The Massachusetts Gazette — Boston, Tuesday, May 22, 1787 — Vol. VI, No. 332.
Original four-page American newspaper printed in Boston by Samuel Hall, issued just three days before the Constitutional Convention opened in Philadelphia.
This is an unusually desirable Constitutional-era issue. The front page contains a Philadelphia report dated May 9 discussing the imminent opening of the Federal Convention and the enormous importance of its work. The writer declares that upon the coming “great council” depends everything essential to the dignity and stability of the national character, then discusses the weaknesses of the existing federal compact and the need for a more effective national government.
The same page continues with material from John Adams’s Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America, discussing Congress, federal government, separation of powers, and the need for three branches of government.
Page 3 contains continuing news of Shays’ Rebellion, specifically naming Daniel Shays, Luke Day, Adam Wheeler, and Eli Parsons and reporting that the rebel leaders were believed to be gathering forces and moving toward Vermont.
Also present is a Philadelphia item signed in type by Noah Webster, American and European news, maritime reports, advertisements, and other period material.
A particularly compelling newspaper from the immediate eve of the Constitutional Convention, combining contemporary discussion of the proposed Federal Convention, the shortcomings of the Confederation government, John Adams on constitutional government, and the continuing aftermath of Shays’ Rebellion.
Condition: Complete four-page issue. Age toning, scattered foxing and staining, edge wear and small edge losses, with evidence of former binding/disbinding along the left margin. Early manuscript ownership/subscriber notation at the upper margin. Text remains generally strong and readily legible. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.
Original May 22, 1787 newspaper, not a reproduction.
1787 Massachusetts Gazette, May 22 1787 newspaper, Constitutional Convention newspaper, Federal Convention Philadelphia, U.S. Constitution history, Articles of Confederation, Shays Rebellion, Daniel Shays, John Adams Defence Constitutions, Noah Webster, Samuel Hall Boston, 18th century American newspaper, Revolutionary America, early American newspaper.
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