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Does anyone know about this obscure Thomas Nast print from 1877?
June 6, 2025 by TimHughes · 3 Comments
Amongst our holdings is an obscure newspaper called “The People” from New York City, dated November 3, 1877. A closer look notes this is the volume 1, number 1 issue, and more curiously, we can find nothing about this newspaper online. This may be the only issue published, and with no mention of it in Gregory’s “Union List of American Newspapers” one wonders whether any institution is aware it even exists.
Compounding this obscurity is the large comic illustration (shown below) of John Morrissey, done by the famed artist Thomas Nast, verified by a small front page article headed: “Our Cartoon”. It verifies: “The accompanying admirable portrait of Our Great Municipal Reformer is one of the earliest made by Nast, and cost $100. It was engraved by a peculiar process which reversed the artist’s signature; but by holding it before the glass the Nast’s familiar handwriting will be recognized.”
Nothing can be found online of the existence of a Thomas Nast print captioned as noted above, let alone being in a newspaper titled: “The People”. With as much academic research that has been on this famed political artist, I find it interesting that nothing seems to be known of it.
So I reach out to all the Thomas Nast scholars, collectors, and admirers. Is anything out there that we are missing as to the existence of this print? Photos accompany this post. It exists; we just want to know more, and hopefully someone can be of help.
The reason I collected it: the perfect logo for the company…
June 2, 2025 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
When I began this company back in 1975, my offerings were simply typed lists of newspapers I had recently purchased. When an issue sold, I cut it out, added new ones to the bottom of the list, made photocopies of the 8 1/2 by 14 sheets, and mailed them to those expressing interest.
I later evolved my offerings into a small catalog, essentially 8 1/2 by 11 sheets folded in half resulting in 16 pages of 5 1/2 by 8 1/2 inches. I wanted a logo for the cover that would represent what I was selling. Not finding anything magical, I opted for a print of a colonial printing press. Perhaps some of you still have some of those old catalogs featuring the printing press.
But a printing press was too generic. It was not specific to newspapers; books, pamphlets, broadsides–anything with ink–were printed on a printing press. So my quest for a more perfect image continued.
Back in the late 1900’s I was doing research on a collection of the “Illustrated London News“, the model that would be followed by Leslie’s Illustrated, Harper’s Weekly, and a host of other illustrated newspapers. On the back page of an issue from 1862 there was a brief article titled: “The Newsboy“ and it was accompanied by a great print of a young newsboy offering a newspaper (shown below). It was the perfect find. It had an old-time look (it was from 1862 after all), it was specific to newspapers, and it had a generally pleasant appearance that I thought would work well as a logo.
And so it became the framework for our logo (shown to the right above). You will find it front & center on our website and on any number of printed pieces we produce each year. So if you’ve ever wanted how it was created, perhaps appropriately, it came from an old newspaper.
Our History Unites Us – Celebrating Paul Revere with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow…
May 26, 2025 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
I must admit, a buzz is in the air as we approach America’s 250th anniversary (dare I say … Semiquincentennial). Our family is already starting to make plans on how we will celebrate this tremendous mile mark for our country, and we are relishing the thought of sharing our enthusiasm with others who are equally stirred. So, you can understand my excitement today when I was looking through this month’s catalog and noticed THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776 with a Paul Revere Masthead. Almost instantly, the words of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem popped into my head…
“LISTEN, my children, and you shall hear
Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere,”
A moment later, after a quick online search, I identified the 1st printing of Longfellow’s poem contained within THE ATLANTIC MONTHLY , Jan. 1, 1861. Heading into the Archives, I was hoping to find a copy and soon returned to my desk with this new treasure in hand. Below, you will find listed interesting insights from an article by… Historic Boston Incorporated:
“What is perhaps more interesting, is that Longfellow’s poem and its story are actually rooted in the bubbling national unrest unfolding in April 1860, when Longfellow began writing it and more than 85 years after Revere’s now famous ride. By the time Longfellow’s most well-known poem was published in The Atlantic Monthly out of the Old Corner Bookstore in January 1861, numerous states had seceded from the Union and by April the nation was at war.
With war on the horizon, Longfellow reflected on the nation’s past as much as its future. A staunch abolitionist, Longfellow wrote “Paul Revere’s Ride” to unify a nation at odds, to remind America of its sacred oath to uphold liberty as the Civil War beckoned. The final stanza has largely been interpreted as a call to action for his fellow Americans to wake up “in the hour of darkness and peril and need” and recall those sacred ideals the United States was founded upon”
So many memorable events to commemorate this next year… so many happenings to celebrate. Here is hoping (and praying) that by focusing on our history we may unify our nation as Longfellow hoped his poem would over 160 years ago.
Yesterday & Today… Memorial Day & Tariffs…
May 23, 2025 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
Without a doubt, when Memorial Day arrives, the feel of summer settles in and Patriotism seems to fill the air as the Red, White & Blue flaps gracefully on the warm breezes. Life seems to take a few steps back intime as we gather with family and friends over plates full of deviled eggs and Grandma’s potato salad. On May 29, 1913, Life Magazine featured a beautiful print by Norman Price showing the passing of our heritage of Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) from one generation to the next. In an odd turn of congruency, this issue also has a political cartoon which could not be more in line with today’s headlines on Tariffs and the possible pluses and minuses they may bring to our country. How fitting for both of images to be contained in one publication as America is so much defined by push and pull, delight and difficulty, light and dark. May your Memorial Day Weekend be both lighthearted in celebration and heavy in remembrance of those who gave so much for our Freedom… and may we figure out an answer to that political cartoon.
“The Compromise of 1850” – Daniel Webster’s costly plea for unity…
May 19, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Whereas it is hard for those of us living today to imagine any “compromise” regarding slavery as a good thing (i.e., if it was wrong – and it was, how could anything less than abolishment be acceptable?), but the passionate antislavery politicians who lived through this era had to navigate the treacherous path between what they knew to right and the likely fracturing of what had increasingly become a fragile union. If they pushed too hard too fast, such a splintering would most assuredly result in an all-out Civil War with countless deaths, and if lost, the Southern institution of slavery would continue unabated by abolitionist sentiment. Even if it is agreed that an attempt at arriving at a compromise is in order, as with any deep-rooted, entrenched disagreement, any move to the middle requires someone to risk taking the first step.
It is with the above in mind history declares Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March Speech” as being pivotal in bringing both sides to a compromise. Although it cost this anti-slavery Senator from Massachusetts his reputation and career, all are agreed his multi-hour oration was instrumental in holding succession/war at bey for over 10 years (although it may have ultimately deepened the divide). We are thankful to have found a lengthy report in a New York Tribune (March 8, 1850) which included excerpts, paraphrases, and commentary on the speech.
The following is the result of our research regarding its significance (Wiki, ChatGBT, Grok, etc.):
Summary of Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March” Speech and Its Impact
Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March” speech, delivered in 1850, was a heartfelt appeal for national unity and compromise amid escalating tensions over slavery that threatened to tear the United States apart. Webster declared, “I speak today for the preservation of the Union. ‘Hear me for my cause,’” emphasizing his alarm at the prospect of secession and civil war. He urged both the North and South to make concessions to safeguard the Union, a stance that significantly influenced the passage of the Compromise of 1850. However, this plea for moderation sparked widespread controversy and exacted a heavy toll on Webster’s career and reputation.
Key Points of the Speech
- Call for Unity: Webster positioned himself as an American, not merely a representative of Massachusetts or the North, advocating for the Constitution and the Union against the specter of disunion.
- Support for Compromise: He endorsed measures like the Fugitive Slave Law, hoping to bridge the divide between Northern and Southern interests and avert conflict.
Impact on Public Opinion
- In the North:
- Abolitionist Backlash: Northern abolitionists and anti-slavery Whigs felt betrayed by Webster’s support for the Fugitive Slave Law, which mandated their participation in returning escaped enslaved people—a stark departure from his earlier anti-slavery rhetoric.
- Regional Fallout: In Massachusetts, his home state, Webster’s reputation plummeted as he was branded a traitor to the anti-slavery cause, eroding his political base.
- In the South:
- Cautious Approval: Southern leaders appreciated Webster’s defense of the Fugitive Slave Law, seeing it as a gesture of respect for their rights under the Constitution.
- Lingering Distrust: Despite this, many Southerners remained wary of Webster due to his prior anti-slavery positions, viewing the Compromise of 1850 as a stopgap rather than a solution.
- Nationally:
- Passage of the Compromise: The speech rallied moderates across regions, providing Northern politicians with the justification to back the Compromise of 1850 without seeming disloyal to the Union.
- Deepened Divide: While it delayed immediate conflict, the speech underscored the irreconcilable differences over slavery, setting the stage for future strife.
Cost to Webster’s Career and Reputation
The “Seventh of March” speech marked a turning point that ultimately derailed Webster’s political career and tarnished his legacy:
- Northern Alienation: His endorsement of the Fugitive Slave Law alienated his Northern supporters, particularly in Massachusetts, where he lost the goodwill of abolitionists and anti-slavery advocates. This backlash effectively dashed his presidential ambitions.
- Incomplete Southern Acceptance: Although the South valued his compromise efforts, his earlier anti-slavery stance prevented him from fully gaining their trust, leaving him without a solid regional alliance.
- Political Isolation: Webster’s attempt to occupy a middle ground failed to heal the nation’s fractures. The Compromise of 1850, while a temporary success, only postponed the inevitable Civil War, and his role in it left him isolated as sectional tensions intensified.
Conclusion
Daniel Webster’s “Seventh of March” speech was a critical moment in American history, encapsulating both a desperate bid to preserve the Union and the profound challenges of compromise in a divided nation. While it facilitated the Compromise of 1850, it came at a steep personal cost, shattering Webster’s reputation in the North, limiting his influence in the South, and ending his political aspirations. The speech remains a poignant symbol of the era’s turmoil—a warning of division and a missed chance to confront slavery head-on.
Words spoken softly would prove to be extraordinarily prophetic…
April 14, 2025 by TimHughes · 1 Comment
Some of the newspapers that are so desired by collectors are those with innocent reports–often inconspicuous amongst the jumble of lengthier articles–that would only find relevance in the passing of years. Such is the case with the “New York Semi-Weekly Tribune” issue of May 15, 1860. Keep in mind that at this date, the Republican National Convention in Chicago had yet to formally begin (May 16-18) and Abraham Lincoln was pretty much an unknown in the world of national politics. He did capture some attention with his famous “…house divided…” speech two years earlier, and more contemporarily with his Cooper Union address in February, 1860, but he was–at best–an outsider for the Presidency.
Page 5 has a column headed: “The Chicago Convention” “The People Gathering” “Prospects of Various Candidates” “Seward Leads Them All” and more. However, the report suggests Seward’s work will be difficult, noting in part: “The crowd gather thick & fast…The Seward leaders are also very confident and profess the utmost faith, but it is impossible to see how his nomination can be carried…”. As for the candidates, it notes: “…Mr. Seward will lead, Mr. Bates will come next, and Mr. Chase will be third…Mr. Cameron will come next, and then Mr. Lincoln…”. By the reporter’s reckoning, Lincoln was a distant 5th.
Ultimately, as the following days would give evidence, Seward led on the first ballot but fell short of a majority, while Lincoln would finish in a strong second place. Cameron’s delegates shifted to Lincoln on the second ballot, leaving Lincoln essentially tied with Seward. Lincoln clinched the nomination on the third ballot after consolidating support from more delegates who had backed candidates other than Seward.
All of this is intriguing and noteworthy, but of special collector interest is a comment in the page 4 editorial. It is a simple, yet very prophetic statement: “…Mr. Lincoln of Illinois, however, is rising in prominence.” And so he did, becoming unquestionably one of the most well-known names in all of American history.
Hidden Gems – What’s that above the story by Charles Dickens?
April 11, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
One of the pleasures of the hobby of collecting Rare & Early Newspapers is the “hidden gems” we find almost daily. Today I was photographing a story written by Charles Dickens within the Concord Daily Monitor (NH) dated December 21, 1865, and low and behold directly above the heading for the story was a poem titled, “Snow Flakes”, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Having contemporary selections from both literary giants within a few inches of each other was certainly something I did not expect. Yet, the discovery at this point was only partly realized. Thanks to the internet I took a few minutes to see what I could unearth about this particular poem, and with little effort I discovered it was a “Poem of the Week” selection in 2023 for The Guardian. Revealing my deficient 6th sense for poetry (or perhaps betraying my hidden affection for snow), at first blush I was a bit surprised that after so many years it had garnered such recognition – that is, until I learned Longfellow had written it in response to his grief over the death of his beloved wife. I love this collectible!
Artificial Intelligence, Alexander Hamilton, and The Funding Act of 1790…
March 13, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
“A jack of all trades, a master of none” is often how I feel in my role as the overseer of life at Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers. Since collectible reporting covers nearly every topic under the sun (politics, religion, flight, exploration, literature, social issues, war, and more), it is impossible to know everything about everything. Even the areas which are personal favorites are more than enough to drive my quest to be a life-long learner. One such topic involves the early years of American and the “Founding” of The United States. Still, my nearly 7 decades of knowledge-absorption still leaves me wanting. A case in point was recently brought to the surface by a set of 4 issues covering The Funding Act of 1790. I knew the father of the Act was largely Alexander Hamilton and that it was an essential step in the early formation of the U.S., but beyond these basic elements, I admittedly knew little. Since our desire when describing collectible items is to be as accurate as possible, whenever I/we would be presented with a knowledge gap “back in the day”, our bookshelves full of resource material was essential – but cumbersome. Then the internet came alive and our ability to gather information was drastically reduced – especially once we gathered a repertoire of reliable sources. BUT NOW…
The question of the day: “How reliable/accurate is AI?” Only time will tell, but I thought it might be fun to seek a little input as it relates to the topic at hand. I did a basic (“think”) search on Grok (Elon Musk’s AI) for: “Why was the 1790 Funding Act so significant?” The response was:
The 1790 Funding Act was a landmark piece of legislation in United States history, playing a pivotal role in shaping the young nation’s financial and political landscape. Proposed by Alexander Hamilton, the first Treasury Secretary, the act addressed the massive debt accumulated during the Revolutionary War by consolidating state debts under federal control and funding them at full value. Its significance can be understood through several key aspects:
(by John Trumbull)
### 1. **Debt Consolidation and Federal Authority**
The act allowed the federal government to assume the debts of individual states, centralizing financial responsibility. This move stabilized the economy by creating a unified approach to debt management. While controversial—some states that had already paid off their debts opposed subsidizing others—it strengthened the federal government’s authority over the states, marking a shift toward a more centralized system.
### 2. **Establishment of National Credit**
By issuing bonds to pay off old debts and funding them through tariffs and excise taxes, the Funding Act established the United States as a credible borrower. This was critical for gaining the trust of international creditors and investors, laying the foundation for future economic growth. It demonstrated that the U.S. could honor its financial obligations, a vital step for a fledgling nation.
### 3. **Foundation for a National Economy**
The act was a cornerstone of Hamilton’s broader financial vision, which included creating a national bank to manage government finances and issue currency. By addressing the debt crisis and introducing federal taxation, it set the stage for a stable, centralized financial system. This stability was essential for the nation’s economic development and influenced future fiscal policies.
### 4. **Political Impact**
The Funding Act deepened the divide between Federalists, who favored a strong central government, and Democratic-Republicans, who worried about federal overreach. This ideological conflict shaped early American politics and highlighted the act’s role in defining the balance of power between federal and state governments.
In summary, the 1790 Funding Act was significant because it marked the federal government’s first major step into financial governance, resolving the post-war debt crisis while establishing the U.S. as a financially credible nation. It solidified federal authority, built a foundation for economic stability, and influenced the political and economic trajectory of the United States for decades to come.
How did Grok do? Did it miss anything of critical significance?
If so, perhaps you would like to review Grok’s “DeepSearch“.
I’ll admit, AI makes me more than a little nervous; however, if properly constrained… Ok, I’d still be more than a little nervous.
Thoughts?
Snapshot 1871 – Yosemite Edition…
February 10, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Snapshot 1871…
Well, perhaps technically not a snapshot, but certainly an 1870’s version of such – an amazing woodcut illustration of one of my wife’s and my favorite places to visit:
Sandwiched at the midpoint of the timeline between the Mariposa War and when Yosemite National Park was established, this 1871 print of the Yosemite Valley captures the essence of its unspoiled grandeur. To read the corresponding article written by one who had just recently explored the region, go to:
“The Cub”, November, 1871
This publication describes itself as: “An Amateur Journal devoted to the interests of Boys and Girls”. As I tried to place myself in the shoes of a 19th century boy reading the article after viewing the illustration, I was reminded of the 1st time my wife and I beheld the valley for the 1st time. Standing from a perch atop Glacier Point – a location which enables one to drink in much of the Yosemite Valley in one visual snapshot, my childlike wonder came bursting forth from some long-buried place within, and my spirit cried out in praise to the One who created such things merely for our pleasure. What a memory!
More than just another anti-slavery newspaper… A recent find…
February 7, 2025 by TimHughes · 2 Comments
I would have thought that after roughly a half-century in this hobby I would have heard of almost every title in America, even if I never owned them. But recently we encountered some issues of “The Non-Resistant” from Boston. Certainly the title intrigued me.
Wikipedia does a nice job of describing it:
“The New England Non-Resistance Society was an American peace group founded by William Lloyd Garrison (publisher of the famous ‘Liberator’ newspaper) in 1838. At the organizing convention, members of the American Anti-Slavery Society & the American Peace Society expressed discomfort with Garrison’s philosophy of non-resistance & inclusion of women in public political activities. After conservative attendees opposing Garrison walked out of the convention in protest, those remaining formed the ‘New England Non-Resistance Society’.
The Society condemned the use of force in resisting evil, in war, for the death penalty, or in self-defense, renounced allegiance to human government, and because of the anti-slavery cause, favored non-union with the American South.
The New England Non-Resistance Society was one of the more radical of the many organizations founded by William Lloyd Garrison, adopting a Declaration of Sentiments of which he was the principal author, pledging themselves to deny the validity of social distinctions based on race, nationality or gender, refusing obedience to human governments, and opposing even individual acts of self-defense.
In the Society’s Declaration of Sentiments, Garrison wrote, ‘any person without distinction of sex or color, who consents to the principles of this Constitution may become a member and be entitled to speak at its meetings.’ The Society rejected loyalty to any human government; one historian has described the Non-Resistance Society’s ‘basic outlook as that of philosophical anarchism’.
The declaration was signed by 44 people, of whom 20 were women. Maria Chapman became the editor of its publication, The Non-Resistant, along with Edmund Quincy and William Lloyd Garrison and started publication in 1839. The publication lasted only several years but was indicative of the millennial character of parts of the reform movement.”
An interesting newspaper with an intriguing history. I should never be surprised by what comes our way.