Catalog Archive
Auction 194, Lot 716

Multiple Articles Critical of the Louisiana Purchase

"[Louisiana Purchase] Columbian Centinel & Massachusetts Federalist"

Subject: Document - Louisiana Purchase

Period: 1803 (published)

Publication:

Color: Black & White

Size:
13.1 x 20.4 inches
33.3 x 51.8 cm
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This is the 4-page November 9, 1803 issue of the Columbian Centinel & Massachusetts Federalist, which contains three references to the Louisiana Purchase. Page 1 has two articles titled “Louisiana,” the first from Alexander Hamilton’s New-York Evening Post raising Spain’s objections that France did not have title to the property the United States had agreed to purchase. The article is critical of the U.S. proceeding with the purchase and authorizing force to get possession. Hamilton was highly critical of the Louisiana Purchase. The second article, from the Aurora, reports Spain’s regret at ceding Louisiana to France, Britain’s attempt to turn Spain against France and the U.S. and speculation on some ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Spain regarding cession of Florida. Page 2 has a critical mention of the House of Representatives’ actions to enable the Louisiana Purchase after “The Spanish minister’s remonstrance is treated with as much contempt as Buonaparte would treat a remonstrance from the Landamman of Switzerland.”

References:

Condition: B+

Overall very good with light scattered foxing along the sheet edges. There is a signature in the top blank margin.

Estimate: $150 - $180

Sold for: $100

Closed on 9/13/2023

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