TENNESSEE BECOMES A STATE

THE “VOLUNTEER STATE” JOINS THE UNION

Columbian Centinel, Boston
July 23, 1796

Front page printing of the Federal Act admitting Tennessee to the United States, signed in script type, “G. Washington, President of the United States.” Thus, slave-holding Tennessee becomes the 16th State in the Union. Former Governor of the State of Franklin, John Sevier, is chosen first Governor of Tennessee. In a partisan Federalist move, Tennessee is permitted just one congressman for the first four years of statehood! Four other new federal acts also appear on page one.

Four pages, fine condition with just light foxing at and near the right margin. This rare newspaper would frame beautifully as it is boldly printed!

$950

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America

SUPREME COURT DECIDES CHISHOLM V. GEORGIA

Can a State be Sued by One or More Individuals of Another State?

Columbian Centinel, Boston
Wednesday, March 13, 1793

In this early landmark case, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that a citizen of one state may indeed sue another state in a federal court, as provided for in Article II, Section 2 of the Federal Constitution. This decision will eventually lead to the 11th Amendment which repealed this section of the Constitution in 1798. The front page reports the case and explains the decisions of five of the Justices including Chief Justice John Jay.

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION. Front page “OFFICIAL LETTER, to be delivered on the part of the French Republick to the United States of America.” In part, “Our brothers of the United States will, no doubt, have heard with gladness, the new revolution which overthrew that last obstacle to our liberty. This revolution was necesary. Royalty was still existing, and in every constitution where it exists there is no true liberty. Kings and Equality are incompatible with each other; it is their business to conspire against equality, and against the sovereignty of Nations.” A fascinating piece of history–you’ll read this more than once!

Four pages, fine condition. Any attorney or judge would like this original newspaper for his office!

$1,150

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America

THE UNITED STATES MINT IS ESTABLISHED

Regular U.S. Coinage to begin in 1793

Columbian Centinel, Boston
April 21, 1792

Under the heading, “BY AUTHORITY, SECOND CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,” is the complete text of the Federal Act authorizing the establishment of a Mint, and prescribing a decimal system of coinage – silver dollar, gold quarter and half eagle, half dollar, quarter, dime, cent and half cent. The Act is signed in script type carrying over to page two: “G. Washington, President of the United States.”

In other news, President Washington appoints “ANTHONY WAYNE” as a Major General in the United States Army, along with four other generals. Known as “Mad” Anthony Wayne, the general would defeat the Indians in the Northwest Territory (Ohio) in 1794 at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. There is also news from Haiti on the bloody slave rebellion soon to be led by Toussaint Louverture.

Four pages, very fine condition. For the numismatist (coin collector or dealer) who has everything!

$1,950

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America

VERMONT BECOMES THE 14TH STATE

THE “GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE” ADMITTED TO THE UNION

Dunlap’s American Daily Advertiser, Philadelphia
Monday, February 21, 1791

President George Washington signs the act admitting Vermont as the 14th State. Vermont had just officially ratified the new Federal Constitution. The complete printing of the Act appears on the third page, signed “George Washington, President of the United States,” and also John Adams as Vice president, and Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, all in type.

Four pages, complete as issued, very fine condition.

$750

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America

THE FIRST ACT PASSED BY CONGRESS

“An ACT to regulate the Time and Manner of administering certain Oaths”Also, the Presbyterian Church congratulates General Washington upon being elected our nation’s first president….with his reply in its entirety!

Gazette of the United States, New York City
June 6, 1789

Page four publishes the very first Congressional Act, and is signed in type: “George Washington, President of the United States.” The Act required that Senators, Representatives, and other officials would be sworn into office by the administering of their oath.

4 pp., very good. Normal foxing spots on the front page and page two not affecting text readability–they look more prominent in the scan. The Gazette of the United States was the “unofficial” organ of the Federalist Party of George Washington, John Adams and Alexander Hamilton.

The perfect gift for your favorite representative!

$1,950

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America

THE NEW UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION…IN ITS ENTIRETY!

“WE THE PEOPLE….”

The Gentleman’s Magazine, London
November, 1787 & December, 1787 (two issues)

The “New Constitution of the United States of America” is printed in its entirety over two consecutive issues of this famous magazine. This was the first chance for the people of Great Britain (the “Mother Country”) to read the immortal words: “We the People, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquillity . . .” The document is signed in type, “John Hancock.”

Each issue is ninety-five pages, excellent condition throughout, and still has the scarce antique plates included. A rare opportunity to own a contemporary printing of the Constitution of the United States. American newspaper printings have sold for many hundreds of thousands of dollars when they have been auctioned. The Gentleman’s Magazine was the very first periodical in history to use the word “Magazine” in the title!

$7,500/set

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Early America

JOHN PAUL JONES’S IMMORTAL VICTORY – 1ST MAJOR U.S. NAVAL VICTORY

“I HAVE NOT YET BEGUN TO FIGHT!”

The Pennsylvania Packet, Philadelphia
Thursday, January 20, 1780

Two letters sent from France (where the captured “Serapis” anchored) describe Captain Jones’s now legendary sea fight – the first major naval victory of the United States over the vaunted British Navy. The first report states in part, “…they (the “Poor Richard” and the “Serapis”) fought for three hours and a half with inconceivable rage; two hours of which time they were fast to each other, and almost all the time one or the other was on fire.” The second letter says, “I cannot give you a very particular account of the engagement; only that the conflict between the two ships exceed description; upwards of 230 men killed and wounded in both, and so shattered that it was a matter of doubt which of the vessels would sink first.”

Four pp., excellent condition, totally uncut and with the original deckled edges. Yes, this issue has the highly sought-after intricately hand-drawn masthead of a sailing ship (see scan). For the finest collection, and the only such issue on the market today (and probably ever). This newspaper was published by John Dunlap who printed the famous July 4, 1776 broadside of the Declaration of Independence (25 known); the last one sold for $8.14 million! This issue is many times scarcer than the Declaration broadside!

$17,500

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, The Revolutionary War

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN’S LEGENDARY NEWSPAPER

GIBRALTAR CEDED TO ENGLAND – TREATY OF AIX-LA-CHAPELLE
JEWS AND MOORS BANNED FROM THE CITY!

The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia
November 10, 1748

An original issue of the printer Benjamin Franklin’s famous Gazette printed at the end of the War of the Austrian Succession (King George’s War in America). Report from Aix-la-Chapelle that the peace talks have finally come to an end. SPAIN CEDES GIBRALTAR TO GREAT BRITAIN INDEFINITELY (and set up Prudential Insurance, lol)! Printing of the Tenth Article of the Treaty: “The Catholick King, for himself, his heirs and successors, yields to the crown of Great Britain, the full property of the town and castle of Gibraltar, with the port, fortifications, and forts thereunto belonging, to be enjoyed forever without exception or impediment; but with this restriction, to prevent fraudulent importation of goods, &c.” Another interesting term of the ceding of Gibraltar reads, “That Jews or Moors shall not reside in the said town, nor shall the ships of the latter remain in the harbour, except purely on the account of merchandizing….”

There are three superb woodcut sketches of sailing vessels showing the intricacy of early printing. And, I love the notice placed by Ben Franklin himself for delinquent subscribers to pay for their accounts in full (see scan)!

Four pages, complete, original, and in simply superb condition–to see it in person is to be amazed at the quality of the rag paper. One of the finest Franklin printings in existence, and still almost ridiculously undervalued. (Mediocre condition Mickey Mantle baseball cards from 1952 sell for far more–go figure….)

$4,950

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Colonial America

THE SALEM WITCH TRIALS!

ADVERTISEMENT FOR COTTON MATHER’S BOOK ON THE TRIALS OF “WITCHES”
AND: WOMEN IN KENT, ENGLAND, ALSO ACCUSED OF WITCHCRAFT!

The Athenian Mercury, London
Thursday, February 28, 1693

Amazingly, under the heading, “ADVERTISEMENTS” of this early newspaper is a notice for a new book by the Boston clergyman, Cotton Mather, “The TRYALS of several WITCHES lately Executed in New-England, and of several remarkable Curiosities therein occurring.” Quite unique as references to the Salem Witch Trials are seldom found anywhere. But, this special issue has more! The front and back pages contain two fascinating pieces on “Witch Tryals” in Kent, England, beginning: “Divers Persons in the County of Kent being accused for Practising Witchcraft, were examined by a Justice of the Peace, from whom I had a Copy of their Examination and Confessions.”

The second piece asks the question: “Is it Lawfull to attempt the Discovery of Witches by Swimming, and how far is it an Evidence against them?” I’ve scanned both pieces so you can read them yourself–I’d love to hear your comments on tossing people into the water to see if they sink or swim in order to determine whether or not they are witches!

Single sheet in absolutely superb condition. This is one incredible 17th century newspaper!

SOLD

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, Colonial America

THE COLONY OF GEORGIA IS FOUNDED

JAMES OGLETHORPE SETTLES AMERICA’S THIRTEENTH COLONY!

The Gentleman’s Magazine
London, April, 1733

James Oglethorpe establishes the last of the Thirteen Original Colonies! An extremely historic news item states, “The Trustees for establishing a Colony in Georgia, received a Letter from James Oglethorpe, Esq; advising his safe Arrival there, with all the People under his Care on the 1st of February last; that he had mark’d out the Town; that they had received great Encouragement from the Assembly, Governor, and Council of Charles Town; and that a little Indian Nation, about 50 miles off, were desirous to be Subjects to K. George, and to breed their Children in Christian Schools.” The new town was, of course, Savannah. The periodical also publishes a remarkabl poetic, “An Address” to James Oglethorpe, Esq; on his settling the Colony in Georgia.” And, there is yet another poem on the Colony of Maryland with the lead-in: “A Description of Maryland, extracted from a Poem, entitled, “Carmen Seculate, addressed to L(or)d Baltimore, Proprietor of that Province, now there.”

55 pp., in near mint condition, just beautifully preserved for over well over 270 years! It even has a complete Table of Contents listing the various 18th century articles, news stories, publications, obituaries and much more. The Gentleman’s Magazine was the very first periodical to use the term “Magazine,” having made its first appearance in January, 1731.

$1,750