1813-1815 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN - SLAVERY. 39 Issues of the Aurora-Tri-Weekly Paper. Rare!

An Exceptional Assemblage of 39 Weekly Non-Bound Issues of the Aurora Tri-Weekly [Sort-Of] Published in Philadelphia by Benjamin Franklin’s Grandson and on Franklin’s Printing Equipment.

This exceptional assemblage was purchased from the estate collection of William Guthman. He is perhaps best remembered as an early American expert for the original Antiques Road Show, but he was also a historian of the same and owner of one of the finest collections of Americana print and manuscript material gathered in the modern era.

The paper itself was significant and for many years a significant voice of the Republican [sometimes Radical Republican] party in the country. It began when Franklin’s grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache, inherited Franklin’s printing presses. Already with a strong authorial and editorial voice, he immediately took to publishing.

The Aurora was noted for regularly publishing involving the slave trade, fugitive slaves, anti-federalist policies and politicians, and promoting coverage for African Americans, highlighting sermons preached by black preachers, etc.,

Not an unbroken run by any means, but a formidable assemblage. Please note that it was published on a rather eclectic schedule, at times being less than once a week, and at times days in a row for weeks. Included are:

For 1813. June 8, June 17, and June 19.

For 1814. March 3, March 5, March 10, March 12, March 15, March 18, March 19, March 21, March 22, March 24, March 28, March 29, May 2, May 3, May 5, May 10, May 12, July 20, August 23, October 9, October 27, November 1, November 5, November 8, November 10, November 12, November 15, November 17, November 19, November 29, and November 29.

For 1815. January 6, January 9, January 10, January 24, and March 11.

Good condition, some tenderness at original folds, Old signature of “Leachman” at the head.

Now very rare. But a single issue or two on the market at present. Heritage sold a single 1814 issue for $170 in 2022, and in general issues fetch between $100 and $200 each when offered at auction. We would far rather see this excellent assemblage remain intact.