Historic Newspapers: Search Results

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790  Almost a full column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.

Four pages, some some foxing and damp stain to the upper right, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 29, 1798  Most of the front page is taken up with  3 Acts of Congress, one for: "...the relief of sick and disabled seamen.", each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.

Page 2 has: "French Duplicity" which relates to the XYZ Affair. Also: "From the Mediterranean" concerning Napoleon Buoaparte, and "More Stuff For Treason" regarding France, and a page 3 item gives updates on the Frigates United States and Constitution.

Four pages, great condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796  Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
  Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has a document concerning the sale of various tracts of land, signed in block type by the President: Go. Washington. 
Four…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, July 24, 1783  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 object for which I had the honour to hold an appointment in the service of my country being…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790 (a 4-issue set) 

* United States Funding Act of 1790
* President George Washington signs
* Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

The 4-issue set of Gazette of the United States from August 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790, covers several key historical events and historic developments from the early U.S. government, focusing on the United States Funding Act of 1790 (which flowed from Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Report).

• United States…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 18th century American publication

Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1798  

* Marie Antoinette beheading
* Eyewitness account of execution

Inside has an interesting letter which begins: "I was an eye-witness of the death of Marie Antoinette. The accounts given of that melancholy event are generally true. She was dressed in a white dimity jacket & petticoat..." with much more detail including: "...Her head was shown to the people, of whom I think 20,000 were assembled; it was then thrown into the basket with her body..."…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1798  

* Battle of Nile - Aboukir Bay, Egypt
* Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson

Inside has a number of naval reports of encounters with the French & others. Included is a report beginning: "On this morning of the 7th inst. I fell in with and captured an American snow, which had been taken by a French privateer on the 4th, and, in consequence of the information given me by the American master, went in pursuit of the enemy..." with more.
But the prime content in…

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:…

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…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790  

* President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington. 
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Account of the Moravian Settlement at Bethlehem in…

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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

* Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America

If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

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…

THOMAS'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 years of age..." [re: John Adams].
Four pages, very nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790  Taking about a full page of text, including almost all of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.

This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress to address the issue of funding of the domestic debt incurred by the individual colonies during the Revolutionary War and…

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.

Interesting French criminal broadside announcing the acquittal of a trial against Etienne Michaud.  Headed in large type at the top (translated): JUDGMENT OF THE CRIMINAL COURT of the Department of Rhone, Who Declares Etienne Michaud Acquitted of The Charge Against Him." followed by details of the result of the trial.
There is a "dateline" at the middle: "Du 17 Floreal, l'an second de la Republique francaise une & indivisible." above which has been penciled "May 6, 1794" being the second year…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 12, 1788  

* Slavery on the Island of Jamaica 
* Revisions to current slave laws 
* Still legal but with certain exceptions
* Early movement towards eventual abolition 

Page 6 has a historically significant report from Jamaica beginning: "Our slave laws have been revised & consolidated & several regulations made in favour of the negroes...".
Among them are: "Every possessor of a slave is prohibited for turning him away when incapacitated by sickness or age...Every…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 4, 1793 

* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet

The front page contains nearly a full column headed: "Official Communications" which has two letters signed by Genet, the French ambassador to the United States, concerning what is known as the "Citizen Genet Affair" relating to his plans to get America to support the French in capturing British ships, which it would not do. Ultimately to avoid an appointment with the guillotine Genet was given…

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 congratulations for his public service. It is followed by his grateful response, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798  

* General - President George Washington

Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the national legislature and President."
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" from military officers of Baltimore County, relating…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much more. 
Near the back is "Domestic Miscellany" with the latest news reports of the day including talk of developing Presque Isle near Erie, methods of improving the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 4, 1789  Mot 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 United States, have agreed to the following order thereon,…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798 

* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons

Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The back page has a letter from the "Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland, to George Washington..." followed by his…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 2, 1796  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 and unrivaled services he had rendered to this Commonwealth, to the United States, and to the world…

THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, Feb. 20, 1790  Various news reports from Europe. The front page has an interesting ad for chimney sweeps, headed: "Sweeping of Chimneys" which is quite detailed.
The front page has a partial red tax stamp.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 15, 1783  Page 4 includes discussion in the "House of Commons" concerning the "Provincial Corps" which also talks of events from the Revolutionary Wary. A few bits: "...Col. Duncan's corps had signalized itself greatly at the second battle of Camden under Lord Rawdon. Col. Fanning's regiment had...performed the most distinguished service...It was well known with what gallantry & zeal this regiment behaved at Rhode Island when it was attacked by the…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 24, 1796  Page 2 has a letter signed in type by: John Jay, and a report of the arrival of Major-General Anthony Wayne, with a list of 13 toasts. Page 3 has: "A Proclamation" signed in type by: John Jay as governor of New York.
Four pages, scattered foxing, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK JOURNAL & PATRIOTIC REGISTER, New York, June 6, 1792  Page 2 has: "Resolutions Of Irishmen" and pg. 3 has mention of General Anthony Wayne heading west, and that the President has arrived in Philadelphia, among other items.
Four pages, scattered foxing, a few small worm holes affect a few words but cause no loss of readability, nice condition.

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796 

* President George Washington

The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details. Page 2 has an entire column taken up with: "AN ACT Making Provision for the Payment of Certain Debts of the United States" which is signed in type by the President: Geo.…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 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.

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 15 1795  Page 3 has a report from "Pittsburgh" noting in part: "...accounts from General Wayne's head quarters any Greenville inform us that the Indians were coming in from all quarters to the Treaty...". This is followed by a report from Albany concerning the Indians.
The back page has: "More About the Treaty" being a list of 7 reason why the Senate will not consent to ratifying the controversial Jay Treaty.
Four pages, very nice…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 23, 1796  Fully half of the front page, the two middle columns, are taken up with a lengthy treaty of peace and amity between the United States and Algeria, relating to the problems with the Algerian pirates capturing American ships.
At the top is: "Treaty with the Dey of Algiers" with the George Washington script signature, and at its conclusion is a document noting its ratification, also with a George Washington script signature.
A significant document in…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 11, 1795  The front page has much centering controversies with Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. 
Page 2 has a letter  concerning politics noting in part: "...good men were elected who are friends to the federal government...danger from the evil designs of those who aim to deceive the people by their great but false professions of patriotism...our citizens view them as dangerous...The abusive & scandalous publication designed to incur the…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Feb. 22, 1797  Page 2 has a report from the "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress" concerning the process for tallying votes for President & Vice President: "...that the two Houses shall assemble in the chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, that two persons shall be appointed tellers...to make a list of votes...that the result shall be declared by the President of the Senate who shall announce the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789  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 giving more details on the inauguration than is found in…

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…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 24, 1791  Most of the front page is taken up the continuation of: "A Brief Examination of Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the United States of America", the first portion focused on "Flour & Wheat" a products from America, and then "Gunpowder" and it's future in America.
Page 2 has a "Circular" concerning the struggles of America to deal with its financial issues from after the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 has an item from Thomas Jefferson…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 19, 1794  

* Thomas Paine stuck in France 
* Luxembourg Prison in Paris 
* During the "Reign of Terror"

A page 3 item says: "Mr. Thomas Paine... has petitioned the National Convention of France for liberty to retire to the United States; but the prayer of his petition has been rejected. His friends in Philadelphia are soliciting some appointment for him under the United States, as a mean to effect his regress from France." 
Four pages, very nice condition.

Background:…

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…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796  Page 2 has a curious article headed: "Amorous Fracas!" beginning: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion in the vicinity of Merrion Square..." with the details.
Four pages, very nice, clean condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZTTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Nov. 7, 1795  Page 3 has a report from Augusta, Georgia, being a letter signed by Timothy Pickering concerning a treaty with the Creek Indians. This is followed by a report from the Knoxville which begins: "Notwithstanding the Creeks have solicited the mediation of the President...to restore peace between them and the Chickasaws...that no parties would go out to war against the Chickasaws..." with much more.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background:…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1793  

* Original Chain Bridge (Massachusetts)
* Newburyport - Merrimack River

Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly scarce in today's market. This title was published  by the famed Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer from the Revolutionary War & founder of the American Antiquarian Society.
One of the best aspects of this issue is that the full page plate is still present, being: "Newbury Bridge over Merrimack River" which is accompanied by…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1796  Included is a very interesting article titled: "Present State of Printing and Bookselling in America" which is great for our hobby as there is talk of newspaper printing as well, including; "...people of North America manufacture their own paper...The newspapers of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are unequaled whether considered with respect to wit & humour, entertainment, or instruction. Every capital town on…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 24, 1797  Page 3 has commentary concerning President Adams' recent address to Congress, followed by the response of the House to the President.
Page 3 also has an address by Napoleon to his soldiers, noting in part: "I am now satisfied with you---The army of Italy has hitherto conquered by their courage & their intrepidity, the warlike legions of the Emperor; their discipline & their humanity have triumphed over calumny and malevolence..."…