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The Presidency to change hands for the first time...
The Presidency to change hands for the first time...
Item # 676901
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December 24, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 24, 1796
* President elect John Adams
* George Washington outgoing
The front page has two Acts, each signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams. One is for incorporating a religious society in Newburyport. The front page also has an address from the Legislature of Vermont to the President, with his gracious reply, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a tally of the electoral votes showing Adams with 70, Pinckney with 51, and 38 for Jefferson. A report from Philadelphia includes: "We can now congratulate the citizens of America on te choice of his Excellency JOHN ADAMS to the distinguished office of President of the United States...have marked him as the successor of our beloved WASHINGTON; and will secure the respect and prolong the prosperity of our country." plus more.
Although such a report would seem non-significant today, in the 18th century world the change of leadership was often accompanied by bloodshed, wars, and/or other hostile events. This report of an expected smooth transition from Washington to Adams would indicate that the American form of government & democracy was working well.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
No Longer Available
