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SKU: NEWS-MA-CENTINEL-1787-06-20
Original issue of The Massachusetts Centinel (Vol. VII, No. 27), published Wednesday, June 20, 1787. This newspaper captures the United States at a moment of extreme political tension as the Federal Convention in Philadelphia entered its most consequential phase.
This issue reflects public anxiety surrounding the Convention’s secret deliberations, the legitimacy of concentrated executive power, and fears that republican government might give way to a veiled form of monarchy.
Constitutional Convention & Republican Alarm
Reports address rumors emerging from Philadelphia that some delegates favored a “strong executive power,” provoking widespread fear that the people might be deceived by an “empty shew of power.”
A pointed historical warning invokes Tiberius, drawing a classical parallel between Roman tyranny and potential American despotism.
A significant essay signed “Brutus” criticizes the Convention’s “dark deliberations,” arguing that secluded assemblies are incompatible with republican government and popular sovereignty.
Rhode Island is reported to have “virtually withdrawn herself from the union” by refusing to attend the Convention and continuing reliance on depreciated paper money.
Benjamin Franklin & Scientific Petition
“President Franklin,” referring to Benjamin Franklin in his role as President of the Pennsylvania Executive Council, is mentioned as recipient of a petition from John Churchman, who sought certification of discoveries related to determining longitude by land or sea and the variation of the magnetic needle.
The article presents Franklin as a patron of useful arts and scientific advancement at the very moment he was shaping the constitutional future of the nation.
Governor John Hancock Proclamation
The front page features a substantial proclamation by John Hancock, Governor of Massachusetts, offering clemency to repentant participants in recent rebellion.
Crucially, grace is explicitly denied to major figures of Shays’ Rebellion, including Daniel Shays, Luke Day, Eli Parsons, and Perez Hamlin, whose actions are described as too “flagrantly guilty” for pardon.
Frontier Violence & Instability
A report details an ambush of settlers traveling toward Kentucky, resulting in deaths and captives taken, with warnings that the coming summer may prove “very troublesome.”
The article reflects the fragility of western expansion during the Confederation period.
Secret Societies & European Anxiety
Under foreign intelligence, the paper reports on a massive “Secret Society” in Germany, explicitly distinguished from the Free-Masons.
Its vast hierarchical structure is said to alarm European princes, who fear its capacity for political mischief despite claims of benevolence.
Condition
Original late-18th-century rag paper. Expected age-related toning and handling wear consistent with period newspapers. (No modern restoration noted.)
Authenticity
Guaranteed original 1787 newspaper issue. Not a reproduction or later facsimile.
Codex Giga Rare Books
Fine antiquarian books, manuscripts, historic newspapers, and primary sources in religion, law, literature, and political history.
Massachusetts Centinel 1787, Constitutional Convention newspaper, Brutus letter, John Hancock proclamation, Shays Rebellion, Daniel Shays, Benjamin Franklin 1787, early American politics, federal convention press, original 18th century newspaper
