ORIGINAL 1846 PENSACOLA, FLORIDA NEWSPAPER

Belonged to Florida’s First Senator, James D. Westcott
Illustrated Runaway Slave Notices
“New”Florida Mail Route
Sam Houston elected a Senator from new state of Texas

Pensacola Gazette
March 8, 1846

Here is the only copy of the Pensacola Gazette we have ever located, and in outstanding, nicely-preserved condition to boot! But, what shocked us even more was the ink subscriber’s signature (written at the top of the front page at the newspaper office)–this issue was the personal copy of one of Florida’s first two senators, James D. Westcott (1802-1880), and was actually sent to him overland in his Washington, DC office. Westcott helped write the Florida’s first Territorial constitution, and was Florida’s Secretary of State from 1830-1834, performing the duties of Governor. Upon the admission of Florida as a state in 1845, Westcott was elected senator serving until 1849.

The newspaper itself contains important news from Texas (the legendary Sam Houston was elected a senator) and Mexico (Mexican War), a new mail route listing numerous Florida cities and towns, and also several Runaway Slave notices with illustrations. I especially like the early Florida advertisements and businesses, and of course, the many ads for “cure-alls” – pills and potions that would supposedly cure every known disease from coughs to cancer!

As far as we can tell from our resources, this is in all likelihood the sole surviving issue of this particular date. The ultimate early Florida newspaper for a collector, or one of the best and most thoughtful gifts anyone could give to a family member, friend or business associate. And, a priceless conversation piece? Your friends will be absolutely astonished!

$1,450

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

THE NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE – ITS HISTORY, OPERATIONS, AND THE ONGOING SPECULATION

THE N.Y. STOCK MARKET IN 1865!
“Our Bulls and Bears–Who and What they Are!”

The New York Times
August 21, 1865

This exceptional issue of The Times devotes five of its six front page columns to The New York Stock Exchange. The headlines read: “THE STOCK EXCHANGE. Our Bulls and Bears–Who and What they Are. History of the Board of Brokers from the Start in 1792 to 1865. The Original Meeting at the Foot of the Wall-street Butternut. Immense Transactions for those Days–One Share at a Time. The Great Jacob Little, Morris Ketchum and Other Notables. The Only Three Expelled Members–History of their Little Games. The Brokers’ New Building in Broad, New and Wall Streets. Sketch of the Rise, Progress and Results of Wild Stock Speculation. Whereabouts of Young Ketchum–His Expulsion on Saturday.”

The newspaper also contains news on Southern elections during the beginning of Reconstruction–and why many Southerners cling to an idea that slavery was still alive! These reports from the Deep South will surprise the reader!

8 pp., complete and in superb white condition. It would be suitable for framing and a great gift for your favorite stock broker or investor! It’s difficult to put down!

$500

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR’S STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS – CALIFORNIA GOLD MINES

“OLD ROUGH AND READY” ON DIVIDING UP THE RICH MINERAL LANDS OF CALIFORNIA
THE PRESIDENT PREDICTS FUTURE MAJOR CITIES ON THE WEST COAST
RECOMMENDS A RAILROAD TO CONNECT THE ATLANTIC AND PACIFIC
ALSO WANTS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BRANCH MINT TO HANDLE THE CALIFORNIA GOLD

New York Weekly Tribune
Saturday, December 29, 1849

This remarkable 8-page newspaper contains Pres. Zachary Taylor’s Annual Message to Congress smack on the front page and continuing a bit on the last. Headed: “PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE,” the former military hero known as “Old Rough and Ready” refers to the frenzied California Gold Rush: “I recommend the establishment of a branch mint in California, as it will, in my opinion, afford important facilities to those engaged in mining, as well as to the Government in the disposition of the mineral lands.” (In 1854, the new San Francisco Mint would begin coining gold pieces–over $4 million dollars just the first year.) The President also recommends a railroad to join the East and West Coasts (completed in 1869 at Promontory Point, Utah), and then says the following: “The great mineral wealth of California, and the advantages which its ports and harbors…afford to commerce…make it certain that there will arise, in a few years, large and prosperous communities on our Western Coast.” (And, indeed, we now have Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and other “large and prosperous communities!”) The speech also talks about the possibility of constructing a ship canal through Nicaragua, the right of passage of gold miners and others to cross the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and Panama, agreed to in the Treaty of Guadeloupe Hidalgo that ended the Mexican War, the U.S. Navy (it’s fully manned), and his thoughts on the still ongoing (illegally) Atlantic Slave Trade and how to stop it!

8 pp., original and complete, and loaded with news and editorial comment, including a long judgement of President Taylor’s State of the Union. Fine condition–a truly fascinating journal to read…after almost 160 years!

$225

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

THE DADE MASSACRE IN FLORIDA

SEMINOLES COMPLETELY SLAUGHTER MAJOR DADE’S ENTIRE COMMAND!
“….every officer and man (excepting three survivors) were murdered and terribly mangled.”

Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, DC
Wednesday, January 27, 1836

Terrible news arrives from Fort Brooke (now Tampa), Florida. In part, “Major Dade, with seven officers and 110 men, started the day before we arrived, for Fort King (now Ocala). We were all prepared to overtake them the next day….when an intervention of circumstances deferred it for one day–and in the course of that day, three soldiers, horribly mangled, came into camp, and brought the melancholy tidings that Major Dade, and every officer and man, except themselves, were murdered and terribly mangled.”

Apparently, some five days into Major Dade’s march, he failed to deploy flanking guards as normal, and were ambushed by 180 Seminole Indians hiding behind pine trees and palmettos just off the road. Dade was killed in the first volley as were many of the officers and half the men. A defence was set up, but proved ineffective, and over the course of several hours, the Seminoles killed every man excepting three. This event helped kick off what became the Second Seminole War. Dade County, Florida, was named in honor of Major Francis Dade.

4 large pages, cut cleanly at spine for microfilming years ago at the Library of Congress. Very fine, clean condition with but a tiny hole in page three not affecting the Dade report. This is a beautiful newspaper of major historical importance, especially so to Floridians. It’s quite rare, too!

$550

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

DAVY CROCKETT REELECTED TO CONGRESS

HAD NO FORMAL EDUCATION, BUT “IS A MAN OF STRONG MIND, AND OF GREAT GOODNESS OF HEART.”

Niles’ Weekly Register, Baltimore, Maryland
September 7, 1833

This earlier precursor to modern news magazines such as “U.S. News” contains an interesting and supportive article on Congressman and future hero of the Alamo, Davy Crockett. It reads, in part, “Col. CROCKETT. A great deal has been said in the newspapers concerning col. Crockett, who has been again elected a memberof congress from Tennessee. It was the misfortune of the colonel to have received no school education in his youth, and since to have but little opportunity to retrieve that defect; but he is a man of a strong mind, and of great goodness of heart.” The article ends with, “We have been oftentimes asked ‘what sort of a man is colonel Crockett?’ and the general reply was–‘just such a one as you would desire to meet with, if any accident or misfortune had happened to you on the high way.'”

“THE EARTHQUAKE.” An earthquake strikes Virginia (there were quakes on the East Coast at this time)–this is an amazing report of the quake’s effect on a coal mine. In part, “The negroes in the pits being much alarmed by the earthquake, rushed at once to the mouth of the shaft…” One was so frightened, he grabbed onto a “corve” that was about to ascend, but missed, brutally killing him and another man.

16 pages, origina and complete, and in fine condition. Love that article on Crockett!

$127

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

NAT TURNER FINALLY CAPTURED AND IDENTIFIED!

THE NEGRO REVOLT IN SOUTHAMPTON, VIRGINIA–THE LEADER SPEAKS!

Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, DC
Monday, November 7, 1831

The news is confirmed that, “….the murderer, Nat Turner, has at last been taken and safely lodged in prison.” The historic report goes on to state, “The poor wretch, we learn, admits all that has been alleged against him–says that he has at no time been five miles from the scene of his atrocities; and that he has frequently wished to give himself up, but could never summon sufficient resolution!” (see scan for the entire report)

(Background: “Gen.” Nathaniel Turner (1800-1831), convinced that “visions” had called him to free his enslaved brothers and sisters, along with sixty or more slaves, indiscriminately massacred some sixty white men, women, and children, beginning with his own master. The state militia and other volunteers finally quelled the revolt and tracked down the slaves. Turner went into hiding and was not captured until October 30. From November 1-3, Turner was interviewed by his court-appointed attorney, Thomas R. Gray, who transcribed his notes into “Confessions” which served as a main source for the data on the rebellion. Nat and sixteen fellow slaves were tried and subsequently hanged on November 11.)

This superb DC newspaper is simply loaded with notices for Runaway Slaves, Slaves for Sale, and “Negroes Wanted.” It’s incredible to realize the slave trading that was an everyday occurrence in our Nation’s Capital!

Four large pages, and in very fine condition. It will give you many hours of historic entertainment and perspective, and serve as quite the conversation piece.

$450

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under African American History, All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S “HOUSE DIVIDED” SPEECH

“A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand.”

New York Semi-Weekly Tribune
June 25, 1858

Abraham Lincoln opens his campaign as the Republican Candidate for the U.S. Senate seat from Illinois of Stephen A. Douglas with an impassioned speech against slavery (but not slaveholders). Boldly headlined on page six: “REPUBLICAN PRINCIPLES. SPEECH OF THE HON. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, OF ILLINOIS, At the Republican State Convention, June 16, 1858.” Lincoln states, in part, “We are now far into the fifth year, since a policy was inititated with the avowed object and confident promise of putting an end to Slavery agitation…In my opinion, it will not cease until a crisis shall have been reached, and passed. ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.'” (a quote from Matthew 12, verse 25). Lincoln goes on to state, “I believe this Government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free.” Lincoln’s speech is seconded in a superb Horace Greeley editorial which says, in part, “We need not ask attention to this concise and admirable statement. Mr. Lincoln never fails to make a good speech…and this is one of his best efforts. And its leading positions will be heartily indorsed by the great body of the Republicans of other States, as they already have been by those of Illinois.”

Eight pages, complete, and in fine, clean condition with old folds. Very few newspapers published Lincoln’s now legendary speech, and it is near impossible to locate another one anywhere. A very key opportunity for the Lincoln enthusiast/collector/scholar! SOLD

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under African American History, All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion, The Civil War

A STOCK PANIC IN 1857! WALL STREET IN ACTION

“The immense majority of the operations of the New York Stock Exchange are gambling devices.”

Harper’s Weekly, New York
September 12, 1857

Here is a large front page illustration, “THE NEW YORK STOCK BOARD IN SESSION,” shows bidding for stocks during a panic when major stocks fell 8-10% in a day, “and fortunes were made and lost between ten o’clock in the morning, and four of the afternoon.” Apparently, the biggest problem was speculation in stocks, and it is said that a great many merchants do so regularly hoping to make a quick killing (has anything really changed?). Here are some of the gems from the mesmerizing article on the Stock Exchange and Panic: “There are perhaps a hundred and fifty members altogether. Each pays $500 entrance fee, and is balloted for.” “The normal business of the Board is to effect the sales and purchases of stocks required by the outside public.”

Inside we find amazing sketches of Central Africa, so much of it just then being explored, and also plenty of discussion on the slavery question.

16 pages, complete, and in superb condition. A rare Volume I issue of Harper’s. This would make a GREAT gift for a broker! Frameable, too.

$275

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

AMAZING SKETCHES OF BERMUDA IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Also, a fascinating article: “SLAVES MOVING SOUTH.”

Harper’s Weekly, New York
March 21 1857

This first-year issue of the famed illustrated newspaper Harper’s Weekly, contains nine sketches on two full pages including historic St. George’s Town (now a stop for cruise ships), the Government House, the black inhabitants, and more including a full story on this beautiful island. For those that have had the good fortune to visit Bermuda (like myself), this is a treasure!

In addition, there is a short report on Virginia slaves being taken South to New Orleans to sell in the markets (this was termed the “Internal Slave Trade” that heartlessly broke up many black families). “Negroes were never so high as they are now. Mechanics are worth $2000, and laborers command $1500.”

16 pp., fully complete, and in near mint condition. Just a gem!

$150

Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion

THE FIRST REPUBLICAN CONVENTION–JOHN C. FREMONT NOMINATED FOR PRESIDENT!

WILLIAM L. DAYTON CHOSEN AS THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDTATE;
ABRAHAM LINCOLN COMES IN SECOND PLACE!!

The Bangor Jeffersonian, Maine
June 24, 1856

Over four columns of page two are devoted to the “REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION” meeting in Philadelphia. “The first Republican convention in history, meeting in Philadelphia, chooses Colonel Fremont, a former California Senator, for President, and William L. Dayton of New Jersey for Vice-President.” There are complete details of the nominations and balloting statistics. Abraham Lincoln came in second for Vice President (I hadn’t known this fact). This newspaper strongly endorses the Republican ticket.

Amazing CIRCUS advertisement with numerous woodcut illustrations (see scans)! A very historic issue for the Republican in your life! Four large pages, very fine condition. Hours of historic entertainment, and you’ll want to show this to your family and friends!

$350