Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.
Still with the original blue wrappers...
Item #684748
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, October, 1769 Rarely do we find such 18th century magazines in their original state--never bound, never trimmed, and with their original blue outer wrappers. Here is one.Inside the front wrapper is the title/contents have most are familiar with, featuring a very detailed engraving of the London skyline.
Near the back in the "Monthly Chronologer" wit... See More
Rare Daniel DeFoe periodical...
Item #684747
November 04, 1708
A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, Nov. 4, 1708
* Rare Daniel Defoe periodical
* Early 18th century original
From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is: "...one of Daniel Defoe's greatest, but least known, works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical. It had a tiny original pri... See More
Just before the Constitution is created...
Item #684743
November 09, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, Nov. 9, 1786 (year in Roman numerals)
* 18th century American publication
A notable newspaper from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the American Constitution when the founding fathers were crafting a framework for a new federal government.
Various news reports of the day including polit... See More
On the future prospects of the United States...
Item #684737
April 20, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, April 20, 1786 (year in Roman numerals)
* 18th century American publication
A notable newspaper from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the American Constitution when the founding fathers were crafting a framework for a new federal government.
Page 8 is entirely taken up with: "Obser... See More
Just a three cent reward is offered...
Item #684733
September 07, 1799
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 7, 1799 various news reports of the day inside with the front page taken up with ads. Among them is a reward advertisement at the bottom of the front page: "Three Cents Reward" for a runaway servant girl, with description. Included is: "...proud, bold and impudent, a noted lyar..." which perhaps deval... See More
Just a half a cent reward is offered...
Item #684732
September 24, 1799
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 24, 1799 Perhaps the best content is the reward advertisement at the bottom of the front page: "Half A Cent Reward" for a runaway apprentice boy, with description. Included is: "...remarkable for being a noted liar..." which perhaps devalues his worth.
Four pages, archival strengthening at the blank ... See More
Just a half a cent reward is offered...
Item #684729
September 20, 1799
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 20, 1799 Perhaps the best content is the reward advertisement at the bottom of the front page: "Half A Cent Reward" for a runaway apprentice boy, with description. Included is: "...remarkable for being a noted liar..." which perhaps devalues his worth.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Did the Yellow Fever epidemic cause this single sheet issue?
Item #684728
September 13, 1799
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 13, 1799 For whatever reason this is a single sheet issue as the print: "Printed by J. W. Fenno." appears at the bottom of page 2, which always appeared at the bottom of the back page. the Yellow Fever epidemic at the time may have been the reason.
The front page is taken up with ads while news reports are on ... See More
Reward ads for desertion from the military...
Item #684722
July 15, 1799
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, July 15, 1799 Various news of the day including some naval reports on relations with France. There are two: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ads for deserted soldiers with much detail.
Four pages, very nice condition.
This newspaper lasted but two years...
Item #684687
October 15, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, Oct. 15, 1795
* Rare 18th century American publication
A volume two issue of this elusive title from Boston which lasted just two years. Various news of the day & a wealth of ads. An "orrery" is a mechanical model of the Solar System that illustrates or predicts the relative positions and motions of the planets and moons, usually according to the h... See More
For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character...
Item #684640
June 03, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 3, 1796 Page 2 has reports from Congress including: "The bill for making appropriations for the support of the military and naval establishments of 1796, was read a third time and passed...".
Page 3 had an ad: "For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character..." and a bit more.
The back page has 2 runaway... See More
Sale of a slave girl... Debating the Jay Treaty...
Item #684639
June 02, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 2, 1796 Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A likely healthy NEGRO GIRL..." with deta... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty... Slave-related ads...
Item #684638
June 01, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 1, 1796 Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For A Term of Years, A Negro Man about 22 years of age..." with details.... See More
Creating the Bank of Maryland... President Washington signs a letter...
Item #684636
May 30, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, May 30, 1796
* Bank of Baltimore, Maryland creation
* President George Washington letter
Much of pages 2 & 3 are taken up with; "An Act to Establish A Bank and Incorporate the Subscribers Thereto." which begins: "Be it enacted by the general assembly of Maryland, That a bank shall be established at Baltimo... See More
Runaway slave ads...
Item #684633
May 26, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, May 26, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* Slaves advertisements
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, A healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 3 has two runway slave ads headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" and "Five Pounds Reward" with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty... Troubles around Detroit...
Item #684631
May 24, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, May 24, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
Page 2 and a bit of page 3 are mostly taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
Page 3 has a report headed: "Pittsburg" no... See More
Ad for a whip and cane manufactory...
Item #684612
July 07, 1797
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, July 7, 1797 The back page has an ad for a: "Whip and Cane Manufactory" who makes not only these items by billiard balls as well. Much detail provided.
Four pages, one margin slightly irregular, good condition.
Three documents signed by the President, George Washington...
Item #684610
June 22, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 22, 1796 Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...t... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty... Runaway slaver ads...
Item #684578
June 11, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 11, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from Congress concerning debates on the controversial Jay Treaty with England.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A Likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.... See More
Men were roasted and then devoured...
Item #684536
May 07, 1789
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 7, 1789 Page 2 has a rather gruesome report concerning: "...navigators sent out for the purpose of making discoveries by order of the French court...".
It mentions that when the crew went ashore to make observations, "...the natives shewed every friendly disposition...for no sooner were they within their power, than their perfidy w... See More
Meeting with an Indian chief...
Item #684535
September 03, 1787
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 3, 1787 Page 2 has a letter from Philadelphia mentioning a meeting with an Indian chief Sconetoyack, and that: "...They will leave this place in a few days for New York to represent to Congress some grievances & to demand an observance of the treaty of Hopewell, on the Keown, which they say has been violated & infringed by the lawle... See More
Commodore Pearson awarded for his action with John Paul Jones...
Item #684534
September 02, 1786
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 2, 1786
* Post Revolutionary War
* re. John Paul Jones
Page 2 has an interesting report of a pension being granted to Commodore Richard Pearson due to: "...his eminent services in that desperate action off Scarborough when, with so inferior a force, he saved an immense Baltic fleet with the whole trade of the North from falling into ... See More
Letter from Patrick Henry, and much on the Revolutionary War...
Item #684429
June 09, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 9, 1779
* Patrick Henry letter signed in type
* Much on the Revolutionary War
Pages 2 and 3 contain a wealth of reporting on the Revolutionary War including a letter from Charleston noting in part: "The campaign in George and the Southern part of this state between the royal army commanded by Brigadier General P... See More
Death & funeral of Governor Increase Sumner...
Item #684283
June 12, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 12, 1799
* Increase Sumner death
* Massachusetts governor
Page 2 has over a full column taken up with: "Arrangements For The Funeral Of the Late Governor Sumner" including the "Procession from the State House--Funeral Escort" showing the position of the "corpse" and the pall bearers. Nice to have in this title.
Four page,... See More
William H. Harrison when he was 26 years old...
Item #684282
December 18, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 18, 1799
* William Henry Harrison
* Very early mention (26 yrs. old)
* Northwest Territory Congressman
The top of page 2 has a brief report headed: "Delegate To Congress" noting: "Mr. W. H. Harrison having produced his credentials as delegate to Congress from the N.W. Territory, the same were referred to the Committee of Elections.&qu... See More
Three John Adams script signatures on the front page...
Item #684279
August 21, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 21, 1799
* President John Adams : script signatures on front page
Close to half of the front page is taken up with three Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. The first concerns: "...regulating the grants of land appropriated for military services, and for the society of the United Brethren for propagating the G... See More
Letter signed by Buonaparte...
Item #684275
June 19, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 19, 1799 Page 2 has a report: "News!" "Letter from Buonaparte - Army of The East" which includes a letter signed in type: Buonaparte. Other "Accounts From Europe" as well.
Among the back page ads is: "Ten Dollars Reward" for a soldier who deserted from the military.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the spine, good condi... See More
One of the more decorative mastheads of the 18th century...
Item #684156
April 03, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 3, 1795
* Nice masthead engraving - 18th century America
* Illustrated farms for sale advertisements
If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete i... See More
Trouble between America and France...
Item #684126
August 25, 1798
FELIX FARLEY'S BRISTOL JOURNAL, England, Aug. 25, 1798
* Rare 18th century publication
Nice engraving in the masthead. The news reports are mostly from England but the front page has a report concerning the troubling relationship between America and France. Another article on the back page: "America and France" which leads in with: "The Preamble of the Bill lately in... See More
On the XYZ Affair, with letters from President Adams...
Item #684097
June 27, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 27, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
The first column has a brief document signed by the President: John Adams, as an introduction to a lengthy document regarding the XYZ Affair and relations with France.
Page 2 has yet another related document signed by: John Adams as well as one from the French diplomat, one of the principals i... See More
On the XYZ Affair... John Adams responds...
Item #684096
June 23, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1798
* re. the XYZ Affair
* France relations
* Charles Talleyrand
Most of the front page is taken up with a lengthy letter from the French Foreign Minister signed: Ch. Mau. Talleyrand, concerning the XYZ Affair, which would lead to the Quasi-War.
Page 2 has an address of the Mass. Legislature to the President, with his response signed in type: Jo... See More
Loyalists heading to Jamaica... Governor John Hancock...
Item #684082
February 03, 1785
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Feb. 3, 1785
* Post Revolutionary War America
* Loyalists heading for Jamaica
* Mass. Governor John Hancock
The entire front page is taken up with the continued: "History of America, by William Robertson".
Page 3 has a report concerning disputes over the British post at Niagara and use of the Mississippi River. Also... See More
Listing of the United States Navy...
Item #683823
August 28, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 28, 1799 Page 3 has a chart listing: "Untied States Navy - Vessels In Service" as well as a list of "Vessels Building" listed by name, number of guns, and their commanders. Included are the United States, Constitution, Constellation among the frigates, plus others noted as "Ships" "Brigs" and &q... See More
Death & funeral of the governor: Increase Sumner...
Item #683820
June 12, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 12, 1799
* Increase Sumner death - funeral
* Massachusetts governor
The front page has a list of the: "Government of Massachusetts for the Year 1799" which begins with the governor, Increase Sumner. And then page 3 has over a full column on his death, headed: "Grievous Mortality" which begins: "The pai... See More
Recruitment ad for joining the U.S. military...
Item #683819
June 05, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 5, 1799
* From the year of George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter from Lord Nelson to his wife. Page 3 also has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government &... See More
George Washington & the Masons... Nelson & the Battle of the Nile...
Item #683816
December 12, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798
* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons
Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The ba... See More
Thrilled to meet George Washington...
Item #683815
November 21, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 21, 1798
* President George Washington
* Fountain Inn - Baltimore visit
* Captain William Bryden owned
Page 2 has an item from Norfolk: "The trial of the ship Niger, captured some time ago by the United States frigate Constitution...after a long hearing she was liberated...".
An item from Baltimore has: "This m... See More
Nice on the Battle of the Nile...
Item #683814
November 14, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 14, 1798
* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile
* Napoleon Bonaparte
Page 2 has a report from "Knoxville" concerning a treaty with the Cherokees. Page 3 has: "Nelson Victorious, and Buonaparte Defeated" which is fine reporting on the Battle of the Nile, taking nearly 1 1/2 column.
Four page... See More
Delinquent subscribers must pay up... John Adams documents...
Item #683813
March 20, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, March 20, 1799
* Nice 18th century American publication
The front page begins with a notice: "To Delinquent Customers" notes that: "...a settlement must take place immediately...To prevent the unpleasant business of suing is the occasion of delaying the period of settlement to the time above mentioned." signed in ... See More
The Yellow Fever epidemic in 1798...
Item #683678
October 31, 1798
THE SPECTATOR, New York, Oct. 31, 1798
* Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic
An unusual issue being single sheet rather than the typical 4 pages due to the on-going Yellow Fever Epidemic which ravaged much of the Eastern United States at that time.
There are several front page reports concerning the epidemic including numbers of recent deaths from the fever.
Four pages, never-trimmed,... See More
Anthony Wayne proclaims a treaty with Indian tribes...
Item #683616
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page.Among the articles are: "Thoughts on Patience" "The Delights of Benevolence" "On Female Manners" and much more.
Near the back is the latest news of the day both from Europe and the States, the latter... See More
An American magazine from 1795...
Item #683614
August 01, 1795
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much mor... See More
Boston magazine from the 18th century...
Item #683613
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1795 Articles within include: "Account of Warren Hastings" "The Delights of Benevolence" "Description of a Highland Hut" "The Cacique of Ontario" "On Ascending Thunder" and more.Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with the latest news including a report that: "A Treaty of Peac... See More
Revolutionary War pay document for an officer...
Item #683586
October 14, 1781
A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated October 14, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Abner Adams five pounds in bills of this state...and charge the state. Pay Table Office, Oct. 14, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A nice item for display, and dated just 5 days before Corn... See More
Revolutionary War pay document for an officer...
Item #683581
October 14, 1781
A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated October 14, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Abner Adams five pounds in bills of this state...and charge the state. Pay Table Office, Oct. 14, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 6 1/4 by 7 3/4 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A nice item for display, and dated just 5 days before Corn... See More
New York harbor is frozen over: people are walking to Long Island...
Item #683557
April 30, 1728
THE POST BOY, London, April 30, 1728 Among the front page reports is one datelines at "New York, Jan. 29" noting that: "There has not been one vessel enter'd here for two weeks past...the river being frozen up for that great numbers of people have gone over upon the ice to Long Island."
It is uncommon to find such early mention of America in period newspapers.
A sin... See More
Slaves being transported to Virginia or Maryland...
Item #683546
June 17, 1729
THE POST BOY, London, June 17, 1729 Among the front page reports is one noting: "The Grove snow, Capt. Ford, was met in the latitude of 25...from Antiqua, having 230 fine Negroes on board, and bound with them to Virginia or Maryland, having lost only 12 in their voyage."
A single sheet issue, 8 1/2 by 14 inches, two decorative engravings in the masthead, great condition.... See More
Front page reports from Boston...
Item #683531
March 27, 1727
THE POST BOY, London, March 23, 1727
* Rare British publication w/ engravings
Among the news reports are several under the dateline of "Boston in New England", the lengthiest being an account of an earthquake in Martinique. Two other reports from Boston as well.
A single sheet issue, 8 1/2 by 14 inches, two decorative engravings in the masthead, great condition.... See More
Pennsylvania's governor... Avoiding the pirates...
Item #683528
May 10, 1726
THE POST BOY, London, May 10, 1726
* Real Pirates of the Caribbean
* Rare, displayable publication
Among the news reports are two on the front page mentioning: "Last week Patrick Gordon, the new Governor of Pennsylvania, sailed from the Downs for his Government of that Province...". And then a letter from Barbadoes mentions in part: "...and on the 5th of February follow... See More
Very early, short-lived, colonial newspaper...
Item #683461
July 12, 1753
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, July 12, 1753
* Rare Colonial New York original
* Short lived publication
This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very e... See More
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