Tom Jefferson Is Dead!
E1-713. [SINGLE ISSUE]. NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, July 8, 1826. [Complete issue of 16 pages, 8vo size, published at Baltimore, Maryland, by Hezekiah Niles]
"A Great Man has fallen -THOMAS JEFFERSON, the liberal and the just, the wise and the good, has departed from works to reward." So begins a good page one early report of the death of one of our nation's greatest. See detail scan below. Within is printed one of Jefferson's last letters, declining due to ill health an invitation to attend the July Fourth celebrations in Washington. Other letters in the issue, which was set in type before the news of Jefferson's death arrived, are signed in type by John Adams, also to pass away on the 50th July 4, and another is by fellow Founder James Monroe. More. Lovely historic issue.
Condition is fine and problem-free

Frontpage Letter from the Ill-Starred Queen Marie Antoinette
E1-335. THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, October 7, 1789. [Complete issue of 4 pages, folio size, published at Boston, Mass. by Benjamin Russell] Excellent Page One feature "Address of Maria Antoinetta of Austria, Queen of France" cover almost two columns. Dated three days after the attack on the Bastille (for it takes two months or more for European news to reach America), the article tells of her great upset at being named the cause of the people's discontent - so soon after the death of her infant son- when her heart is with her subjects. She addresses the nation saying "Ye Frenchmen, cherished by the Princess who enjoys the inestimable advantage of reigning over you... Ye models of love for your Sovereign.. great and valiant souls!" They will "find my heart ever open; I will pour into theirs every consolation which beloved children have a right to expect from a tender and affectionate mother whom they love..." Quite a far cry from the "let them eat cake" misquotation. Inside a lengthy account on the war between Russia and Sweden. Piece about Rhode Island, the holdout state that has refused to ratify the new federal Constitution because it places so much unaccountable power in so few hands, their response to George Washington's threat that they will be treated as a foreign nation by the rest of the States. Lots more historic content in this 218 year old newspaper.
Condition is nice strong very fine, tiny light brown spot, top margin cropped slightly close

Unusual Early Printing of the Star-Spangled Banner
E1-299. [SINGLE ISSUE] THE RECORDER, May 8, 1816. [Complete issue of 4 pages, folio size, published at Boston, Mass. by Nathaniel Willis]
In the backpage Poetry column appears the full text of the""DEFENSE OF FORT M'HENRY," as Francis Scott Key's masterpiece was known in its early years, together with an account of the circumstances of the composition of what would become America's enduring national anthem. Great historical Americana. See detail scan. Much of Page One is taken up with a listing of the various Christian congregations in New England, while inside there is a good piece of Napoleon, in exile at St. Helena, and speculations on the great mounds being found on the Ohio frontier, whether Europeans built them, etc. Issue number 19, Volume 1. Founder and Editor Nathaniel Willis (1780 - 1870) made the claim that this Baptist weekly was "The World's First Religious Newspaper." A veteran journalist, who founded the Eastern Argus in 1803, he would achieve lasting famed for starting the hugely successful Youth's Companion which first appeared as a department in this sheet.
Condition of this issue is nice very fine

Tom Paine on the Use of Power
E3-191. [SINGLE ISSUE] THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, March 15, 1786. [Complete issue of 4 pages, quarto size, published at Boston, Mass. by Benjamin Russell]
Excellent Page One article "DISSERTATIONS on Government.., by the Author of COMMON SENSE" is a fine meditation on the use and abuse of centralized power, how it is an unavoidable necessity which must nonetheless be kept in check, observing that in "America, the sovereign power... remains where nature placed it - in the people; for the people of America are the fountain of power... This sovereignty is exercised in electing and deputing a certain number of persons to represent and act for the whole, and who, if they do not act right, may be displaced.." by the people. Fine piece by the great Tom Paine.
The Founders were vividly aware that the men who would be most drawn to power would, then as now, generally be the least qualified to use it wisely, and so they would set up a radical new government with the "checks and Balances" recommended here, so that, as Justice Brandeis later observed, the three branches of government would be too preoccupied fighting each other to do lasting harm to the people. Nice item foreshadowing the fundamental principle of the federal Constitution, 1 1/2 years in the future when this issue was printed. New Jersey Legislature's report that it "cannot comply with the resolution of September 27 last" for more tax money from the central government. Sam Adams conducts a town meeting at Fanueil Hall, the "Cradle of Liberty", and more. Scarcer early issue of the great paper.
Condition of this issue is choice very fine, untrimmed

Insurrection in Massachusetts: Shay's Rebellion
E3-192. [SINGLE ISSUE] THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, September 13, 1786. [Complete issue of 4 pages, folio size, published at Boston, Mass. by Benjamin Russell]
Several Page 3 items (in the space reserved for breaking stories) report the outbreak of rebellion in Massachusetts, where harsh economic conditions are causing many veterans of the War of Independence to question whether the new government by a rapacious self-appointed elite is not an improvement after all. In Taunton "the mob... about 400 in number" confront 300 militiamen at the Courthouse, while in Concord, where it all began eleven years earlier, the Minutemen, now called "a body of insurgents, to the amount of about 250... assembled in that place, in arms" to prevent the state court from convening.
All of the frontpage is a "Circular Letter" addressed to the people of Massachusetts asking for an end to the uprising, contrasting the present taxes with those of King George and asking them to ask themselves "shall we exist as a nation on the earth" under these conditions. Fine content. Interestingly, a backpage ad gives the current, dramatically discounted exchange rates, for Continental currency, soldiers' pay notes - 20 shillings face value worth only 6 shillings and change - one of the betrayals which so enraged the would-be counterrevolutionaries.
Condition of this issue is choice bright very fine, with the original deckled edge

A New Government About To Begin!
E3-194. [SINGLE ISSUE] THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, March 11, 1789. [Complete issue of 4 pages, quarto size, published at Boston, Mass. by Benjamin Russell]
"SOUTHERN MAILS" bring the news that General Washington has left Mount Vernon, beginning the long tour to his April Inauguration as first President of the U.S. in New York; in part it says "the General enjoys a perfect state of health - May guardian angels watch his precious life..." Also there, Gen. Wilkinson has set out down the Mississippi with a naval flotilla of 25 boats, heading toward New Orleans, on what will turn out to be a rather sticky and unprincipled errand. Fine Russell editorial calls the system of checks and balances in the new Constitution the great safeguard of our liberties. Lots more on the stormy politics of the day, notice that Rhode Island and N. Carolina, having failed to ratify the Constitution, are to be treated as sovereign, foreign nations. Letter from New-York says the newly seated Federal Congress has yet to reach a quorum. Fine ads, more
Condition of this issue is choice very fine, untrimmed deckled edge

In Memoriam Alexander Hamilton
E3-203. [SINGLE ISSUE]. COLUMBIAN CENTINEL AND MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, August 11, 1804. [Complete issue of 4 pages, folio size, published at Boston, Mass. by Benjamin Russell]
Much frontpage content on the late Hamilton, killed by the vice-president of the U.S. in their famous duel, includes letter describing his character and relations with the infamous Burr prior to the duel. Moving letters of tribute to Hamilton's father-in-law and wife. Wicked rumor that Harvard would not allow its scholars to attend a memorial service for Hamilton and more.
Condition is bright clean VF, untrimmed

The Capture of Jeff Davis
C3-193. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE FREMONT JOURNAL, May 26, 1865. [Complete issue of 4 pages, large folio size, published at Fremont, Ohio, by C. W. Page]
Excellent Page Two article confirms rumors of "JEFF DAVIS AND PARTY", how a Yankee sergeant looked at the huge shoes protruding from beneath one of Varina's old dresses and found none other than Jeff himself in the getup! Almost a full column on the event and the subsequent trip to jail for the former rebel chieftain "The Great Review" at Washington reported as the men of the U. S. army march together one last time before going home, their work done, the Union preserved for all time. A Lincoln memorial fund is proposed, and a moving eulogy of the murdered President on Page One is by John Sherman, William T.'s brother, recalling his experiences with the great man. Touching issue. SCARCE Midwestern title..
Condition is very fine, neatly spinecut when microfilmed.

Lincoln's Funeral Honors in Albany - Final Rebel Surrender - Review of Thoreau's Latest Book
C3-207. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 27, 1865. [Complete issue of 8 pages, folio size, published at New York, By Horace Greeley]
Page One headlines "THE OBSEQUIES", "THE REMAINS AT ALBANY","A POPULAR OVATION" New Yorkers pay final tributes to their martyred President, as his memorial train makes its stop in the state capitol, and Lincoln's remains lie in state, another leg on the long sad journey ever westward, home to Springfield. Moving account of the outpouring of grief in the nation, deprived of its leader in the hour of final victory. Also on page one is, "MOBILE", "OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF ITS SURRENDER"" and Sherman's last campaigning in the Carolinas, the fall of Raleigh, escape of Jeff. Davis, surrender of Johnston and his last large rebel army, all covering five columns. New York's Black citizens show "The Right to Mourn" their fallen hero in a fine Greeley editorial. "THE ASSASSINATION"hedalines the relentless pursuit of John Wilkes Booth and his accomplices, arrest of his younger brother Junius, etc. How news of the fall of Richmond was received in England with "intense excitement", etc. Completing this superb issue is a very lengthy review of CAPE COD, by Henry D. Thoreau, published now after his untimely death. All columns throughout are ruled in black to honor the slain President.
Condition is exceptional crisp Very Fine, IN THE ORIGINAL STATE, never bound or trimmed, extremely uncommon thus

A Very Unusual Civil War Soldier Extra Pay Check
C3-489. State of Vermont Treasury Check, NP., 186_. [Montpelier, Vermont, ca. 1861, 3" x 8½" size] This check was printed for the state of Vermont to provide "extra Pay" to Vermont men who have "gone into the service of the United States on requisition of the Governor of this State" to fight the southern rebellion. It is a monthly award of $7.00, amounting to nearly a 50% raise over the federal army pay of $13.00. A handsome vignette of a warrior Liberty enhances this lovely document. Condition is virtually mint, as issued, never used.

Gettysburg: First Report
C6-013. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, July 18, 1863. [Complete issue of 20 pages, large quarto size, published at London, England, by George Leighton]
"AMERICA", "GREAT BATTLE AT GETTYSBURG", "NEW FEDERAL COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF" just in are the earliest reports that Lee's great invasion has been checked at Gettysburg, with the latest dispatches through the morning of July 3, before the final doomed rebel charge. Meade takes over, with his biography. More war news. Bloody rebellion against the Czar in Poland, views of New Zealand Maori chieftains, more . Extra domestic postage for this issue is 45¢
Condition is very fine . . . 25.00

Lincoln and the Assassins - Together in One Amazing Engraving, Not Published in America!
C6-017. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, April 8, 1865. [Complete issue of 24 pages, large quarto size, published at London, England, by George Leighton]
Fullpage print of Lincoln's Second Inaugural at Washington is here reproduced from Alexander Gardner's third plate, which unlike the others used by the American HARPER'S WEEKLY and LESLIE'S clearly depicts, standing defiantly just below the rostrum, Lewis Paine, George Atzerodt, Herold, Surrat, and Spangler, Booth's bizarre little band of conspirators. Lurking behind the massive Indian statue to the left and above the President is a top-hatted John Wilkes Booth himself, though not shown as clearly here as the other five. See Kunhardt's great book on Lincoln, Twenty Days, page 35, for full details of this astonishing photograph, the key elements of which I have scanned below from this issue. Also in this memorable issue, fullpage print of the grand Inaugural Ball, complete inaugural reporting, and on the cover a rare scene of "The Conscription in New York" drawing numbers for the draft. War news, much more. Extra domestic postage for this issue is 45¢
Condition is very fine

The Aftermath of War - Honors to a Fallen President
C6-020. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, May 20, 1865. [Complete issue of 16 pages, large quarto size, published at London, England, by George Leighton]
Fine fullpage print of the Lincoln funeral procession in New York, where he was so widely disliked in life, now the streets are filled with mourners. Halfpage woodcut of a similar scene in Washington, from the famous Gardner photographic series. A page of views of "The City of Richmond" show the rebel capital burning, set afire by retreating troops, and the "Late Residence of President Davis." More reaction to these amazing events, etc . Extra domestic postage for this issue is 45¢
Condition is very fine

Lincoln Wins The Presidency!
G1-229. [SINGLE ISSUE] THE SALEM REGISTER, November 8, 1860. [Complete issue of 4 pages, large folio size, published at Salem, Mass., by Chapman and Palfray]
Great Page Two graphics (with a bust of Lincoln and crossed flags - see detail scan below) announce"LINCOLN AND HAMLIN UP!", "THE BAY STATE HAS SPOKEN! complete coverage of the momentous election begins "Give God the Praise! Our Country Has the Blessing" of new leadership after the corruption and ineptitude of the Buchanan administration, considered by most historians until recently to be the worst in our history. Deep-south radicals would see things differently and make war on their country rather than accept the will of the people. More than three columns of excellent reporting, including a long piece on the disappointed "office seekers", who like today's lobbyists, were hoping to get lucrative contacts in a new Democratic government. Great historic issue of a fine old New England newspaper.
Condition of this issue is nice very fine, in the original state, never bound, slight fold line area discoloration on one page detracts very little

The Emergence of Abraham Lincoln into the National Spotlight
G1-330. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE NATIONAL ERA, November 18, 1858. [Complete issue of 4 pages, large folio size, published at Washington, D.C., by Noble, Bailey, and Whittier]
Page 3 article on the late Senatorial election, in which Steven Douglas beat Lincoln, contains a great description of the future President, saying in part "Mister Lincoln, his opponent, is a man of inflexible political integrity...We have never seen eloquence surpass his, when his ungainly form would step back on the rostrum and, with spiritual fire enlarge upon the Declaration of Independence, or the blasphemous indifference with which his foe would treat human rights..." The magnificent oratory of his candidacy brought Lincoln to national prominence and would help win him the nomination in two years. Also in this issue is comment of William Seward's just-delivered speech in which he describes the fight between freedom and slavery as "The Irrepressible Conflict", a motto that would inspire a generation to war. Much more on Douglas and the white-heat rage of the slavery fight. Editor and poet John Greenleaf Whittier was one of the founders of the Republican Party, making this fine antislavery newspaper an especially fine place to read this historic news. .
Condition is bright very fine, original state, never bound, trifling normal edge or fold wear.

Lincoln Wins The Presidential Nomination!
G1-333. [SINGLE ISSUE]. THE NORTHAMPTON FREE PRESS, May 18, 1860. [Complete issue of 4 pages, folio size, published at Northampton, Mass., by Henry M. Burt]
"The Chicago Convention" column-long account of the second Republican national convention, its opening and adoption of the party platform here, saying "no Republican... has uttered the threat of disunion so often made by Democrats", the support for states' rights, limitations on the expansion of slavery, within Constitutional guidelines, immigrants' rights, and the passage of a homestead act so all can have access to the vast west. Continuing "Special Dispatch" "LATEST FROM CHICAGO BY TELEGRAPH", "11, AM NO BALLOT YET! GREAT EXCITEMENT", "1:30 PM, Lincoln Nominated for the Presidency!", "TREMENDOUS ENTHUSIASM!", ending "the excitement is unabated, and the announcement of his nomination was received amid - shouts of deafening applause." This bulletin-by-bulletin format truly brings the excitement to life, as the editor holds his last open column inches for the news, which was then rushed to press and passed to the crowd which customarily gathered at newspaper offices when great events were in the offing..
Condition is fine, with some small disbinding marks in the gutter margin affecting no text; the 11th issue of the title.

African American History
G3-277. [SINGLE ISSUE]. HARPER'S WEEKLY, June 9, 1866. [Complete issue of 16 pages, large quarto size, published at New York, by Harper Brothers & Co.]
Fullpage of views at the "Trent River Settlement" in North Carolina. the settlement was a freedmen's village established under the auspices of the Freedmen's Bureau for the newly-freed slaves of the defeated rebels. Included are overall views of the town, street scenes, and two U.S. generals addressing the people in their church. Fine historical item. Chapter of "Inside, A Chronicle of Secession" pokes fun at the worthless CSA currency, and racial attitudes. "Relics on a Battle-Field" is a grim view of horses' skeletons and other wreckage still littering so many southern farmers' fields .
Condition is Nice clean fine condition, carefully removed from a bound annual volume.

Lincoln Fondly Remembered
G4-0010. [SINGLE ISSUE] HARPER'S WEEKLY, April 27, 1867. [Complete issue of 16 pages, large quarto size, published at New York by Fletcher Harper & Bros.]
Wonderful fullpage engraving of "Mr. Lincoln and the Drummer Boy", with the famous incident, as recorded in Carpenter's new book on the late President, on the second anniversary of his death. Also, General Hancock in pursuit of the Sioux, fine fullpage picture of the U.S. Supreme Court in session, page on the celebrations of Shakespeare's 303rd birthday celebrations, cartoon bitterly attacking the imprisoned Jeff Davis.
Condition of this issue is VF