Historic Newspapers: Search Results

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  • Ben Franklin article on the morals of chess...
    Item #724609
    THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792  By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $245.00
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  • Reports from "America" in 1763...
    Item #724079
    THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 5, 1763  

    * Colonial America reporting

    Over half of the first column on the front page has news headed: "America" with datelines of New York and Boston, both of which report various maritime items.
    Page 5 has a few short reports headed "America" from New York and Philadelphia.
    Eight pages, 8... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #364 - released for March, 2026.

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    $30.00
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  • Scarce title containing a Washington letter...
    Item #719658
    THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797  

    * Rare 18th century publication
    * President George Washington


    A scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our (soon to be) 50 years. It published for exactly one year.
    Page 2 features a letter to George Washington from the Penna. Senate, offering... Read full description  
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    $125.00
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  • 1775 capture of Ethan Allen...
    Item #719128
    THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

    * Ethan Allen captured
    * American Revolutionary War


    The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America... Read full description  
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    $915.00
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  • Map of South Pole plus much on the Revolutionary War...
    Item #717326
    THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1776

    * American Revolutionary War
    * Captain James Cook vogage
    * South Pole map - HMS Resolution


     This is a fine issue from this significant year of the Revolutionary War, with much war-related content.
    Included are two pages on an: "Act for Prohibiting all Trade with... Read full description  
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    $425.00
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  • Rare American magazine edited by Thomas Paine...
    Item #716892
    THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775 

    * Pre American Revolutionary War 
    * Thomas Paine - first time as editor 


    This is a very rare magazine, published only from January, 1775 thru July, 1776, containing the Declaration of Independence in its final issue.
    It was the only American magazine to print the... Read full description  
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    $1,450.00
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  • From during George Washington's administration...
    Item #716171
    GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 24, 1794  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
    The front page has 3 runaway slave ads and three shipping ads. Other news of the day is found throughout,
    Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine,... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $48.00
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  • Scarce, short-lived newspaper from Philadelphia...
    Item #716152
    THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1797  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. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
    Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $82.00
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  • Two script George Washington signatures...
    Item #716124
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795  The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
    Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $98.00
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  • A great wealth of Constitution-related content...
    Item #716123
    THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), August, 1788  Among the articles are: "Observations on the Evil Consequences Attending the Excessive use of Spirituous Liquors" "Thoughts on the Law Prohibiting Hogs to Prowl the Streets of Philadelphia"; a continuation of: "Observations on the Constitution Proposed by... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $81.00
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  • One of the earliest appearances... - Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...

    One of the earliest appearances...

    Item #716072
    THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 

    * Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
    * re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington


    The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely... Read full description  
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    $275.00
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  • British to attack Philadelphia...  John Hancock... Creating battalions...
    Item #715771
    THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

    * Rare Revolutionary War era title
    * Tory issue from Pennsylvania

    * Great year to have (1776)


    (editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the... Read full description  
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    $1,365.00
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  • Arguing against American independence...
    Item #715770
    THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 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.
    Over half of the front... Read full description  
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    $745.00
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  • Letter regarding the poor by Ben Franklin... Engraving of the Corsican chief Pascal Paoli...
    Item #715671
    THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768 

    * Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
    * Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica


    Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this... Read full description  
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    $165.00
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  • Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution...  Manuel Noah... Three Acts of Congress...
    Item #715112
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 12, 1791 

    * United States Constitution amendment proposed
    * George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson


    Inside has more than a full column taken up with: "Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Laid on the Clerk's Table... Read full description  
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    $125.00
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  • Much debate on the value of the Revolutionary War...
    Item #715063
    EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778  

    * Revolutionary War Tory original
    * Rare Pro British issue from America


    This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
    An unusual "Extra"... Read full description  
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    $325.00
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  • Tortured by Indians...
    Item #714377
    DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1792   The front page features 24 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has a report: "...that Colonel Harden...on a mission to the Indians respecting a treaty of peace...were immediately made prisoners & sentenced to be burnt as spies. Colonel Harden saw his companion expire under all the... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $48.00
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  • Many reports indicate troubles are ahead for America and the mother country...
    Item #713644
    THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768  
    This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $135.00
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  • Seeking bids for timber to build the founding frigates of the U.S. Navy...
    Item #713629
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, May 21, 1794  Shortly before this date the federal government passed the historic Naval Act of 1794, authorizing the building of six frigates, the founding ships of what would become the U.S. Navy.
    The back page has a detailed advertisement from the "Treasury... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $65.00
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  • Thomas Jefferson on creating a Navy...
    Item #713623
    THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1787  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... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $59.00
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  •  Delaware & Pennsylvania ratify the Constitution...
    Item #713619
    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... Read full description  
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    $495.00
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  • George Washington is elected President of the United States...
    Item #713617
    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... Read full description  
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    $1,325.00
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  • Building the historic Cape Henry, Virginia, lighthouse...   Vermont separates from New York...
    Item #712389
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, October 9, 1790  

    * "Great Compromise" era in America
    * State of Vermont becoming independent 
    * Creating the "Cape May Lighthouse" 


    A brief item on page 3 notes: "The Commissioners of New York and Vermont have... Read full description  
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    $136.00
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  • A Ben Franklin newspaper with the earliest mention of G. Washington we have found in an American newspaper?   Death of Ben Franklin's brother...
    Item #710763
    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... Read full description  
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    $2,525.00
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  • One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
    Item #710010
    THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735 

    * Among the earliest of American newspapers
    * Very early & rare colonial publication


    As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719... Read full description  
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    $3,675.00
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  • Washington's state-of-the-union address...
    Item #709924
    NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, November, 1792  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... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #364 - released for March, 2026.

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    $175.00
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  • Plan to create a nobility for the United States...
    Item #709922
    THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, May, 1792  This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792.
    Content includes: "Account of... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #364 - released for March, 2026.

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    $58.00
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  • Relocating Loyalists...   Wishing for the life from before independence...
    Item #709619
    THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 10, 1784  Page 2 has a report from New York noting in part: "...a considerable number of soldiers, whose regiments had been disbanded by authority, have settled in the territories of the United States rather than go to Nova Scotia where they would have been sent at... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $35.00
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  • From the temporary capital of the United States...
    Item #707388
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 1797 

    * Uncommon 18th century American publication

    The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
    The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship... Read full description  
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    $45.00
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  • Address signed by Sam Adams...
    Item #707374
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1795  

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


    Page 3 has 1 1/2 columns taken up with an: "Address" to the Mass. legislature by the govern, signed in type: Samuel Adams. Mention is also made of an "illumination" celebration in Boston in... Read full description  
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    $84.00
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  • On Adams & Jefferson assuming the Presidency and Vice Presidency...
    Item #707369
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 18, 1797  

    * John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
    * United States President and VP


    Page 3 has a lengthy address: "To the Honorable the Congress of the United States" being: "The memorial & petition of the owners of land in the... Read full description  
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    $62.00
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  • Rare 18th century title...
    Item #707233
    THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, Jan. 8, 1798  

    * Very rare 18th century publication
    * American Editor Philip Freneau
    * Short-lived publication


    A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
    The front page includes the continued: "View of the Present State of our Political... Read full description  
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    $160.00
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  • Just before the outbreak of war, from Philadelphia...
    Item #706112
    DUNLAP'S PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 11, 1774  

    * Great colonial era masthead engraving - John Dunlap
    * American Revolutionary War upon the horizon

    This title had one of the more ornate masthead of the pre-Revolutionary War era. And this issue was printed shortly before the outbreak of war,... Read full description  
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    $498.00
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  • Bainbridge and the Quasi-War...   Napoleon was assassinated?
    Item #706092
    THE UNIVERSAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1799  The front page has 1 1/2 columns on a letter to: "The Secretary of the Navy" from William Bainbridge, concerning the controversy of him surrendering his ship to the French in the Quasi-War, which was a limited naval war against French privateers who were seizing U.S.... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #364 - released for March, 2026.

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    $47.00
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  • Scarce, short-lived newspaper from Philadelphia...
    Item #706002
    THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 21, 1797  

    * Rare 18th century short-lived publication

    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. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
    Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very... Read full description  
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    $88.00
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  • One of the less common 18th century titles...
    Item #705984
    PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 14, 1797  

    * Rare 18th century American publication

    The entire front page is taken up with ads including a a detailed ad for a runaway slave ad under: "Fifty Dollars Reward".
    Another can be found on the back page. 
    Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

    AI... Read full description  
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    $54.00
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  • During Washington's administration...
    Item #705731
    GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 19, 1794  

    * 18th century America publication

    The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. The front page features 5 illustrated ship advertisements. Half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the "Federal... Read full description  
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    $44.00
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  • Washington re-elected...   Report from Botany Bay...
    Item #705659
    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... Read full description  
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    $130.00
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  • George Washington...   Alexander Hamilton...
    Item #705640
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 1, 1790  The top of the front page contains an Act of Congress, headed with a heraldic eagle & signed in type by the President: GEORGE WASHINGTON as well as by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, making this a nice issue for display.
    Page 3 has a nice article on: "The President's... Read full description  
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    $175.00
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  • From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
    Item #705588
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Jan. 15, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
    The back page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents...The History of... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

    (Added to the April, 2026 Catalog (#365) after its initial release - only available on-line.)

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    $42.00
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  • Hamilton's historic plan for a National Bank...
    Item #705541
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Dec. 25, 1790

    * First Bank of the United States planning
    * Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton 


    The front page has the" "Plan Of A National Bank, As laid before the House of Representatives of the United States by the Secretary of the Treasury, the 13th instant."
    This... Read full description  
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    $1,850.00
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  • A eulogy on the life of Ben Franklin...
    Item #705464
    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... Read full description  
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    $585.00
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  • Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving  in the masthead...
    Item #705418
    THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775 

    * Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon

     If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die"... Read full description  
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    $15,500.00
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  • Adams addresses Congress concerning troubles with France...
    Item #705328
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 19, 1798  

    * 18th century American original

    The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
    The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 9 illustrated... Read full description  
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    $46.00
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  • Fear that the new government in America will fail...
    Item #705297
    THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1784  Page 4 has an interesting letter from Philadelphia to a friend in Glasgow noting in part: "Our government...is not yet well established; and I am really afraid that this country will experience some dreadful political convulsion before this desirable establishment takes... Read full description  
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    $451.00
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  • Stopping the spread of Yellow Fever in 1798...   A broadside "supplement"...
    Item #705150
    FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 13, 1798  

    * Yellow fever epidemic in the East

    The front page has: "A PROCLAMATION" by the mayor of Baltimore concerning the on-going Yellow Fever epidemic in the East and his efforts to prevent its spread noting: "...hereby forbidding... Read full description  
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    $49.00
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  • Proclamation by Washington & Jefferson...   Judaica related ad...
    Item #705132
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 23, 1791  

    * President George Washington
    * Thomas Jefferson - Indians


    The entire front page is taken up with a continuation of the: "New Revenue Law". Page 3 mentions the President setting off for a tour of the South intending to visit the Carolinas &... Read full description  
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    $145.00
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  • A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
    Item #705078
    GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 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... Read full description  
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    $96.00
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  • From the temporary capital of the United States...
    Item #705067
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 2, 1797 

    * Uncommon 18th century American publication

    The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
    The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship... Read full description  
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    $58.00
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  • Describing construction of the First National Bank...
    Item #704919
    THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, August 26, 1795  

    * First Bank of the United States

    Page 3 has a very notable report, headed: "Description of the Bank of the United States, Now Erecting in Third St., from a Design by Mr.  S. Blodget". It would be finished in 1797.
    Four pages,... Read full description  
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    $78.00
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