description of Hastings in Sussex", England, which also includes a nice foldout plate; "Jew's Harp"; much on the: "Summary of Proceedings in the Third Session of Parliament"; and so much more. News the back is almost a full page of reports headed: "American News". Among the items here is an interesting item concerning a request from Mass. to secure armaments from the United States & a response as to why that cannot…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787  

* Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States

This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.
Comments from the Library Company of Philadelphia note that it cannot be definitively determined which of these two publications was the first to…

CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787  

* Historic United States Constitution 
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs 

Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are likely the most historic 18th century documents to have in an…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1787  

* President Thomas Jefferson
* United States Navy

Among the articles within are: "The Situation of the First & Present Settlers in America Contrasted" "Thoughts on emigration, Particularly to America..." Mr. Jefferson's Opinion Upon the Establishment of an American Naval Force" which begins: "The sea is the field on which we should meet an European enemy, on that element it is necessary we should possess some power...".
Also: "The Utility of …

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787

* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify

The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delaware met at Dover on Monday the third...and a House being formed, they elected James Latimer, Esq. President. On Thursday they…

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…

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…

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…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789  

* John Hancock message
* U.S. Department of State

This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of Massachusetts..." signed in type: John Hancock, in which he comments on his recent election as governor: "...As my fellow citizens have seen fit to honor me with the office of Chief Magistrate it…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789 

* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing

A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War. This was the "Sixth Act of the Legislature of the Union" and is titled: "An ACT to Establish an Executive Department, to be Denominated the DEPARTMENT…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789 

* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams

This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to the Congress. Eleven days later, it was submitted to the states for ratification. But as the people began to examine…

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

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The Way to Wealth" signed in type: Richard Saunders (pen name of Benjamin Franklin); a full page: "Letter from Dr. Franklin to

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

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

Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Sketch of Proceedings of Congress in the House of Representatives..." with considerable debate on the Judicial Bill.
Half of page 2 (and some of page 3) are taken up with discussion in Congress headed: "Debate on the Subject of Foxing the Permanent Seat of Government" which offers some very…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 16, 1789  

* Treasury Act of September 2, 1789
* Establishment of the Treasury Department 
* President George Washington signs 

Certainly the most notable report is that found on the back page, where is printed in full: "An ACT to Establish the Treasury Department" taking nearly a full column, signed at its conclusion by the President: George Washington.
A very notable report on the creation of this significant department of the federal…

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 19, 1789  The front page has an interesting article which could be appropriate today: "Propositions for Reforming the Present System of Publick Education in Boston".
Page 2 begins with reports from the House of Representatives concerning discussions on setting the salaries for House & Senate members.
Page 3 has: "THE PRESIDENT has been pleased to nominate, & with the consent of the Senate to appoint, the Hon. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Esq. Secretary of the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 

* President George Washington 
* Arthur St. Clair - Wabash Indians
* Federal government in its infancy

Page 2 has a letter to the House  of Representatives signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, beginning: "The Governor of the Western Territory has made a statement to me of reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians & white people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio...", which is followed by a lengthy letter on…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789  

* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments

Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed in its entirety as submitted to the states for ratification.
In September of 1789 the U.S. Congress passed and sent…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1789  The issue begins with the continuation of: "Letters from a Pennsylvanian on his Travels Into the Eastern States..."  which is very descriptive & which takes nearly 5 pages. Also the continuation of the: "History of the American War", and "Memoirs of the Bastille" which had recently fallen signaling the beginning of the French Revolution.
One of the articles: "On The Temperaments" still has the full page plate included. Rarely found.
Near…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 18, 1789  

* President George Washington
* New England tour w/ many stops

This issue has much coverage of the President's tour of the Northeast, including a front page address of the town of Portsmouth to the President, followed by: "The Answer" signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 2 includes an: "Ode, Upon the Arrival of The President of the United States in the town of Boston", followed by an article: "The Tour" with much great content and…

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…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 9, 1790

* 1st President George Washington
* First State of the Union Address (SOTU)

  A very significant issue, as page 3 contains George Washington's very first state-of-the-union address, taking over a full column and signed by him in type: G. Washington.
His address reflects upon the first year of the Presidency, beginning a tradition of addressing Congress at the conclusion of each year which continues to this day.
Also on page 3 is a…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, February, 1790 Among the articles are: "On the Use of Cosmeticks" "American Natural History...Of the Birds" & much more.
Near the back is a full page plate of music, as well as: "The Gazette" which has the latest news reports from Winchester, Va. New London, and Boston. Also a list of appointments by the President.
The plate called for is lacking.
Complete in 64 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, typical foxing, good condition.

Background: The February 1790 issue of The…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 24, 1790 

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

Half of the front page is taken up with reports from: "Congress - House of Representatives" which includes talk on: "...the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. -- Mr. Madison's motion for a discrimination under consideration...", carrying over to take all of page 2. 
Page 2 discussion includes: "...The amendment of the senate to the bill for enumerating the inhabitants of the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790  

* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census

The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was the Census Act, creating the very first national census, an event that would happen every ten years to this day. Included…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790 

* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson 

Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with two Acts of Congress, one for: "...a cession of the Claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of Western Territory" with aims of becoming the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790  

* Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy 

The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" which reads like a eulogy on him, having died just the previous month. A few bits note: "...is astonishing how the whole city was moved--His…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790  

* President George Washington
* Two acts of United States Congress
* Benjamin Franklin's will after death

On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings in each state...", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson, plus a second Act concerning…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 5, 1790 

* Copyright Act of 1790
* 1st federal copyright law
* President George Washington

A very significant issue for anyone in the publishing field, as page two has virtually an entire column taken up with the printing of: "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors & Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein mentioned." which was the copyright act, signed in type: George…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 12, 1790  A page 2 report announces the death of: " ...that justly celebrated hero, Patriot and Philanthropist, ISRAEL PUTNAM...", plus some details about the funeral.
The top of page 3 has a Congressional Resolve headed with ornate lettering and an engraving of a heraldic eagle, signed in type by: George Washington, President, John Adams, Vice President, and Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State.
Page 3 has a report on the return of the President:…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1790  

* Act of United States Congress 

The front page begins with an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It is headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. 
Page 2 has much reporting from Congress during this formative year of the federal government.
Four pages, very nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790 

* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress

Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Page 3 also has several "Appointments" by the President, as well as reports on the celebration of the 4th of…