This 4-page issue of the Political Observatory (Walpole, N.H.) dated June 30, 1804 includes a large portion of David Ramsay's oration in favor of the Louisiana Purchase on pages 1 and 2. "The remainder shall be given in course" according to the editor, who described the author as "the scholar, the patriot, the HISTORIAN, and the ornament of America." Ramsay makes a strong and detailed case for the benefits of the purchase. He summarizes that: "History affords no example of the acquisition of such important national benefits, at so moderate a price, and under such favorable circumstances." In the same issue the opponents of the purchase in the New Hampshire legislature went on record: "It is our decided opinion, that the acquisition of New-Orleans…might have been obtained, not only without the probable expense of blood but without that profusion of treasure which has been expended in its purchase; and at the same think, we consider the unwieldly, undefined territory… one of the most fearful calamities…and…, as opening a door, by its extensive and unguarded frontiers, to every invading foe." History clearly sides with Ramsay.

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Condition: B

There is light toning, scattered foxing, and some chips and tears along the left edge of the newspaper. The front page has some soiling at top and a small area of loss.