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An historic broadside with a connection to early newspapers… revisiting “The Gerry-Mander”…
May 12, 2025 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
Although we just discussed the historic broadside, “The Gerry-Mander”, a few days ago, since it was initially part of Timothy Hughes’ personal collection, we thought it might enjoy hearing from him directly. Enjoy.
From Tim…
Many years ago I had access to a very unusual broadside (single sheet, printed on one side only) titled: “Natural And Political History of THE GERRY-MANDER! In Two Chapters…..With Cuts.” Although it was not a newspaper, which was always my focus, a little investigation showed it had a newspaper collection. It would not be until many years later that I discovered how historically significant it really was.
“Gerrymander” is an interesting term that came into being in 1812 at a meeting of Federalist political leaders and newspapermen in Boston. Complaints about the efforts of their Republican opponents to rig state elections by altering voting districts led artist Elkanah Tisdale to add a head and wings to an outlined map of a new senatorial district in Essex County and name it the “gerrymander” after the leader of the Jeffersonians, Governor Elbridge Gerry. The cartoon shocked the public and proved very effective. Gerrymander has since become embedded in the political lexicon of America.
This broadside we offer is described by dealer Barry Lawrence Ruderman as a “Rare political broadside featuring the first political cartoon in American history to visualize and satirize gerrymandering, one of the most enduring distortions of democratic representation…”.
As seen in the photos, this broadside pairs two woodcut maps with satirical letterpress text mocking the 1812 Massachusetts Senate redistricting law. The cartoon appeared in the Boston Gazette in March 1812, and quickly spread.
The left woodcut depicts the now-famous creature with wings, claws, and a serpent-like neck, labeling the towns it distorts. The right side features a straightforward district map of Essex County showing the two senatorial districts under the new law. The surrounding text is divided into “Natural History” and “Political History.” The first, reprinted from the Gazette, invents a monstrous genealogy for the gerrymander; the second details the law’s consequences—particularly how the Democratic-Republicans expanded their Senate majority from 21–19 to 29–11 despite losing the popular vote.
The American Antiquarian Society tentatively dates this broadside printing to between 1813 and 1822, the latter date coinciding with renewed controversy around redistricting. The cartoon here is virtually identical to the original Gazette version, suggesting either reuse of the block or a careful recutting of it.
Everything about this broadside makes this a landmark artifact of political commentary and electoral history in the United States.
It measures 18 by 20 inches, has minimal foxing, and is in nice condition. One dealer offers this very same broadside for $24,500.
The Gerry-Mander (1813-1822) – extremely rare from our Personal Collection…
May 9, 2025 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
And so it began… but not without a bit of push back…
Shown below is a somewhat detailed analysis of an intriguing item from our Personal Collection which we have now made available. It brought to light a new technique in the election process which was certainly not conceived by the original “founders” of the United States: Gerrymandering. Whereas a brief description can be found posted on the item’s listing (The Gerry-Mander!), due to the volume of information available through multiple sources – especially in the face of its under-the-radar significance and rarity, we thought others might appreciate learning about the broadside as much as we have. We hope you enjoy.
Summary
The broadside “Natural And Political History of THE GERRY-MANDER! In Two Chapters…..With Cuts” is likely from 1813–1822, published in Boston, and satirizes early U.S. gerrymandering. It reprints an 1812 cartoon and article coining “gerrymander,” linking to Governor Elbridge Gerry’s redistricting favoring Democrat-Republicans. Included are two sections:
• “Natural History”: Reprints the 1812 Boston Gazette piece, humorously describing the “Gerry-mander” as a new political monster.
• “Political History”: An original essay explaining the 1812 redistricting’s origins, noting it favored Democrat-Republicans (winning 29 seats to Federalists’ 11, despite more votes for Federalists). It calls for ending such practices, though gerrymandering persists today.
The broadside is a historically significant document which is only found in a few institutions – one being the Massachusetts Historical Society. It is not listed in Shaw & Shoemaker, a bibliography of early American imprints, underscoring its rarity.
Historical Context and Origin of “Gerrymander”
The term “gerrymander” emerged in 1812 during the governorship of Elbridge Gerry, a prominent figure in early American politics who signed the Declaration of Independence and served as James Madison’s vice president. In February 1812, Massachusetts Republicans, led by Gerry, engineered a radical redistricting plan to disadvantage the Federalist majority in the upcoming state senatorial elections. This plan was particularly evident in Essex County, where one district was redrawn into an irregular, elongated shape that resembled a salamander. The cartoon, first published in the Boston Gazette on March 26, 1812, was attributed to illustrator Elkanah Tisdale, who added wings, claws, and fearsome teeth to the map, transforming it into a monstrous creature. The term “Gerry-mander” was coined during a dinner conversation, possibly by painter Gilbert Stuart or poet Richard Alsop, combining Gerry’s name with the mythical beast.
The redistricting was highly effective: in the 1812 election, the Republicans’ majority grew from 21-19 to 29-11, despite the Federalists receiving more votes. This outcome highlighted the manipulative potential of gerrymandering, where politicians could pick their voters rather than voters choosing their representatives. However, ironically, Gerry lost his re-election bid in 1812, and there is little evidence he strongly supported the redistricting law, though his name became indelibly linked to the practice.
Additional Details & Summary
The broadside reprints the original 1812 cartoon and article from the Boston Gazette (March 26, 1812), attributed to illustrator Elkanah Tisdale, which depicted the district as a winged, clawed monster with satirical text. It is a rare and historically significant artifact that encapsulates the early American political practice of gerrymandering, a term and concept that remain central to discussions of electoral fairness. It’s call for ending gerrymandering contrasts with its persistence, as seen in modern debates over redistricting and voting rights. It serves as a reminder of the long-standing tension between political strategy and fair representation, with the term “gerrymander” remaining a symbol of electoral manipulation. The pronunciation note from some sources, suggesting it should be “gerrymander” with a hard ‘g’ rather than the common “jerrymander,” adds a linguistic dimension to its legacy, reflecting regional and historical variations in usage.
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?
The Political Season Has Arrived. Next Up – An October Surprise (?)…
October 4, 2024 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
Since it only takes 2 items to count as a series, this is the 1st post in what I am confident will be a series leading up to the election in November. However, in lest anyone already be overcome by political angst, please know the series will only meet the minimum requirement of 2 – one in September and one in October, this being the first.
In anticipation of what might soon be filling the airwaves and making the rounds on social media ad nauseum, I was inspired to explore the history of the political tactic of using an “October Surprise”. With minimal effort (thanks to the internet), I found a report in THE GLOBE, October 23, 1840, which describes what many believe to be the first such occurrence.
“In mid-October 1840, shortly before the 1840 presidential election, federal prosecutors announced plans to charge top Whig Party officials with “most stupendous and atrocious fraud” for paying Pennsylvanians to cross state lines and vote for Whig candidates in New York during the 1838 [midterm] elections.” ~ Wikipedia
So, as we keep our eyes open for what is sure to rain down upon us in short order, let’s keep our heads about us as we recite the age-old adage: “There is nothing new under the sun”. 
Leading up to the Political Season… Late 1800’s Edition…
August 26, 2024 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
Here it comes – at about this same time on a 4-year rotating basis… the autumn media ramp-up to our presidential election. Although it can seem a bit overwhelming at times – like a tsunami of ads and interviews, I thought it might be fun to look to the past at a more humorous version of political culture and embrace the comedy and satire that accompanied the mid-to-late 1800’s press. So, feel free to join me as I peruse Puck and Judge Magazines – not to mention the endless stream of Harper’s Weekly Nast Cartoons. We could all use a chuckle right about now.
The Founding Documents – the Bill of Rights edition…
July 12, 2024 by Laura Heilenman · Leave a Comment
I recently read about a “man on the street survey” where people were asked to choose one of the rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights from a list of 4 options. The options were: The right to vote, the right to healthcare, the right to a public education and the right to trial by a jury of your peers. Sadly, most of those interviewed did not pick the correct one. Even worse, most picked either the right to healthcare or the right to a public education. I quickly sent a group text to my adult children and asked them the same question and then awaited their responses with a bit of trepidation. Thankfully, my concern was unfounded.
One of the reasons we at RareNewspapers.com love what we do is that we feel as if we are helping to keep the heart of our country alive by protecting authentic papers containing real-time (contemporary) reports regarding our founding documents such as the Bill of Rights. The portion shown below was printed in THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia (PA), October 6, 1789. Newspapers like these need to be cherished and their message intentionally disseminated to all generations so future surveys are a bit more encouraging. Thanks in advance.
Be sure you are buying what you think you are buying…
June 10, 2024 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
History can throw collectors a curve ball now and then. If something read in an early newspaper doesn’t seem quite right, take a few moments to research. With the plethora of information on the internet today, it need not be difficult nor time-consuming.
When writing up a 1792 newspaper reporting the installation of the cornerstone of the President’s house, at first blush it seems to agree with history. The cornerstone of what is now known as the White House was, indeed, laid in 1792. But it reports it happened in Philadelphia. Okay, the nation’s capital moved from New York to its temporary location in Phila. for ten years while the District of Columbia was being built out, so again the report seemed logical. However, more research uncovered what was being reported.
The newspaper is the Columbian Centinel from Boston, dated May 26, 1792. Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: “The following inscription is cut on the cornerstone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United States, viz ‘This Corner Stone of the House to Accommodate the President of the United States, was laid May 10, 1792; when Pennsylvania was out of debt; Thomas Mifflin then Governour of the State’.”
Here is the background of the report:
As mentioned, the U.S. capital did move to Philadelphia. The President’s House was a mansion built from 1792 to 1797 by the state of Pennsylvania, located on Ninth St. between Market and Chestnut Streets, in Philadelphia. This was done to persuade the federal government to permanently stay in the city, yet this house intended for the president of the United States never housed any president.
On July 16, 1790, Congress passed the Residence Act which designated Philadelphia the temporary capital for a 10-year period while the permanent capital at Washington, D.C., was constructed. The recently built Congress Hall was used from December 6, 1790, to May 14, 1800. The president of the United States, first George Washington and then John Adams, resided at the house leased from financier Robert Morris, also known as the President’s House, on Market Street, between Fifth and Sixth Streets.
In September 1791, the Pennsylvania state government enacted the “Federal Building Bill” to pay for the renovations needed for the federal government office space and for the construction of a new executive mansion. Twelve lots were purchased on the west side of Ninth Street, between Market Street, then named High Street, and Chestnut Street.
This is the building with the cornerstone mentioned in the newspaper report, laid on May 10, 1792 (the cornerstone of the White House in Wash. D.C. was laid five months later). On March 3, 1797, Penna. Governor Mifflin offered the nearly completed mansion to John Adams on the eve of his inauguration. But Adams rejected the offer on constitutional grounds stating “as I entertain great doubts whether, by a candid construction of the Constitution of the United States, I am at liberty to accept it without the intention and authority of Congress”.
Thus neither Washington, no longer president when the mansion was ready, nor Adams, would reside in the President’s House in Philadelphia.
In 1800, the University of Pennsylvania purchased the property at public auction for use as a new, expanded campus. The university demolished the building in 1829 and replaced it with two new buildings.
So goes the interesting history of the “White House” that never was. Yet the report is an interesting piece of history nonetheless.
Snapshot 1973 – Henry Kissinger – 1st ethnic Jew & 1st naturalized U.S. citizen to become Secretary of State…
June 7, 2024 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
When it comes to politics and ethnicity, gender, religion, etc., U.S. firsts are noteworthy. A few which stand out are John F. Kennedy (1st Roman Catholic President), Barack Obama (1st black President), Kamala Harris (1st female and 1st black Vice-President), Antonin Scalia (1st Italian-American Supreme Court Justice), Hiram Revels (1st former slave to serve as a U.S. Senator), etc. The list of such significant milestones is almost endless.
Although it took place during my lifetime, to my loss one failed to capture the attention of my (then) 14-year-old mind. However, thanks to a collector’s request to see if we had coverage of the tragic death of singer-songwriter Jim Croce, my digging within our archives turned up a September 22, 1973 News and Observer (Raleigh, NC) which not only had a report on his death, but also featured the front-page headline: “KISSINGER CONFIRMED IN 78-7 VOTE” – telling of his becoming both the first Jewish-American AND first naturalized citizen to be confirmed as Secretary of State. He was sworn in the following day. Quite historic. Such “finds” are nearly a daily occurrence in the lives of our Rare & Early Newspapers’ staff – just one more reason to love this collectible!
Memorial Day (aka, Decoration Day) and the melting pot of grave markers…
May 27, 2024 by GuyHeilenman · Leave a Comment
Soon after the Revolutionary War, during the formative years of The United States, the metaphor “Melting Together” was often used to describe the citizenry of this new experiment in self-government. In the early 1900’s this morphed into “Melting Pot” as a result of Israel Zangwill’s famous play of the same name. The breadth of ethnicities which make up our nation can almost be described in Biblical terms – “every ethnos” (people group) – and for much of the past two centuries, although not without hurdles to clear, it has been one of our greatest strengths. However, being in the same pot does not necessitate a “melting together”. It takes hard work. Yet, the effort has proven to be worth it. Of course, our enemies know the reality of both – the strength it brings…. and the effort it takes, and so they seek to foment division from within. Sadly, too many do not see this nefarious manipulation or the writing on the wall if they continue to allow themselves to be a pawn of the tactics used by those who seek to weaken us at the core.
So, what does this have to do with Memorial Day? A few days ago I came across a May 31, 1939 New York Times which contained multiple reports telling of the prior day’s Memorial Day celebrations held throughout the country. What struck me was the “melting together” of citizens from every walk of life as they honored those who had given their very lives to earn, preserve, and protect those from each and every ethnos who comprise the melting pot in which we live. As I pondered which article to feature in conjunction with this post, considering current events, I thought the one below to be apropos. It is interesting to note that this article was written in the midst of perhaps the greatest effort in human history to create a nation based on the antithesis of a melting pot – specifically targeting those hereafter honored:
Happy Memorial Day? Perhaps. Grateful Memorial Day? Absolutely!
The reason I collected it: The State, 1892…
February 23, 2024 by TimHughes · Leave a Comment
The odd, dramatic, and unusual have always been a draw for me, and when I encountered The State (dated Nov. 9, 1892) from Richmond, Virginia, I knew it had to be part of the private collection.
The entire front page is a celebration of the election of Grover Cleveland as President in 1892. It is done in a very dramatic fashion, featuring a huge engraving of a rooster (once the symbol of the Democratic party) that stretches from just below the dateline to the bottom of the front page. There are also insets of both Cleveland and Adlai Stevenson. Of curious interest is the lack of a headline or any text.
The condition is worn as was typical with newsprint of the era, and with various archival repairs, but wow, what a wonderful issue for display!