Historic Newspapers: Search Results
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797 Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had been defeated in an attempt to take Fort Recovery by surprise...".
Four pages, nice condition.
Background: This specific October 7, 1797 issue of the Columbian…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795
* President George Washington
* 2 Acts of Congress signed
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 followed on page 2 by the response from the President, a rather brief letter signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a…
* Carrier's Address in 1822
* New Year's
The back page has a full column poem: New-Years Address Of The Carriers Of The Columbian Centinel, To Its Patrons, January 1, 1822. News of day includes: "More Piracy" "Another Mail Robbery" "Indian Department" and more. Several advertisements as well. 4 pages in good condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1794
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
A great display issue as the front page features not one but three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice President: John Adams.
The first of the Acts is: "...to authorize the President of the United States in certain cases to alter the place for holding a session of Congress."
Four pages, some toning at the…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1805
* President Thomas Jefferson
* United States Navy support
* Construction of the U.S. Capitol
The front page begins with: "An Act Making appropriations for the support of the Navy of the United States, during the year 1805" plus: "An Act Making an appropriation for completing the South Wing of the Capitol...", each signed in type: TH: Jefferson.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
background: This issue of the Columbian…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 27, 1817
* Grand Lodge of Massachusetts notice
* Masonic - Masons - Freemasonry - Freemasons
* The Elephant 'Columbus' engraving
* Asian Pachyderm from India on display
* First ever male exhibited in America
The front page has a notice for a upcoming meeting headed: "Grand Lodge of Massachusetts" Also contains the seal of the lodge. (see image)
Page 3 has a 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inch notice for an exhibition of "The Elephant Columbus", which includes an engraving of an…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 27, 1812
* War of 1812 declaration by United States
* President James Madison proclamation
In the last column of the front page is the very historic: "Proclamation" "By The President of the United States of America" & signed by James Madison, declaring that a state of war exists between the United States & England, marking the official beginning of the War of 1812.
Most of the balance of the front page is taken up with the very lengthy & detailed: "War Report"…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 30, 1797
* President John Adams
Page 2 has a "Tribute of Respect" from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences written: "To John Adams, L.L.D., President of the United States of America" concerning an honor given to him. This is followed by: "The President's Answer", signed in script type: John Adams.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank spine margin, good condition.
Background: The publication of this "Tribute of Respect" in the August 30, 1797, edition of…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 3, 1802 The front page has a letter to the "...honored Bey of Tripoli, of Barbary..." concerning the on-going Barbary War, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed by: Th. Jefferson concerning France, within which is a letter signed in type by: Bonaparte. Also has a half column letter to the legislature of Vermont, signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, good condition.
Background: The publication of the January…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 20, 1814
* Battle of Valparaiso
* Loss of the USS Essex
* Captain David Porter
* Battle of Chippawa
The entire front page & a portion of page 2 are taken up with an extremely detailed & lengthy letter being the: "Official Account of the Loss of the Frigate Essex", signed in type by its commander: D. Porter. This is followed by several letters between Porter & James Hillyar, the commander of the victorious British ship from the Battle of Valparaiso.
Page 2 has…
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…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 2, 1803
* Historic Louisiana Purchase
* Expansion of the United States
The top of the front page has an historic notice headed: "Louisiana Treaty" announcing the ratification of the treaty by the Senate by which the United States acquired the Louisiana Territory, referred to now as the Louisiana Purchase. It lists the names of the senators who voted against the treaty and those who voted in favor of the treaty.
This report is followed by the text of…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 5, 1794
* President George Washington
* Samuel Adams
Almost the entire front page is taken up with: "An Act Laying Certain Duties Upon Snuff and Refined Sugar" which is signed in script type at its conclusion by the President: Go. Washington.
This is followed by two Acts of the Massachusetts legislature, carrying over to page 2, each signed in type: Samuel Adams. Page 2 also has a letter from Capt. Brant to the Indian Chief Cornplanter, dated at Mohawk…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 7, 1790
* Seamen's Act of 1790
* George Washington signed
The entire front page is taken up with the full text of: "An ACT for the Government & Regulation of Seamen in the Merchants Service" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. It is signed in script type by the President: George Washington.
This may be the only issue we've handled where an Act of Congress entirely consumes the front page.
Page 2 begins with another Act of Congress signed in…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 8, 1812 The front page begins with a rarely report event, headed: "Savage Attack on the Brig Otter". Taking over a full column is the: "Account of the Attack Made by the Indians of Chilcaaht on Board the Brig Otter, Samuel Hill, Master, April 12, 1811. This failed attack happened off the coast of Alaska.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790
* President George Washington
* Act of Congress script signed
* Tonnage Act of 1790 - shipping
Almost a full page 2 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, never-trimmed margins, some light…
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, July 6, 1796
* President George Washington
* Act of Congress re. travel tax
Taking half the front page & concluding on page 2 is the: "Act Laying Duties on Carriages for the Conveyance of Persons..." which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The front page begins with a detailed ad for: "Josiah Flagg, Surgeon Dentist". Flagg was the first native-born dentist in the United States. Page 2 has a report on the 20th: "Anniversary of…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 18, 1820
* Very first "White House Wedding"
Listed under the page 2 "Marriages" is one that reads: "In Washington city, Samuel Lawrence Gouverneur, Esq. of N. York, to Miss Maria Hester Monroe, youngest daughter of James Monroe, President of the U. States." This was first wedding to be held at the White House.
Other news of the day includes: "Royal Funeral" "Missouri Expedition" "Bankrupt Bill" and more.
Four pages, nice condition.
Background: The March 18, 1820…
CENTINEL EXTRA, (Boston), May 19, 1798 This is an uncommon 4 page "Extra" issue of the famous Columbian Centinel newspaper. Almost the entire issue it taken up with a lengthy document continued from the "regular" issue of Wednesday, concerning relations with France. Close-trimmed at the bottom of pages 2 & 3 cause some loss, otherwise in nice condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 31, 1818 The back page a rather small ad with a small heading: "GUITAR" reading: "For sale cheap--a new, elegant and superior toned English Guitar, together with instruction book, strings, etc. Inquire at the Centinel Counting Room".
Have you ever seen an earlier ad for a guitar?
The ftpg. has: "Indian War" being a lengthy report from General E. P. Gaines, offering much detail.
Four pages, some light damp staining, good condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 31, 1818 This issue contains on the back page a rather small, classified-type ad with a small heading: "GUITAR" with the text of the ad reading: "For sale cheap--a new, elegant and superior toned English Guitar, together with instruction book, strings, etc. Inquire at the Centinel Counting Room".
Have you ever seen an earlier ad for a guitar? A folio-size, 4 page issue, complete and genuine. Some dirtiness at the edges, otherwise nice condition.
* Thomas Jefferson family relief plan
A page 3 item says: The legislature of South Carolina has passed a resolution, appropriating ten thousand dollars of six percent stock, redeemable in 1850, for the relief of the family of THOMAS JEFFERSON. The resolution in the Senate had but three negatives, and in the House of Representatives it passed unanimously. Virginia the native state of Jefferson, go and do likewise. Why not all the States do
* Capital of Maine location ?
* Early 19th century periodical
A front page report under Capital of Maine says: A committee of the Legislature of Maine...have recently visited Portland, Brunswick and Hallowell, for the purpose of designating a central and suitable place for the permanent seat of government. Other news of the day includes: "Late Sickness in New York" "Our Next President" and more. Several ads as well. Has stray writing
* Yellowstone expedition
* Missouri
On page 2 under Yellowstone Expedition is a report stating that the steamboat Western Engineer arrived safely at St. Louis and that Her passage from Pittsbuagh [sic] averaged about eight miles an hour. She met with some difficulties, but none very important. Some Indian chiefs had been permitted to go on board. She would pursue her voyage from St. Louis in a few days. Each
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston MA, Massachusetts, June 24, 1826
* President John Quincy Adams acts
* Washington D.C. improvements
On the front page under "Laws Of The U. States" & an engraving of an eagle and shield are four "Acts" & one "Resolution", each signed in type: John Quincy Adams. One of the acts provided appropriations for the "Public Buildings in Washington", particularly for improvements to the "President's House" & the Capitol.
Other news of the day with several ads.…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, April 17, 1824
* Lobster Fishery act
* Gloucester, Massachusetts
The front page has: "An Act regulating the Lobster Fishery in the town of Gloucester."
Page 3 has a report about the final performance of the Liliputian Minstrels at Pantheon Hall.
Other news of the day with many ads throughout. Some light foxing, otherwise in nice condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, April 10, 1824
* President James Monroe act
* United States Military
On the front page under an engraving of the Great Seal is: "An Act making appropriations for the Military Service of the United States, for the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-four...", signed in type: James Monroe.
Other news of the day with many advertisements. Subscriber's name written above the masthead, some lite foxing, otherwise good. 4 pages.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, lot of 5 issues dating from 1797-1801, each containing at least one John Adams signature. Somewhat 2nd-rate but not damaged. Issues with his signature are increasingly hard to find, and these are priced at a significant discount.
If an image(s) is shown, it is only representative of the style and condition of what you will receive. Actual items will vary.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, June 26, 1816
* William S. Smith death
* Abigail Adams
Among the "Deaths" on page 2 is one that reads, in part: "In New York State, Col. William S. Smith, a brave and intelligent officer of the revolutionary war....an independent Member of Congress....He was son-in-law of President Adams; but was bereaved of his excellent consort several years since." Smith was married to Abigail "Nabby" Adams, and served as John Adams' secretary in London.
…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, from Boston, Massachusetts, dated September 26, 1829
* Married for 86 years
Page 2 has an obituary for Lazarus Rowe, of Limington, Me. This states he was 104 and married at 18, and that his wife died earlier in the year. Has details about his family and his military career. One of the oldest marriages on record.
Other news of the day with advertisements throughout.
First leaf has a piece missing in the upper right corner causing a bit of loss to the masthead…
* A Stingray shocks man in Portland Maine ?
A pg. 2 report states that an individual from Portland ...took on one of the islands of that town, a Torpedo (Raja Torpedo) measuring nearly 18 inches in diameter. In securing it he received three electrical shocks....It is rare that these fish are found so far... northward. A torpedo is better known as a stingray. Other news of the day includes: "Health Of Our Cities" "President Of Hayti" and
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, June 8, 1799 All of pages 2 & 3 are black bordered in mourning rules because of the death of Massachusetts governor Increase Sumner, with some related text (see). Otherwise complete in 4 pages, never bound nor trimmed, great condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, May 25, 1822
* Natural Bridge caverns
* Watertown, New York
* Early Florida colony
Page 2 has a brief report that says: "A stupendous Cavern has recently been discovered in Jefferson county, N.Y. which has been explored 100 rods"
The cavern mentioned is located at Watertown, N.Y.
Other news of the day includes: "North-West Coast" "New Colony" and more with several advertisements.
* Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry brother drowns
Page 2 has a report: The native places of the naval officers who were lately drowned on the coast of Chili, were as follows: Lt. Perry, Rhode Island, a brother of Com. Perry... Other news of the day includes: "Fourth Of July" "Horrid Murder" "Navy Affairs" "Steam Boat Line" and more. Several ads as well. 4 pages in good condition.
* Early big city population census
* early 19th century original
A pg. 2 report says: The Society of Friends of Philadelphia, have remitted Four Thousand pounds to the assistance of distressed Quakers of England and Ireland. A Population report lists Boston as fourth behind, Philadelphia (72,136), New York (60,483) Baltimore (31,514) with a population of 25,880. Other news of the day with interesting advertisements. 4 pages in good
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 24, 1822. On the front page under a woodcut of an eagle and shield is An Act to authorize the State of Illinois to open a canal through the public lands to connect the Illinois River with Lake Michigan, signed in type: James Monroe. Also two other acts and a resolution signed in type by Monroe as well. Other news of the day includes: "North West Coast" "Reduction Of The Army" and much more. Stray writing above the masthead, otherwise in good condition.…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, from Massachusetts, dated February 11, 1826.
* President John Quincy Adams
* Education
On the front page under an engraving of an eagle and shield is:
* An Act to authorize the Legislature of the State of Ohio to sell the lands heretofore appropriated for the use of Schools in that State...
signed in type: John Quincy Adams.
Other news of the day includes: "Court Of Impeachment" "Naval Depot at Charleston, S.C." and more with several…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 14, 1814 Page 3 contains an article headed: "Americans! Read This! " which is a critical piece against Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase of 11 years prior, relating to the creation of new states from that territory. Part of the article includes a letter: "From Thomas Jefferson to William Dunbar, of Natchez" datelined at Washington, July 17, 1803, signed by him in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, nice condition.
Item from last month's catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, January 26, 1828
* Daniel Webster's wife's death
Listed among the page 3 obituaries is one that begins: "In New-York, on Monday Morning last, Mrs. Grace Webster, consort of the Hon. Daniel Webster, Member of the Senate of the United States, From Massachusetts. Her remains are to be removed to this City for interment..." and more, plus a few funeral details.
Other news of the day includes: "The Railways", "Virginia Electors" and more with…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, October 30, 1790 Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" which is a very early report of the sport (see photos). Other items including a page 3 article on: "Duelling", "King of France's Demand", "the Art of Joking", "King of Sweden" and other items.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, great condition. The back page has 7 illustrated ship ads.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, March 7, 1792
* Presidential Succession Act of 1792
The "Vacancy Bill" on pg. 2 says the Senate agreed to all the amendments, except one, regarding what officer should act as President in case of a double vacancy. It further states that the one amendment was receded and that: "The Bill now provides that the President of the Senate, pro. tem. or in case there shall be no President of the Senate, then the Speaker of the House...shall be the…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, October 11, 1828
* Early Augusta, Maine capital building cornerstone
* Madame Johnson makes a 3 mile aerial excursion near Philadelphia
* The Presidency of Harvard College
Page 2 "Mail Items" has: "Preparations of for the erection of the Capitol of Maine have...commenced at Augusta."
The new College in Charleston, South Carolina is nearly completed. It will be lighted with Boston glass, anything in the Tariff law to the contrary…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 27, 1811
* Anti Eldridge Gerry campaign
The front page has a black-bordered item headed: "Oppression Maketh A Wise Man Mad" & "Black List" which is essentially a campaign promotion with a list of American vessels: "...laden with American Property--Sailing under the Authority & Laws of the United States...which have been Seized, Libelled, Bonded, and Will Probably Be Sequestrated by the orders of that Government...which ought to have protected them..."…
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 24, 1797 Inside has various news reports from both Europe & America, as well as news items from Congress. Pages 3 & 4 are mostly taken up with ads.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
Also in this issue are: "Buonaparte's Expedition" and "Pennsylvania Insurrection" which relates to the Whiskey Rebellion (see).
Four pages, some perforated
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, December 15, 1813
* John Rodgers
Page 2 has: "Northern Army Affairs" and "Copy of a Letter from Comm. Rodgers to the Sec. of the Navy" followed by a letter "To Commodore Rodgers" and "Congress Frigate Arrived" and a few other smaller items on the war.
Four pages, nice condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALISET, Boston, Dec. 3, 1803
* Henry Dearborn
Page 2 includes: "Augmented Salaries" which lists the pay for various posts in the federal government (see). Also on pg. is a letter signed in type by: H. Dearborn (see).
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, EXTRA, Boston A trio of small-size "Extra" editions, dates of Oct. 29, Nov. 15 & Dec. 3, 1806. Some news items but mostly advertisements.
Two are 4 pages & are archivally rejoined at the spine, one is single sheet. All have untrimmed margins & are in great condition.
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, March 30, 1811
* Anti Eldridge Gerry campaign
The front page has a black-bordered item headed: "Gerry And Sequestration! " which is essentially a campaign promotion with a "Black List" of American vessels: "...laden with American Property--Sailing under the Authority & Laws of the United States...which have been Seized, Libelled, Bonded, and Will Probably Be Sequestrated by the orders of that Government...which ought to have protected them..."…
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