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This issue has an unusually strong combination of early-American medical, financial, military, and Latin American material.
The standout local story is a substantial contemporary report headed “SPOTTED FEVER”, warning that the deadly disease had again appeared in the area, with four severe cases observed and two already fatal. The writer discusses whether cases previously called typhus were actually the same disease and describes the alarming return of the petechial or “Spotted Fever.” This was a real Vermont epidemic: contemporary medical history records spotted fever appearing in Vermont in 1811, and an 1811 treatise was devoted specifically to the malignant epidemic then known by that name.
Much of the issue is devoted to Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin's report on the finances of the United States, including federal revenue, military and naval expenditures, customs duties, public lands, taxation and the PUBLIC DEBT. Gallatin reports the U.S. public debt at $79,926,999 on April 1, 1801, discusses more than ten years of debt reduction, and considers how the government could finance extraordinary expenses in the event of war. The report is signed in print:
ALBERT GALLATIN
Treasury Department, Nov. 22, 1811
Especially interesting given that the United States was only months away from the War of 1812.
Other content includes:
- “NEW SPANISH REPUBLIC” — news from Caracas concerning Venezuelan independence, General Miranda and the government at Caracas.
- Discussion of military preparedness, including proposals concerning the standing army, naval force and armed private vessels.
- Notice of a Washington Monument Association in Boston seeking to erect a monument to George Washington.
- Congressional news concerning Gallatin's budget and congressional apportionment.
- A curious period medical piece titled “The Herb Burrage,” claiming the plant could restore people overcome by “mephitic gas.”
- “A Lost Husband,” political commentary, foreign news and other period material.
The dramatic eagle masthead bears the motto “WE ARE ONE.”
Condition
Good antique condition for an original 1811 newspaper. Expected age toning, scattered foxing/staining and handling wear are present. Irregular edges with small chips, tears and losses, particularly along the outer margins. Some creasing and fold wear. Printing remains generally dark and highly legible, and the large illustrated masthead displays especially well. Please examine photographs carefully for exact condition and completeness.
1811 newspaper, The Washingtonian Windsor Vermont, spotted fever epidemic, spotted fever Vermont, early American medicine, medical history, epidemic newspaper, Albert Gallatin, Treasury Secretary, public debt, United States Treasury, War of 1812, pre War of 1812, Venezuela independence, Francisco de Miranda, Caracas, New Spanish Republic, Washington Monument Association, early Vermont newspaper, Federal period newspaper, Jefferson Madison era, early American finance
