Description:

George Washington
Boston, MA, October 22, 1789
Hancock Presents G. Washington's 1st Thanksgiving Proclamation,
Newspaper

Independent Chronicle and the Universal Advertiser, Boston: Adams and Nourse, October 22, 1789. 4pp, measuring 11.75" x 19.5". An early printing of George Washington's first Thanksgiving Proclamation as presented by John Hancock, appearing on the far left column of page 1. With additional reporting on two federal laws enacted by President Washington regarding the keeping of official U.S. documents and the payment of invalid pensioners. The original subscriber's name is written in period ink along the top as "P. Carleton." Previously bound, resulting in some loss along the far left margin, not affecting text. Scattered dampstaining and soiling throughout. The top corner of page 1 has been skillfully substituted with part of another similarly dated newspaper of the same masthead, later serialized.

An excerpt in part:
"By His Excellency John Hancock… A Proclamation for a Day of Thanksgiving. Having received from THE PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES, the following PROCLAMATION, viz.- 'WHEREAS it is the Duty of all Nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty GOD… And whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint Committee, requested me 'to recommend to the People of the United States, a DAY of PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty GOD, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceable to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.-'"

The Gazette of the United States would be the first newspaper to publish Washington's message in early October, marking the end of the first session of the First Federal Congress and the beginnings of the national holiday. On September 25, 1789, Congressman Elias Boudinot of New Jersey introduced the resolution to the House of Representatives, with the Senate adding its assent three days later. The following Saturday, October 3, as he signed cover letters forwarding the proposed Bill of Rights to the states, Washington issued his first Thanksgiving Proclamation as president. While the practice started much earlier in New England, and Washington himself had proclaimed a day of thanksgiving in December 1777 following victory over the British at Saratoga, this would be the first such proclamation after the ratification of the Constitution.

In his statement, Washington notably gives thanks for "tranquility, union, and plenty" and asks the Almighty to guide the new nation's leaders and government. The Proclamation served as a unifying address of national purpose celebrating two things, namely that the United States emerged victorious against British rule, and their subsequent peaceful transition to a new government. The American public enthusiastically accepted the President's orders and, on November 26, 1789, citizens all over the nation celebrated. Washington himself gave thanks by attending a service at St. Paul's Cathedral in New York City, and donated food and drink to prisoners in debtors jail. Six years later in 1795, he issued his second and final Thanksgiving Proclamation following the successful suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 11.75" x 19.5"
  • Medium: Newspaper

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

November 19, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000