Complete Issue Of Columbian Centinal, Boston, May 18, 1798, Re USS Constitution
Complete multi-page issue of the Columbian Centinel, fair condition, dated Saturday, May 19, 1798, printed in Boston, Massachusetts by Benjamin Russell.
This newspaper was one of the most important political papers in the early United States, strongly aligned with the Federalist Party during the presidency of John Adams.
Important historical content.
1. USS Constitution recruiting notice
One of the most desirable items in this issue is the large advertisement recruiting sailors for the frigate:
USS Constitution
The notice calls for:
“Able-bodied and patriotic seamen…”
The ship is described as “a frigate of 44 guns riding in Boston harbor.”
This appeared at the moment the United States Navy was preparing for the:
Quasi-War
Recruiting ads like this are primary documents of early U.S. naval mobilization.
2. Patriotic eagle woodcut
Above the advertisement is a large American eagle woodcut, echoing the symbol from the Great Seal of the United States.
In 1790s newspapers this symbol often marked government announcements, military news, or patriotic appeals.
Illustrations were relatively uncommon in newspapers of the period, which adds visual and collector appeal.
3. Early American political reporting
Other pages include:
Congressional reports
Foreign intelligence from Europe
Shipping news and maritime arrivals
Political commentary related to tensions with France
These reflect the volatile international climate of the late 1790s.
4. Period advertisements
Dozens of fascinating advertisements, such as:
Shipping notices with small woodcut ships
Imported goods and tea
Real estate and property auctions
Early book sales
Public notices and lost items
These provide an excellent snapshot of daily commercial life in Boston in 1798.
Condition assessment
Masthead and Constitution notice clear and readable
Good ink contrast for 18th-century paper
Condition issues:
Large water staining
Heavy center fold damage
Loss and repair in interior pages
Edge chipping and brittleness
Condition would likely grade Good–Fair in the rare newspaper market.
Complete multi-page issue of the Columbian Centinel, fair condition, dated Saturday, May 19, 1798, printed in Boston, Massachusetts by Benjamin Russell.
This newspaper was one of the most important political papers in the early United States, strongly aligned with the Federalist Party during the presidency of John Adams.
Important historical content.
1. USS Constitution recruiting notice
One of the most desirable items in this issue is the large advertisement recruiting sailors for the frigate:
USS Constitution
The notice calls for:
“Able-bodied and patriotic seamen…”
The ship is described as “a frigate of 44 guns riding in Boston harbor.”
This appeared at the moment the United States Navy was preparing for the:
Quasi-War
Recruiting ads like this are primary documents of early U.S. naval mobilization.
2. Patriotic eagle woodcut
Above the advertisement is a large American eagle woodcut, echoing the symbol from the Great Seal of the United States.
In 1790s newspapers this symbol often marked government announcements, military news, or patriotic appeals.
Illustrations were relatively uncommon in newspapers of the period, which adds visual and collector appeal.
3. Early American political reporting
Other pages include:
Congressional reports
Foreign intelligence from Europe
Shipping news and maritime arrivals
Political commentary related to tensions with France
These reflect the volatile international climate of the late 1790s.
4. Period advertisements
Dozens of fascinating advertisements, such as:
Shipping notices with small woodcut ships
Imported goods and tea
Real estate and property auctions
Early book sales
Public notices and lost items
These provide an excellent snapshot of daily commercial life in Boston in 1798.
Condition assessment
Masthead and Constitution notice clear and readable
Good ink contrast for 18th-century paper
Condition issues:
Large water staining
Heavy center fold damage
Loss and repair in interior pages
Edge chipping and brittleness
Condition would likely grade Good–Fair in the rare newspaper market.
