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.
John Adams responds, Thomas Jefferson intervenes...
Item #701700
October 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Af... See More
Terrific political cartoon from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701553
February 01, 1778
THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1778
* American Revolutionary War era
* Very rare political cartoon illustration
The prime feature of this issue is a great full page plate which is a political cartoon concerning England as it relates to the American colonies (click here to see a high-resolution photo of the cartoon).
A page has an: "Explanation of the... See More
Five Acts of Congress signed by President Washington...
Item #701544
April 18, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 18, 1795
* President George Washington
* Five United States Congress acts
The front page is dominated by not one, but five Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Two of the Acts relate to the recent Whiskey Rebellion troubles: "An Act to Provide some Present Relief...who have Suffered in Their Pr... See More
Washington responds to Congress' reaction to his annual address... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #701539
December 25, 1790
THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 25, 1790
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
* United States Congress reaction
* re. death of Benjamin Franklin
The front page begins with the Senate's response to Washington's state-of-the-union address, followed by his response signed in script type: George Washington. This is then followed by the House of Re... See More
George Washington, Sam Adams, and building the original frigates...
Item #701538
July 16, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 16, 1794
* re. United States Navy creation
* Construction of the frigates begins
* USS Constitution, Constellation & U.S.
The front page has an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. Also two Acts of the Massachusetts Legislature, each signed in type by Samuel Adams.
The top of page 2 has: "The Age of R... See More
Congress gives Tousard a pension for life... Thomas Paine...
Item #701536
May 17, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 17, 1794
* President George Washington
* French officer Louis de Tousard
The front page begins with an Act of Congress, giving a pension for life to Lt. Col. Tousard. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Louis de Tousard was a French artillerist who served in the American Continental Army under La Fayette, and later... See More
Uncommon American title from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701521
January 19, 1780
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 19, 1780
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare single sheet issue
Most of the front page is taken up with a document concerning relations between Holland and England. The back page has a document from D. Diego Joseph Navarro, governor of Cuba., regarding declaring war against Great Britain (see). The back page also has an item from Congress conce... See More
Great & detailed issue on the Battle of the Wabash...
Item #701469
December 22, 1791
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Boston, Dec. 22, 1791
* St. Clair's Defeat - Northwest Territory
* Battle of the Wabash River
* Native American victory
This is one of the best issues we have seen on the historic Battle of the Wabash, This was a tragic event in America's early military history, in which the American Army with 1,400 soldier... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
Item #701466
February 13, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle,... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington... Will of Ben Franklin...
Item #701458
May 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790 On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings in each state...", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson, plus a second Act conce... See More
Very significant Franklin letter written to this newspaper: the Hutchinson Letters Affair...
Item #701455
December 25, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 25, 1773 The back page contains an extremely significant letter signed in type by B. Franklin, as the agent in London for the Mass. legislature.
This letter was a critical piece in the "Hutchinson Letters Affair", an incident that increased tensions between the colonists and England before the Revolution. In general, a series of letters wri... See More
Ben Franklin's lightning rod experiment... "Long Meg and her Daughters"...
Item #701438
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
An inside page has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily Constructed, for Making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this exper
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
An inside page has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily Constructed, for Making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this exper
Congress' address to America: keep the patriotic fervor... Ministers of the Gospel asked to read the address to their congregations...
Item #701428
May 28, 1778
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 28, 1778
* American Revolutionary War
Most of page 2 is taken up with a very notable & historic: "Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America" signed in type by: Henry Laurens, President at that time, dated May 9, 1778.
In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of th... See More
Patriotic masthead after a Revere engraving... Much on the Revolutionary War...
Item #701404
May 14, 1778
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, May 14, 1778
* Paul Revere masthead engraving (copied)
* Rare American Revolutionary War title
A nice issue for display, as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll ... See More
England's last ditch effort to reconcile with America...
Item #701400
October 31, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 31, 1778
* British last attempt - peace with America
The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with an historic document headed: "MANIFESTO and PROCLAMATION" by General Henry Clinton.
Once France entered the war on the side of the colonists, Lord North became alarmed & sent commissioners t... See More
Battle of Lexington & Concord...
Item #701395
May 11, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 11, 1775
* The Battles of Lexington and Concord
* Start of American Revolutionary War
This is a gem of an issue, as it is what all serious collectors seek for their Revolutionary War collection: an American newspaper with a terrific report on the famous battles at Lexington and Concord.
This page 3 report, datelined from Salem, April 25, begins:... See More
Francis Marion, "The Swamp Fox", plus much more...
Item #701392
October 28, 1782
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Oct. 28, 1782
* "The Swamp Fox" Francis Marion
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead engraving for display
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving, which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies hav... See More
George Washington and Sam Adams...
Item #701342
March 28, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 28, 1795 The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Also an Act of the Mass. Legislature signed in script type by the Governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, wear & some irregularity at the margins, archivally strengthened arty the spine, a few other mends elsewhere.... See More
Paul Revere and George Washington...
Item #701340
March 09, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 9, 1796
* President George Washington
* Paul Revere's Masonic Lodge
Page 2 has an Act of Congress concerning a loan on the domestic debt which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. Also on page 2 is a: "Tribute Of Respect" to: "...the Great WASHINGTON."
Page 3 ha... See More
Dr. Deane's Election Sermon, 1794...
Item #701332
May 28, 1794
"A Sermon Preached Before His Honor Samuel Adams, Esq. Lieutenant Governor; the Honorable the Council, Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 28tyh, 1794. Being the Day of General Election". By Samuel Deane, a pastor of the First Church in Portland.
This pamphlet was printed in Boston by Adams and Larkin, 1794.
Original string binding with untrimm... See More
Maryland's non-importation resolution...
Item #701324
July 03, 1769
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769
* The Non-Importation movement
The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which begins: "Whereas, by the great & melanchol... See More
Washington comments on religious freedom and racial equality... On the Battle of Bunker Hill...
Item #701321
October 11, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 11, 1775
* General George Washington
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Boston
* American Revolutionary War
This is a wonderful issue on several accounts.
Taking the middle column of the front page is a notable address which: "...will be published in Canada, on the arrival there of Col. Arnold, with the troops under his command."
It
... See More
Washington's famous Circular Letter in which he tenders his resignation as Commander-in-Chief...
Item #701320
July 29, 1783
THE MASSACHUETTS GAZETTE or the GENERAL ADVERTISER, Springfield, July 29, 1783
* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending
The entire front page, all of page 2, and a portion of page 3 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.
It is headed: "A Circular letter from His Excelle
... See More
Letters from Valley Forge, and much more...
Item #701315
June 23, 1778
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 23, 1778 Most of the front page is taken up with an address of the governor of New Jersey to the General Assembly concerning the Revolutionary War.
It begins: "I heartily congratulate you upon the agreeable news we have received from France...The treaties of alliance & of amity & commerce between his Most Christian Majesty & the Unite... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More
A large & decorative masthead... Avoiding taxation...
Item #701207
January 02, 1722
THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, May 10, 1723 A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence being the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspapers. This format classified it as a pamphlet, and therefore no tax ... See More
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #701189
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771
* Benjamin Franklin appointed agent
* Pennsylvania Assembly in London
Page 6 begins with a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus a... See More
John Adams signs four Acts of Congress... The Marines...
Item #701168
September 04, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 4, 1799
* 18th century U.S. Marine Corps
* Second President John Adams
* Acts of United States Congress
The front page has four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, one of which is: "An ACT, authorizing an Augmentation of the Marine Corps".
Page 2 has: "Capt. Truxton's Resignation"... See More
Great reports on the Battle of Stony Point by both Washington and Anthony Wayne...
Item #701144
July 27, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1779
* Battle of Stony Point - New York
* American Revolutionary War night assault
* Generals George Washington & Anthony Wayne
This title has one of the more handsome mastheads of the era, with very ornate lettering and an engraving of a three-masted ship.
Page 2 has a lengthy letter in defense of Robert Morr... See More
Reference to the Stamp Act...
Item #701127
March 23, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1767
* Rare pro British Colonial publication
* American taxation - re. stamp act
Over 1 1/2 columns of the front page are taken up with: "Dr. Franklin's Pieces in Behalf of North America", signed in type: Homespun.
Also on the front page is a letter mentioning: "...I know not with what ... See More
Much on the war, including reference to the Arnold/Andre treason...
Item #701123
March 13, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 13, 1781 Inside pages have various reports on the Revolutionary War, a few bits including: "General Arnold's letter to Lord George Germaine...says, that Congress would not be able to stand their ground half an hour if his lordship would publicly...declare to America the terms that would be given to all the coloni... See More
Congress creates Continental Currency... From Lexington & Concord forward...
Item #701118
November 16, 1775
THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 16, 1775
* Creation of Continental Currency
* American Revolutionary War funding
* re. Battles of Lexington & Concord
A very significant issue in the financial history of the United States, as the front page reports the first issuance of Continental Currency to support the Revolutionary War. Datelined: &q... See More
Map of the Hudson River region... Franklin on the exchange of prisoners...
Item #701099
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778 * Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen
Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with consi... See More
Washington's famous Circular Letter from the end of the Revolutionary War, in which he tenders his resignation as Commander-in-Chief... Much more on the war's end...
Item #701081
August 01, 1783
THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, August, 1783
* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending
ing the Revolutionary War. It contains a wealth of reports concerning the concluding events of the war.
Pages 1 and 2 have: "Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the American States". Another page has a lengthy list... See More
The (1775) Restraining bill, and reaction to it...
Item #701076
May 17, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, May 17, 1775
* Retraining Acts of 1775
* Colonial trade restrictions
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with: "Lord Camden's Speech on the New England Fishery Bill".
Page 2 has a report headed: "Provisions in the Restraining Bill for the Provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylva... See More
The British capture Belle Ile from the French...
Item #700922
June 20, 1761
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 20, 1761
* Capture of Belle Île - Brittany, France
* British amphibious expedition victory
* Seven Years' War - Studhome Hodgson
Most of page 2 and part of page 3 are taken up with great coverage of the Capture of Belle Ile during the Seven Years' War.
This event was a British expedition to capture the French island o... See More
Work to end the Quasi-War with France... This title is not held by any American institution...
Item #700900
February 23, 1799
FELIX FARLEY'S BRISTOL JOURNAL, England, Feb. 23, 1799
* Rare 18th century publication
The masthead features an engraving similar to the Royal coat-of-arms. Page 3 has reports from Philadelphia concerning: "...state documents relating to the negotiation with France..." to end the Quasi-War. This report takes nearly a full column with considerable reporting.
This ti... See More
Military events in Canada...
Item #700899
October 30, 1746
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 30, 1746 The front page begins with a report datelined: "Louisbourgh" which is in Nova Scotia, Canada. It begins: "A party of the French Indians, undiscover'd, fell upon a detachment of soldiers that were at the island of St. John's..." with another report from there as well.
Four pages, 7 1/2 by 10 inches, full red tax sta... See More
Ship taken off the coast of Virginia...
Item #700896
December 29, 1746
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 29, 1746
* Early America trade article
Page 3 has a brief item noting: "The Rose, Witts, from Virginia for London, is taken by a French man of war from Chebectou, near the Capes of Virginia, the captain and crew are carried into Port Louis, but the ship was not arrived when the letters came away." Also mention of other ships from... See More
Holland to have the first ambassador to America from Europe...
Item #700872
July 15, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, July 15, 1783
* U.S. foreign minister Johannes Herman (Johan) van Berckel
Inside includes a report: "Mr. Van Berkel, envoy from the States of Holland to the U.S. of America...He goes direct for Philadelphia, accompanied by many distinguished personages...and the high stile...of this first ambassador from any European state (after the peace) to America, marks... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700870
September 05, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Sept. 5, 1783
* Post Revolutionary War America
Page 2 has some items relating to America including: "... duty obliges every importer of tobacco in Great Britain...It is surely bad policy to throw the Americans into new tracks..." and also: "...appears an act of the Commonwealth of Mass. whereby...that from & after the last day of... See More
Early from Australia...
Item #700860
February 02, 1793
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 2, 1793 Page 3 has a report noting: "Yesterday morning letters were received...from Governor Phillip at Jackson's Bank New South 'Wales [Australia]. The...mention the arrival of the Pitt with a seasonable supply of provisions and necessaries for the colony...".
Four pages, red tax stamp on the front paste, good condition.... See More
On the execution of King Louis XVI...
Item #700859
February 07, 1793
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 7, 1793
* King Louis XVI of France execution by guillotine
Page 2 includes: "The intelligence of the execution of Louis XVI has been received here with astonishment and horror. It has occasioned a violent ferment in the army; and deletions begin to be very considerable in consequence of the King's death..." with more.
F... See More
Title relates to the Jacobite Rebellion.,..
Item #700853
November 03, 1746
THE DAILY GAZETTEER: A Vigorous War; Glorious Peace, or LONDON ADVERTISER, England, Nov. 3, 1746
* Era of the Jacobite Rebellion
* Rare 18th century publication
The title, with the military reference, likely relates to the Jacobite Rebellion, which reached its climax at the Battle of Culloden on April 16.
The front page is filled with various news reports from Europe, wit... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700843
February 22, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb.22, 1796 Page 7 has a letter from New York that mentions in part: "...The American Congress have resolved that foreign ship shall not import into the United States any other goods but such as are the growth and manufacture of the nation to which the ships belong." And also: "A serious difference is said to exist at this time between the ... See More
The uses of Indian Corn from America...
Item #700842
March 07, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 7, 1796 Pages 4 and 5 contain an article headed: "Indian Corn - Extract of a Letter Received from a Gentleman from America Recommending the use of Indian Corn". The article takes over a full column.
Eight pages, 9 3/4 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on the back page, very nice condition.
Early on Australia...
Item #700841
March 28, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 28, 1796
* Early New South Wales, Australia
The back page has a report headed: "New South Wales" which is from Australia. Bits include: "...the natives in the immediate purlieus of the settlement were tolerably friendly...The different convicts, whose term of transportation has expired, have been relieved from any imposition of public ... See More
The Quasi-War with France... Nelson & Buonaparte in Egypt...
Item #700840
August 14, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 14, 1798 Page 4 has much reporting on the Napoleonic War with Nelson & Napoleon in Egypt. One bit notes: "...mentioning that Admiral Nelson and Buonaparte had met near Alexandria; that the fleets had engaged, and that Admiral Nelson had lost three ships & two frigates..." with much more.
Page 5 has most of a column headed: "Hos... See More
The X, Y, Z Affair...
Item #700839
September 07, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Sept. 7, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Page 5 has content on the X, Y, Z Affair, beginning: "It appears, as well by the American negotiation with Messrs. X, T. and Z as by the negotiations in which h the virtuous and open-hearted Mr. Arthur O'Conner bore so distinguished a part...".
The X, Y, Z Affair was a co... See More
Suspected pirate ship at Savannah is burned by angry citizens...
Item #700837
October 30, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Oct. 30, 1798 Page 6 has a report noting in part: "...from Savannah informs, that the day previous to his sailing a Spanish brig came up the river & anchored opposite the town. Suspicion immediately arose of her being a privateer...their suspicion was realized...she had taken two American vessels...sent them into St. Augustine where they were cond... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
