Three mid-19th century newspapers documenting the inauguration and funeral services of President William Henry Harrison, who became the ninth president on March 4, 1841; Harrison died 31 days into his presidential term, the shortest in American history, consequently becoming the first U.S. president to die in office. The newspapers, ordered by date:
Complete issue of The Hingham Patriot from March 13, 1841, four pages, 14 x 20.5, with the front page featuring full text of Harrison’s inaugural address, in part: “Called from a retirement which I had supposed was to continue for the residue of my life to fill the chief executive office of this great and free nation, I appear before you, fellow-citizens, to take the oaths which the Constitution prescribes as a necessary qualification for the performance of its duties.”
Complete issue of The National Intelligencer from April 6, 1841, four pages, 18.25 x 23, with front page information regarding the death of President Harrison, who passed away from illness two days prior on April 4, 1841. A scarce and historical issue from the National Intelligencer, one of the very first newspapers to be printed in Washington, D.C.
Complete issue of The New-York Spectator from April 10, 1841, four pages, 18 x 25.25, with front page information on the funeral obsequies of President Harrison. An invitation-only funeral service was also held on April 7th in the East Room of the White House, after which Harrison's coffin was brought to Congressional Cemetery in Washington, D.C., where it was placed in the Public Vault. In overall very good to fine condition, with small edge tears and partial separation to the fragile spines.
