Complete Issue Of Columbian Centinal, Boston, May 18, 1798, Re USS Constitution For Sale

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Important historical content.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 sales

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.