Extraordinary collection of 20 American newspapers from the late 18th century, with reports on wars in Europe, Federal appointments, significant Acts of Congress, Native American news, and several references to George Washington. Highlights include:
(1) Massachusetts Centinel, Boston, February 9, 1785. Bella! Horrida Bella! War actually commenced in Europe, with reports from Brussels and Antwerp about commencement of hostilities between Holland and Germany. Miscellaneous American News from Richmond and New York.
(2) Massachusetts Centinel, Boston, January 6, 1787. Peace treaty particulars, and announcement: “The storm of war that impended over Georgia, the youngest of the thirteen sisters, has happily blown over, and a treaty has been concluded with the Creek Indians.” Satirical discussion of demise of the Exchange Advertiser, with graphic illustration of faux funeral procession.
(3) The Connecticut Courant and Weekly Intelligencer, Hartford, April 20, 1789. Public information from War Office of the United States (H. Knox). Proceedings of Congress in New York, including full printing of the Standing Rules and Order of the House of Representatives, administering of oath of office to members of the house by Chief Justice of the state of New York. In Massachusetts, John Hancock to be elected as Governor, with Samuel Adams as Lt. Governor.
(4) The Connecticut Courant and Weekly Intelligencer, Hartford, October 5, 1789. Extraordinary report from New York, September 30: “The PRESIDENT of the United States has been pleased to nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to appoint, JOHN JAY, of New York, Chief Justice. James Wilson, of Pennsylvania, William Cushing, of Massachusetts, Robert H. Harrison, of Maryland, John Bair, of Virginia, Associate Judges. [U.S. District Court Judges, Attorneys and Marshals for the 13 States] THOMAS JEFFERSON, Secretary of State, EDMUND RANDOLPH, Attorney General, SAMUEL OSGOOD, Postmaster-General, WILLIAM CHARMICHAEL, Esq., Charge des Affaires from the United States to the Court of Spain. Additionally, extensive report on the debate on bill establishing the judicial courts, and developments in France (French revolution, minute by minute account of the storming and demolition of the Bastile, and most importantly, LaFayette’s declaration of the rights of man; translation of French handbill of July 17, 1789).
(5) Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia, February 27, 1789.
Rare printing of the Plan of Government adopted by the Oneida Nation at the House of Scanondoe, signed by the sachems, Chiefs and Head Warriors.
(6) Pennsylvania Packet and Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia, July 8, 1790.
Independence Day celebration in NYC, with parade on Broadway to St. Paul’s Church. Election of officers of Society of the Cincinnati, including Col. Hamilton as Vice President. Reports from Congress, and texts of acts signed by George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson concerning the provision of means of intercourse between the United States and Foreign Nations.
(7) Columbian Centinel, Boston, dated April 16, 1791. Establishment of Washington, D.C. as Seat of Government. Laws of the United States, Published by Authority (with graphic seal of the United States). An Act to amend “An Act for Establishing the Temporary and Permanent Seat of Government of the United States “not exceeding ten miles square, to be located on the river Powtomac” - signed by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
(8) Massachusetts Spy: Or, The Worcester Gazette, Worcester, Massachusetts (published by Isaiah Thomas and Leonard Worcester), dated March 8, 1792. Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress, House of Representatives. President signs Act to establish the Post Office and Post Roads in the United States. Activities concerning legislative apportionment and Presidential succession. Tiny repair at interior fold.
(9) The Albany Gazette, May 13, 1799. Extensive advertisements, including Manhattan Company notice of meeting signed by A. Burr, “Ice Cream” stand, and many others. Laws of New York, An Act for the gradual abolition of Slavery - any child born of a slave, within this state, after the fourth day of July next shall be deemed and adjudged to be born free . . .” “General Washington, on the day of election in Virginia, mounted his old Iron Grey Charger, and rode 10 miles to the county court-house, to vote for his old brother soldier, Col. Powell, who is happily elected.” Commencement of Union College in Schenectady, with detailed reports or orations, and report of new president of the college, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Edwards. For Sale, That Valuable Seat, Glen’s Falls.
(10) Columbian Centinel, Boston, May 18, 1799. Report of the trial of John Fries, who was convicted of treason after a nine day trial before Judge Iredell. [Fries's Rebellion, also called House Tax Rebellion, the Home Tax Rebellion and, in Deitsch, the Heesses-Wasser Uffschtand, was an armed tax revolt among Pennsylvania Dutch farmers between 1799 and 1800.] Law of the United States - An Act to regulate the collection of duties on imports and tonnage. Spanish Justice - sentences of the King of Spain against the officers who surrendered to the French in 1796.
(11) The Spectator, New York, November 9, 1799. Celebration of The Birth Day of Our Worthy President [Adams] with toasts to the President, as well as George Washington and others. Report from the State Department to the Governor of Virginia concerning the return of impressed seaman, Leroy Hipkins, from British detention.
Others include: The Massachusetts Centinel (May 26, 1784), The Pennsylvania Packet (March 29, 1787 and December 30, 1788), Gazette of the United States (January 19, 1791; March 25, 1791; and January 16, 1794), Massachusetts Spy: Or, The Worcester Gazette (June 14, 1792), Dunlap and Claypoole's American Daily Advertiser (July 29, 1794), and The Herald; a Gazette for the Country (March 11, 1795).
