Original November 29, 1788 issue of The Massachusetts Centinel (Vol. X, No. 22), published by Benjamin Russell "near the State-House" in Boston.
The Centinel was Boston's leading Federalist newspaper and among the most widely reprinted papers in America during the ratification era, famous for its "Federal Pillars" illustrations tracking each state's ratification. Motto at masthead: "Uninfluenced by Party, we aim to be JUST."
Printed during the nation's first federal elections, this issue captures the machinery of the new government being assembled.
The front page leads with a "PLAN of a FEDERAL UNIVERSITY," proposing a national university to train young Americans for civil and public life, signed "Citizen of Pennsylvania" — the pseudonym under which FOUNDING FATHER BENJAMIN RUSH published this plan in October 1788.
The "FEDERAL REGISTER" (p. 87) prints Connecticut's twelve nominated candidates for the first Federal Congress, including Roger Sherman, Jonathan Trumbull, and Jeremiah Wadsworth.
A New-York dispatch reports that Cyrus Griffin, John Brown, JAMES MADISON, JUN., John Dawson, and Mann Page have been appointed Delegates to Congress from Virginia.
Candidates for Federal Representative for the Suffolk district are announced, including John Lowell and Samuel A. Otis.
An essay (p. 85-86) by ADOPTED AMERICAN praises "our illustrious WASHINGTON, and the adoption of the Constitution," plus commentary invoking Franklin.
A letter to the editor by CRITO urging the election of WASHINGTON and ADAMS.
The "CRITO" letter highlights the intense political maneuvering of the first-ever U.S. presidential election cycle.
The Commentary: Driving the Federalist Ticket
In late 1788, the U.S. Constitution had been successfully ratified by the required number of states, but the actual mechanics of the new federal government were still being established. The states were preparing to choose their electors in early January 1789 for the very first presidential vote.
While it was widely understood that WASHINGTON would be chosen as President, the race for Vice President was a major focus of political commentary. JOHN ADAMS of Massachusetts was a leading Federalist contender, but he faced quiet opposition from various factions who worried about regional balance or his specific views on executive power.
By publishing an essay explicitly praising WASHINGTON and ADAMS, CRITO is engaging in early campaign advocacy. The piece serves a dual purpose:
Unifying the Public: Reassuring a cautious electorate that the newly forged executive branch would be safe under the stable, universally respected stewardship of WASHINGTON.
Securing the Regional Vote: Solidifying local New England support for Massachusetts' own JOHN ADAMS to ensure a balanced, powerfully intellectual partnership at the helm of the new government.
By choosing this name, the author frames himself as a loyal, pragmatic, and deeply invested friend to the American Republic—someone watching out for its survival and stability.
Because "Crito" was a popular classical pen name, it was utilized by a few different prominent Federalists and thinkers depending on the city and the year:
Dr. Samuel Tenney: In Massachusetts, the pseudonym "CRITO" was most famously used by Dr. Samuel Tenney (a distinguished Revolutionary War surgeon, scientist, and later a U.S. Congressman from New Hampshire). Tenney wrote frequently under this moniker to defend Federalist policies and the structure of the new Constitution.
Stephen Higginson: Another prominent Boston Federalist merchant and member of the Continental Congress, Higginson was highly active in the local press during the ratification and election cycles and frequently utilized similar classical pseudonyms to influence public opinion in the Centinel.
In a partisan Federalist paper like Benjamin Russell's Massachusetts Centinel, essays by "CRITO" were essential tools for building momentum, rallying public trust, and smoothing the transition from a loose confederation of states into a unified constitutional government.
Woodblock prints of four sailing ships on last page.
The issue also contains foreign intelligence from London and Dresden, a colorful account of a talking crow in Salisbury, and dense Boston merchant and shipping advertisements of the period.
Condition: Complete single folio sheet disbound from a bound volume, with stitch holes along the spine fold. Even light toning with scattered foxing and small stains, most noticeable on the front leaf. Edge wear with small chips and short tears at margins; dealer notation in pencil at upper right of front page on photo has been removed. Has original mailing folds. Paper is period rag stock, supple, with strong, dark, fully legible printing throughout. Please review all photos carefully — they form part of the condition description.