Historic Newspapers: Search Results

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1784  The issue begins with a description of a medal created in honor of the late Capt. Cook and which is accompanied by a plate of it (see). The front page also has an article: "Canoe of the Sandwich Islands Described (which is Hawaii), which is also accompanied by a geat foldout plate, more typically lacking.
Another article of interest is: "Memoirs of Major-General Greene, in the American Service, late Commander in Chief in South Carolina" which…

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…

CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Dec. 28, 1796  

* During George Washington's administration

Various news of the day and a wealth of ads, providing a flavor of life in New England in the 18th century. Half of the front page and all of page 2 are taken up with reports from the Federal Congress from the latter months of Washington's administration.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minimal margin wear & foxing, printed on blue-green tinted paper, generally quite nice.

Background: The December 28,…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 16, 1796  

* George Washington & Samuel Adams

The front page features two Acts of Congress concerning courts, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a chart of the latest count for the election of Mass. governor, showing Judge Sumner leading over Gov. Sam Adams.
Four pages, some damp staining, good condition.

GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796 

* Rare 18th century American publication

A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 2 has much reporting from Congress. Page 2 has a chart showing the elections for President & Vice President by state.
Page 3…

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 EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 14, 1796  

* President George Washington
* Farewell Address (retirement) 

Taking a full column on the front page, all of pages 2, and a bit of page 3 is an historic report headed "AMERICA - The President's Speech To the United States off America", more commonly known as Washington's Farewell Address.
The nation's first President announces his retirement from politics and explains why he decided against running for a third term.
In the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1792  

* President George Washington & more

The front page begins with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Th. Jefferson.
Page 3 has over half a column of election results in Massachusetts, by city, for governor, number showing large majorities for John Hancock.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a few light damp stains at margins, tiny binding holes at the blank spine, nice…

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…

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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 10, 1797  

* President George Washington
* Acts of United States Congress

The middle of the front page contains not one but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Such issues are increasingly scarce--particularly with more than one signature--yet increasingly desirable and very displayable as such.
Beginning on the front page & concluding on page 2 is a letter: "From Mr. Jefferson, late Minister of the United States in…

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; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, December 7, 1796  

* Opening of the Northwest Territory
* Printed on handmade rag paper
* During George Washington's presidency

A typical newspaper of the day with a wealth of reporting and many ads as well. The back page has legal notices concerning the sale of land including the Northwest Territory.
Four pages, scattered foxing throughout, nice condition.

background: This issue of The Herald captures a pivotal moment in American…