Item Specifics: • Year: 1827 • Original/Reproduction: Original • Publisher: John Durnford (Syracuse, NY) • Subject: Historic Americana, Anti-Masonic Movement, New York History, Early Commerce
Description
Up for auction/sale is a highly scarce, authentic 1827 broadsheet printing of the Syracuse Gazette & General Advertiser (Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York). This particular issue holds immense historical value, featuring extensive, front-page coverage of one of the most infamous scandals in early American political history: The Morgan Affair.
Historical Highlights Included:
• The William Morgan Inquest: Contains the incredibly detailed, multi-column report titled "TO THE PUBLIC. DISCLOSURES OF WILLIAM MORGAN." This covers the dramatic October 1827 inquest over the decomposed body washed ashore at Oak Orchard Creek on Lake Ontario, featuring testimonies from Mrs. Lucinda Morgan and Dr. John D. Henry. This pivotal event ignited the nationwide Anti-Masonic movement and led to the creation of America's first political third party. • Early Syracuse Commerce & Advertisements: The reverse pages offer an incredible window into early upstate New York commerce. Notable local advertisements include A. Hudson (Watch Maker, Silversmith, & Jeweler), Elam Holcomb’s Syracuse Chair Factory (Windsor chairs), V. Cook & Co. Dry Goods, regional Post-Coach schedules, and shipping/forwarding notices.
Condition Report (As-Is):
• This is an authentic 200-year-old newspaper printed on historic rag paper. • Displays typical age-related golden-brown toning and foxing throughout. • Standard historical fold lines show wear, fraying, minor splitting and separation of 3/4 length of the main seam. • There is a clean cutout section on one of the advertisement pages (approx. a few square inches missing from one column, see photos). • Text remains remarkably bright, crisp, and fully legible for reading or framing. Please review all photos carefully to assess the precise condition.
A remarkable survivor and a must-have piece for collectors of Masonic history, New York Americana, or early American journalism.