Historical Documents & Newspapers

Lot 622
Early American Newspapers. Lot of five. Three issues of interest for fans of George Washington and two issues concerned with the establishment of financial institutions and one important numismatic announcement.
Washington's November visit to Salem, Massachusetts, his remarks and the adulation he received are well recorded in the November 14, 1789 Gazette of the United States. The March 29, 1797, Columbian Centinel offers an act signed in type by Washington. May 11, 1796's The Herald: A Gazette for the Country, includes the text (signed in type by Washington) of an act "to provide a naval armament...authorized to continue the construction and equipment (with all convenient expedition) of two frigates..." -- probably the Constellation and Constitution. Of financial interest is the Gazette of the United States from November of 1791 with the printed "Ordinance and Bye-Laws for the Regulation of the Bank of the United States." Finally, of numismatic interest is the March 1790 Gazette of the United States, which features a rare advertisement offering subscriptions for the Manly Medals, offering proof they were struck February 20, 1790.
Estimated Value $200-UP.

Lot 623
The Freeman's Journal - A Thanksgiving Proclamation. The Freeman's Journal or The North-American Intelligencer. Philadelphia: by Francis Bailey, November 5, 1783, volume III, 4 pages, 10½ x 16¾". Natural aging, with one stain at the upper left margin. Still in fine condition.

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress suggested that all states celebrate a Day of Thanksgiving to the Lord. This edition of the Freeman's Journal decrees: "The United States Congress assembled do recommend to the several states to set apart the SECOND THURSDAY IN DECEMBER next as a day of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING".
Estimated Value $150-250.

Lot 624
The Independent Chronicle and The Salem Gazette. 1. The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser. Boston: Nathaniel Willis, May 27, 1779, 4 pages, 10 x 15¾". Uncut edges, toning from age, otherwise in good condition. 2. The Salem Gazette. Salem, Massachusetts: Samuel Hall, March 7, 1782, 4 pages, 10 x 15¾". Uncut edges, warm brown tone from aging. In fine condition overall.

Delicately accented at the mast head with a sword-in-hand vignette -- a design which has been attributed to Paul Revere -- this edition of the Independent Chronicle features numerous excerpts of letters regarding events during the Revolutionary War. One passage reads: "The American prisoners at Forton had once more nearly effected their escape, but were prevented by the vigilance of the guards."
Estimated Value $400-600.

Lot 625
The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser. Massachusetts: Nathaniel Willis, March 9, 1780, 9½ x 15". A few light folds, and a small stain at center. Otherwise in good to very good condition overall.

This issue of the Massachusetts periodical, with sword-in-hand vignette, features an excerpt of Ethan Allen's recently published work, Narrative of Col. Ethan Allen's Captivity.
Estimated Value $250-350.

Lot 626
The Rehearsal, 1706. London: by London and Westminster, 1706, no. 97, 1 page, 8 x 13½". Natural toning and light foxing. In good condition overall.

Published by the controversial printer Charles Leslie for only 6 years, this edition of The Rehearsal includes an academic article defending the honor of The Rehearsal in light of accusations brought about by rival journals.
Estimated Value $100-250.

Lot 627
The Salem Gazette. Nine editions of The Salem Gazette dating between February 14, 1782 and November 29, 1782. Each four page periodical features the news of the day, and includes articles on the events at the House of Commons, an account on the siege of Gibraltar, an eye witness account of a recent volcanic eruption at Vesuvius, the story of a local child who fell into a well and drowned, and a recent influenza outbreak in London and Westminster. Conditions range from fair to good.
Estimated Value $450-650.

Lot 628
Two Highly Desirable Early Newspapers. The London Gazette, 1666. Originally named the Oxford Gazette, the London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world. Full of news from across the globe, as well as London itself. In a plastic holder, minor toning, rough left edge. The issue offered here, dated "From Monday, June 18, to Thursday June 21, 1666", is one of the highly desirable Plague numbers -- a listing at the end of the issue numbers the dead. "The Account of the Weeks Bill runs thus The Total 179 Of the Plague 23. Deceased in all 18 Deceased of the Plague 8."
Boston Chronicle Supplement, 1769. Published from December 21, 1767 until June 25, 1770, the Boston Chronicle is one of the most sought after Colonial-Era newspapers. Published in one of the Colonies intellectual and mercantile hubs, the Chronicle catered to some of the most learned members of society.
The issue offered here, published Monday, October 9, 1769, Volume II, Number 41, reports on news from Naples, Vienna, an argument involving Lord Shelburne, and "Intelligence Extraordinary" from London. In a sealed plastic holder, one spot, minor toning, almost fine. There are only 10 listings for this imprint, primarily held in library collections.
Estimated Value $125-UP.