Lead-up to a Nation… as reported in the newspapers of the day (Intro)…

September 5, 2025 by · Leave a Comment 

At Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers, we feel like we’re stepping onto the field for our very own Super Bowl—only this time, the stakes are historical! As we begin the 12-month countdown to the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we are honored to be part of this extraordinary moment in time.
To commemorate this milestone in our nation’s story—the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government—we’re thrilled to launch a special series that brings the past to life. Starting this month, and several Fridays each month between now and the official anniversary on July 4, 2026, we will highlight pivotal pre-Independence Day events exactly as they were covered in the printed news of the day.
As the year progresses, we’ll also shine a spotlight on the U.S. Constitution, the remarkable framework that has kept our Republic “between the bumper rails” for nearly 250 years. And of course, we’ll celebrate We The People and the visionary Founding Fathers whose bold leadership helped lay the foundation for a new nation.
As George Washington so aptly stated in his very first State of the Union Address in 1790, “The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” We at Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers are proud to honor that enduring legacy—and we would be delighted if you would join in the celebration.

Shown below are the first four installments.

The Necessity of Taking Up Arms – Lead-up to a Nation (E1)

​The Olive Branch Petition – Lead-up to a Nation (E2)

The Speech of Edmund Burke – Lead-up to a Nation (E3)

England Declares War – Lead-up to a Nation (E4)

We hope you enjoy this year-long trek to the 250th anniversary of The United States through the eyes of those who were fully engaged, first hand. All accounts will be through what they read in the newspapers of the day. After all, as Tim Hughes proclaimed back in 1975: “History is never more fascinating than when read from the day it was first reported.”

Filed under: Collecting Newspapers, Colonial, Newspaper Collecting Ideas, Noteworthy Issues, Revolutionary War, The 1500's - 1700's, The Collectible Community, The Hobby, The Rare Newspapers Community
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A rousing call for freedom…

July 1, 2015 by · Leave a Comment 

We occasionally find nice editorials or letters in newspapers of the colonial era which express a concern for the relationship between England and the colonies. Most appear during the midst of the Revolutionary War, but they can be found, at times, in newspapers dated between the Stamp Act of 1765  and the outbreak of war ten years later.

The “Essex Gazette” of March 14, 1775 contains on page two a very rousing “call to arms” in support of freedom from the “tyranny” of England (one is shown below -both are viewable through the link). Hint is made for the need for freedom from British control some 15 months prior to the Declaration of Independence.

Take a moment to read this great letter, headed: “May Truth’s bright Beams and Freedom’s Rage, Confound the Villains of the Age.” A very appropriate piece as we now celebrate the 239th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.Blog-7-3-2015-Cause-of-Freedom

Filed under: The Collectible Community
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