56. (BENJAMIN FRANKLIN) A pair of editions of the Aurora or General Advertiser, edited and published by Benjamin Franklin's grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache. Bache edited the decidedly pro-Jeffersonian paper until his arrest for violating the Alien Sedition Act. Offered here are two issues, folio, 4pp. ea., Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1797 and Mar. 29, 1798, each filled with political news and commentary including a curious advertisement for Porcupine's Gazette soliciting subscriptions for the new paper that would become Bache's fiercest and most vicious rival. William Corbett, the editor complained that "...The gazettes in the country have done it more real injury than all its open enemies ever did or can do. They mislead the people at home and misrepresent them abroad. It was these vehicles of sedition and discord that encouraged the counties in the West to rebel...encouraged the French to proceed from one degree of indolence to another...". Much more fine content. Offered together with two 1793 issues of The Mail; or Claypoole's, Daily Advertiser for April 25 and May 2, 1793. All four papers bear light scattered foxing, the usual folds, else in very good condition. $200-300