1796 Boston Newspaper — Samuel Adams Address, Lafayette Prison Reports & Jay’s Treaty Debate

The Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser — Boston, January 21, 1796. Four pages. Published by Adams & Larkin.

An original eighteenth-century Boston newspaper featuring a substantial address by Samuel Adams, Revolutionary patriot, Declaration of Independence signer, and then governor of Massachusetts.

Printed on the second page and dated January 19, 1796, Adams’s address considers constitutional authority, public welfare, agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, and the treaty recently concluded with Great Britain. His discussion offers a contemporary perspective on the political controversies dividing the young republic during George Washington’s presidency.

The front page includes an article headed “La Fayette,” examining conflicting reports concerning Lafayette and Dr. Bollmann following the attempted rescue from his imprisonment at Olmütz. Additional interior commentary addresses Jay’s Treaty, American relations with France, and the roles of John Jay and James Monroe.

European reports cover the French Revolutionary Wars, while numerous advertisements document Boston’s commercial and cultural life. These include a theatrical announcement for Shakespeare’s Othello, Bowen’s Columbian Museum, shipping notices, booksellers’ offerings, and public auctions.

The ornate masthead and illustrated advertisements add considerable visual appeal to this newspaper from the Washington era.

Condition: Age toning, scattered spotting, and staining, including staining near the masthead. Horizontal fold wear with tears and splitting; spine-edge notches and small marginal losses. Printing generally readable. See photographs.

Samuel Adams’s name is printed in type, not an autograph signature.