The Continental Journal and Weekly Advertiser. Boston: Printed by John Gill through at least March 1785; in June 1785, Printed by James D. Griffith, new masthead (this shift could have occurred in April or May, but those are missing). Folio (10.5 x 17 in.), each issue 4pp. February 19, 1784 - December 8, 1785 with missing issues: present are numbers: 418, 420 - 434, 436 - 454, 456 - 476, 484 - 488 (2pp only), 490-491 (September 1), 493 (September 8), 499 (September 15) - 500 (September 22), 502-506, 508-511 (December 8). Approx. 79 issues.

Containing a serialized book, History of America, by William Robertson, D.D. that began some time before the first paper in this volume and continues until August 11, 1785. Following that is "Reflections on Courtship and Marriage," from August 8 to September 1, 1785. Thereafter are individual news items, including speeches of the Governor, some stories from other papers, and more.

On May 27, 1784, the paper announced the election of John Hancock as Governor and Thomas Cushing as Lieutenant Governor. The next week contained a more extensive listing of electees. The paper covered John Hancock's speech to the joint houses of the state legislature a short time later.

October 21, 1784 saw the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette. The "hoopla" associated with that visit is covered. Another event shortly after was the marriage of Benjamin Lincoln, Jr. to Polly Otis. The groom was the son of Major General Benjamin Lincoln, Revolutionary War hero and first Secretary of War. One interesting note was a proposal for a monument to be placed in Westminster Abbey for Major John Andre.

One notice is aimed (so to speak) at neighbors:
Whereas there is a law against firing small arms loaded with ball or small shot within the town of Boston; and the subscriber not being willing to put any one to expence, hereby desires all persons to desist from firing on the marsh or beach near his house, at the westerly part of Boston; If this practice is continued, the offenders may depend on being prosecuted to the utmost rigour of the law without distinction. Job Prince Aug. 25, 1784

A published notice from Richard Henry Lee states that there have been a number of forgeries and alterations on forms meant to settle the Army's final accounts. Congress decided to put up a reward of $500 for information about the person(s) responsible for these forgeries. (February 24, 1785)

Most of the ads and notices are typical of the day. Sales of dry goods, stationery, "winter goods," ship parts (hulls, spars, masts, etc.), crockery, foods such as teas, rum, citron, raisins, almonds, etc., hair powder and perfumes, hardware (literally, including iron bars), buckles, publications (books, almanacs, etc.). There are notices of ship wrecks and ships and their cargo for sale, shops moving, estate sales and calls for claims against estates, dissolved partnerships, robberies and runaways (horses, apprentices), help wanted, and people looking for work. One ad in the latter category was: "A Negro man, who understands driving a charriot [sic] and taking care of horses" was seeking work. Another was a wet nurse, "with a good breast of milk," willing to suckle an infant, plus several housekeepers. There was even a young educated man, who was good at doing hair, willing to serve an elder gentleman, dressing him and getting him ready for the day.

With the change in publisher, the paper began to include more poetry and a few more "inspirational" or moralistic stories.

Life seemingly returning to normal after the war.

Large volume becoming disbound. Occasional tears and holes in pages; not a lot of text affected. Only a couple with extensive toning. Scattered foxing, as expected. Note that numbers are not consecutive for September 1785, but 4 issues are present.