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.
Cape Breton & Louisbourgh in Canada...
Item #689160
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1747 Among the articles noted in the table of contents are: "Directions to Make Cyder Exceeding French Wine" "Recipe to Present Sea Sickness" "Scheme to Tax Tickets for Plays, etc." and many more.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with various news reports of the day, including an "Ex
... See More
Payments to wounded soldiers of the Revolutionary War...
Item #689125
January 31, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 1793
* Henry Knox - War Department notice
* Revolutionary War wounded soldiers
The back page has a notice headed: "War Department" concerning payments to be made to: "...military invalids of the United States..." signed in type by the Secretary of War: H. Knox.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins,... See More
Handsome newspaper... John Hancock on the front page...
Item #689113
June 27, 1793
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 27, 1793
* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America
* John Hancock document
As the photo shows, this is one of the more handsome & displayable mastheads of the 18th century.
The front page features a half column document to the Mass. Senate which relates to fraudulent payments to veterans of the Revolution... See More
Handsome newspaper... Two John Hancock documents on the front page...
Item #689112
March 21, 1793
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, March 21, 1793
* John Hancock signed in type
As the photo shows, this is one of the more handsome & displayable mastheads of the 18th century.
The front page features a full column: "Proclamation" for a day of thanksgiving and prayer, signed by governor: John Hancock. It is headed with the same coat-of-arms a... See More
Is the pursuit of independence worth the effort?
Item #689081
April 22, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, April 22, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Over two-thirds of the front page is taken up with the text of two Bill... See More
A Loyalist states why America is at war...
Item #689079
February 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Feb. 28, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Half of the front page first column is a: "Proclamation" signe... See More
Handsome newspaper from the late 18th century...
Item #688893
October 01, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Oct. 1, 1796 A very typical late 18th century American newspaper with a good mix of news reports of the day and advertisements. A fine opportunity for an early newspaper at a low price.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Handsome, early, displayable newspaper from 1715...
Item #688870
June 09, 1715
THE POST BOY, London, June 9, 1715
* Rare & early 18th century issue
* Nice masthead engravings
This is one of our favorite early newspapers as it is single sheet, small folio size, and has two great engravings in the masthead making it very nice for display (see images). The front page has various reports from throughout Europe while most of the back page is taken up with ads.
M... See More
The Black Act, used to pursue the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin...
Item #688863
April 22, 1727
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 22, 1727
* Highwayman Dick Turpin
The front page, all of page 2 and half of page 3 are taken up with essentially a re-stating of the 'Black Act' of 1723, which made poaching (commonly deer) a capital offense. It was this Act which was used to pursue the infamous Dick Turpin, before he turned to highway robbery.
Eight pages, nice condition.... See More
Trouble with Indians in 1792...
Item #688802
May 22, 1792
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 22, 1792
* 18th century American publication
The front page is filled with ads including six illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has two reports concerning problems with the Indians.
Among the back page ads is an illus. one for John McAllister whips and canes.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, several creases, nice cond... See More
Creating the town of Castine... Benedict Arnold...
Item #688796
March 02, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 2, 1796 The front page has a full column on the creation of the town of Castine, Maine, being an Act of the Massachusetts Legislature reading: "An ACT to divide the town of Penobscot into two distinct towns; and to incorporate the southerly part thereof into a town by the name of Castine." with the lengthy text, signed in type: Samuel Adams.
Keep ... See More
President Washington unites all patriotic hearts...
Item #688773
November 04, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 4, 1795 Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia noting: "The President has returned here from Mount Vernon. The reception he every where meets shews he unites in him all patriotic hearts...".
Four pages, scattered foxing, good condition.
From during Washington's administration...
Item #688768
August 24, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 24, 1796
* President George Washington era original
A very typical late 18th century American newspaper with a good mix of news reports of the day and advertisements. A fine opportunity for an early newspaper at a low price.
Four pages, very nice condition.
A layout for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688744
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Plan (print) for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688743
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #688742
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #688741
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 * The Copley medal of the Royal Society
* Benjamin Franklin electricity experiments
Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is ... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #688690
August 19, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, Aug. 10, 1713
* Rare 18th century publication
This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 7 1/2 by 13 inches... See More
Two single sheet "Extra" issues from 1794...
Item #688674
December 03, 1794
DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER EXTRA, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1794
* 18th century runaway slave ad
A single sheet "Extra" edition. The front page taken up with ads with a runaway slave ad headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" (see)
Complete as a single sheet issue, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore... slaves advertisements...
Item #688649
November 10, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Nov. 10, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (8) slaves related advertisements
The full ftpg. is taken up with ads including 10 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has 4 slavery related ads. And the back page has 4 more. (see)
Four pages, minor light foxing, nice condition.... See More
See the displayable front page from the 18th century...
Item #688601
June 08, 1721
THE POST-BOY, London, June 8, 1721
* Nice masthead engravings
One of my favorite 18th century newspapers with the two nice engravings in the masthead, plus the very decorative first letter in the text (see). Various European reports.
Single sheet, 8 1/2 by 14 1/8 inches, very nice, displayable condition.
Ten London newspapers from the 1790's...
Item #688567
May 04, 1795
(10) THE SUN and THE TIMES were two of the more famous & successful of British newspapers in the late 18th century. The Times remains one of the iconic papers of the world, having begun in 1788 and is still printing today. It was the first newspaper to have "Times" in the title, since lending its name to innumerable newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Here is a lot of ten issu... See More
18th century Baltimore...slave advertisements...
Item #688555
December 21, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 21, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) slaves related advertisements
The full ftpg. is taken up with ads including 5 illustrated ship ads & 4 slave related ads. The back page has another slave ad. (see) Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C. area.
Four pages, some light staining, minor margin wear, generally ... See More
Battle of Oswego, the French account...
Item #688534
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1756* Battle of Fort Oswego, New York
* French and Indian War
* Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
Content includes: "The French Account of the Taking of Oswego" which has over a full page of text with some great, detailed reporting of the battle.
This is historically very significant with a few points reading: "...on the 14th a body ... See More
Boston newspaper with Loyalist leanings... Opinions on Massachusetts clergy re the Charter...
Item #688492
December 26, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, December 26, 1768 The publisher of this newspaper had Loyalist leanings, causing its demise before the formal outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
All of pages 1 & 2 are taken up with a continued report on: "Voltaire on History". Page 3 has: "The Opinions of the Ministers of the colony of the Massachusetts...upon this question--Whether to Surrender the... See More
Would reject independence if offered... Regarding representation in Parliament...
Item #688491
April 04, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, April 4, 1768 Inside has most of a page taken up with a letter from the Speaker of the Mass. Assembly to one of the King's Secretaries of State, which includes: "...it seems to be conclusive that as those acts were made with the sole & express purpose of raising a revenue out of America, the subjects here are in those instances unfortunately ... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #688479
June 17, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 17, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
Page 4 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: &quo... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #688478
June 13, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 13, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
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: &quo... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #688477
June 18, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796
* President George Washington
Page 2 has an entire column taken up with: "AN ACT Making Provision for the Payment of Certain Debts of the United States" which is signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington.
The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 f... See More
Three documents signed by the President, George Washington...
Item #688473
June 22, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 22, 1796
* President George Washington
* Three documents signed in type
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 th... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress concerning the Whiskey Rebellion...
Item #688472
June 23, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 23, 1796
* re. The Whiskey Rebellion
* President George Washington
Page 2 has an: "ACT Making an Appropriation to Satisfy Certain demands attending the late Insurrection...", which provided money: "...to the discharge of certain incidental demands, occasioned by the trial of persons for crimes and offences... See More
Land for sale along the Potomac River...
Item #688468
April 28, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, April 30, 1796
* Rare publication
The front page is filled with ads including 21 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives". The back page has an ad: "Land On the Potowmac River for Sale" with details.
Four pages, great condition.... See More
Handsome newspaper from 1794...
Item #688438
February 03, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 3, 1794
* Rare 18th century American publication
Page 2 has over a column taken up with "Federal Legislature--Debate on Mr. Madison's Resolutions, continued". Pages 1 and 3 are taken up with ads and notices.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisement...
Item #688389
July 06, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 6, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) runaway slave advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 12 illustrated ship ads and 2 slave related ads. (see) Pages 2,3 & 4 have another slavery related ad.
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, damp staining at a few areas, generally nice.... See More
Signed by New York governor John Jay... 1798...
Item #688363
January 20, 1798
THE SPECTATOR, New York, Jan. 20, 1798
* Governor John Jay
* His response to the New York Senate
The back page has the "Answer of the Senate of the State of New York to the Speech of...John Jay, Governor..." which is followed by his response, signed in type: John Jay.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition.... See More
The situation with America... Report from Charleston...
Item #688361
August 04, 1779
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 4, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Report from Charleston, South Carolina
A brief item on pg. 2 notes: "...an express was received from South Carolina that General Prevost had made himself master of Charlestown [Charleston] the 11th ult, which he had carried by assault." See images for more details.
Over half of the f... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #688310
June 27, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 27, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
* 3 runaway slave advertisements
This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political o... See More
Over 293 years old...
Item #688180
October 07, 1729
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 7, 1729
* 18th Century original
* Over 291 years old
This newspaper is 293 years old. Various news from London and other parts of Europe, with interesting advertisements as well.
This title is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the world which began in 1665 and is still in existence today. Complete as a single sheet, measuring ab
... See More
* 18th Century original
* Over 291 years old
This newspaper is 293 years old. Various news from London and other parts of Europe, with interesting advertisements as well.
This title is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the world which began in 1665 and is still in existence today. Complete as a single sheet, measuring ab
Americans need to produce their own goods... Creeks vs. Choctaws...
Item #687575
January 21, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Jan. 21, 1768 The front page has over half a column of reports headed: "America", carrying over to page 2, with datelines from Providence and Boston. The first report is on a call for a meeting to promote industry & manufacture so as to not depend as much on foreign imports due to the taxes. Another item mentions: "...that the inhabitants have ha... See More
Marriage of Ben Franklin's daughter... Colonists distressed by duties..
Item #687574
January 19, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768 Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of... See More
The United States is selling land...
Item #687498
August 31, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 31, 1796 The front page begins with a nice document from the Secretary of the Treasury, Oliver Wolcott, concerning the sale of: "Lands of the United States" which are located: "...in the territory north-west of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of the Kentucky River..." with more detail.
Page 2 has a letter on the Napoleonic War signed ... See More
Signed by President John Adams...
Item #687491
May 02, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 2, 1798
* 18th century American publication
The back page has an: "Address to the President" from the merchants & traders of Philadelphia, with his response signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, good condition.... See More
During George Washington's administration...
Item #687490
September 15, 1791
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 15, 1791
* Nice 18th century American publication
* President George Washington era
Here is a great "generic" issue of this famous newspaper from the first term of Washington's administration. Various news and ads of the day.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, very nice condition.... See More
Letter from John Hancock...
Item #687489
October 13, 1791
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 13, 1791
* Massachusetts Governor John Hancock
Page 3 has a report concerning the collection of taxes, signed in type by the governor: John Hancock. Page 2 has a report on the: "Indian Expedition" of General Wilkinson.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, great condition.... See More
Criticizing the Jay Treaty... Thanksgiving to the Most High...
Item #687435
November 18, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 18, 1795
* Criticizing the Jay Treaty
The front page has a lengthy: "Address to the President Of the United States" with criticisms about the controversial Jay Treaty with England. It carries over to page 2 as well.
Page 3 has a brief note: "Peace is at length concluded between the United States and the Regency of Algiers...". Anoth... See More
Great content on the Revolutionary War... Brandywine Creek... Chesapeake Bay....
Item #687422
February 14, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE and COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Feb. 14, 1778
* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Brandywine & more
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report on the treatment of American captures by the British, with considerable detail.
It begins: "The following is an account of the treatment that the Continental officers, taken in the... See More
Terrific discussions on the value of independence from England... Confirmation Howe has evacuated Boston...
Item #687419
March 30, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terri... See More
From before the outbreak of war in America...
Item #687403
October 01, 1769
THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, (Edinburgh, Scotland), October, 1769 A somewhat "generic" issue of this uncommon magazine title with a wide variety of articles from before the outbreak of war with the American colonies.
Near the back is a half page of reports from "British North America".
The front page has the "Contents" listed. Complete in 56 pages, 5 by 8 inches,... See More
The Declaration of Independence...
Item #687396
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, August, 1776 * Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find issues containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing... See More
Congress responds to the King's Proclamation that the colonies are in open rebellion...
Item #687385
December 21, 1775
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE or the ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dec. 21, 1775
* King Charles III of England
* American colonies in rebellion
* U.S. Congress addresses conflict
* American Revolutionary War
Certainly the most historic content is found on page 3, being Congress' response to the King's proclamation of August 23 in which he refused to receive the conc... See More
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