Lot 39
December 24, 1799, New Jersey Journal, Elizabeth-Town. One of the very earliest dispatches with news of the death of George Washington, which occurred on Saturday, December 14. Mourning borders frame each text and separate columns on each page. The irreparable feeling of loss felt by the nation is expressed in statements by the Congress of the United States, a letter from Tobias Lear, Washington's secretary, a statement by President John Adams and the War Department. Also, a poem in Washington's memory, AND a black casket imprint with white initials "GW" and skulls on both sides, with text below stating, "WASHINGTON! The Friend, the Protector of his Country, IS NO MORE!!!"
A complete four-page newspaper, which opens to 19 inches in length and 23½ inches across. Printed on a somewhat yellowish-gray, thick laid paper; a tear across the first leaf, tears along the gutter and margins, other small tears and lacunae, and occasional paper loss. Text is largely intact. The text size and paper stock is identical and correct as in the copy at William's College; the directory of New Jersey Newspapers does not find facsimile issue or issues among recorded copies. A very rare Washington memorial item!
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
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| Realized $1,725 |
