ASSOCIATION — Owned by a Founding-Era U.S. Congressman, Boston, March 16, 1795 — The Independent Chronicle & Universal
$695.00
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This is an authentic newspaper printed in Boston during the Washington Administration, just six years after the Constitution first went into effect. At the top of the masthead is the bold, period ink inscription for:
Hon. George Thacher, Esq. (1754–1824)
• Member of the First United States Congress (1789–1801)
• Delegate to the Massachusetts Ratifying Convention (1788), where he voted to approve the U.S. Constitution
• Later Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (1801–1824)
Thacher’s signature appears clearly along the upper margin, matching archived examples of his hand from the Maine Historical Society and the Massachusetts Judicial Archives. ✒️
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Historical Content in This Issue 📜
This issue contains political reporting and civic notices reflecting the financial stabilization and commercial expansion taking place in the early United States:
Political Miscellany & Federal financial policy commentary
Harvard College Lottery announcement (higher education financing in early America)
Commercial and shipping notices across Boston, New York, Philadelphia & London
Public infrastructure and canal improvement notices
Early American banking and credit developments
These topics align directly with the work of members of the First Congress, including Thacher, who supported the Federalist effort to secure national credit, develop infrastructure, and stabilize the American economy after the Revolution.
This wasn’t just a newspaper he owned — it was one he used.
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Why This Matters
This piece represents the young United States in motion — government forming itself, public institutions being built, and markets being organized. When paired with documented provenance to a sitting Congressman, it becomes a primary artifact of the political life of the early Republic. 🇺🇸
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Condition
Very Good for age.
Text clear and paper stable with expected toning.
A strong display example with excellent signature presentation.
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Archival Framing Available 🖼️
I offer museum-grade framing for display:
Acid-free mat
UV-protected acrylic
Matte black or heritage walnut frame options
Optional double-sided glass to allow viewing of both pages
Just message me to add framing to your order.
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A Rare Opportunity
Early American newspapers with documented Founding-Era ownership almost never appear on the open market — and are increasingly placed directly into institutional or private research collections.
This piece stands at the intersection of: Political history • Financial development • Early American print culture • Founding-era provenance
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Ships flat & protected.
No rolling.
Questions welcome!
ASSOCIATION — Owned by a Founding-Era U.S. Congressman, Boston, March 16, 1795 — The Independent Chronicle & Universal
$695.00