The Independent Chronicle: and The Universal Advertiser. Boston, MA: August 2, 1787. Vol. XIX, Number 979. 4pp, 11.5 x 19 in.

Featuring front-page coverage of "An Ordinance for the Government of the Territory of the United States, North-West of the River Ohio," passed in Congress July 13, 1787.

The Northwest Ordinance organized the land between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River, which had been acquired by Britain from France in the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Britain had restricted (not totally successfully) immigration to the region by Royal Proclamation. Many Eastern seaboard states tried to claim all territory west to the next ocean, or at least a major river (although they were not entirely sure what that entailed at the time).

After the end of the Revolutionary War, Thomas Jefferson suggested the Eastern states give up their claims and the government create new states from the territory. Although Jefferson's plan did not come to fruition as he envisioned it, getting the eastern states to relinquish their claims was the first step. At least the dialogue was begun. Although not divided into states, the new land was gridded into townships that could be surveyed and sold or granted to citizens. The territory could be settled in an orderly manner. The Northwest Ordinance was crucial in that it set up the pattern for western expansion, from fee simple land ownership to electing representatives to congress and forming states, to be admitted on an equal footing with existing states. It did restrict slavery in the new states, which would set up conflict half a century later.

This paper contains many other congressional acts, such as the appointment of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson as Ministers Plenipoteniary empowered to negotiate with the Emperor of Morocco. Ads announce sales of western land.

An important Ordinance and a snapshot of a nation trying to cope with "growing pains."

Water stain along top margin, does not affect much text. A few other spots of foxing. Disbound, but overall very good.