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.
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
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
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
Two Acts of Congress signed by Washington & Jefferson...
Item #701173
April 13, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 13, 1791 The front page features two Acts of Congress, one concerning "An Act for establishing the Salaries of the Executive Officers of the Government...". Both are signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by the Secretary of State: Thomas Jefferson.
Four pages, stains to the front page one of which affects the... 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
Washington's Farewell Address to the army...
Item #701133
November 08, 1783
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Nov. 22, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
Taking over a full column on page 1 and a bit of page 2 is the historic document headed: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States" and datelined "Rocky Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783&q... 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
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
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
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 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 pretty clearly the intentions & decided line of ... 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
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
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
The Quasi War with France... Praising the American Navy...
Item #700836
November 13, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Nov. 13, 1798 Page
5 has a report headed: "Capture Of A French Frigate By An American Frigate" which is on: "...the capture of a French frigate of 28 guns off Charlestown [Charleston] Bar, by the American frigate the Constellation of 48 guns, Capt. Cluxton [sic: Truxton]..." taken: "...without firing a shot. No country in the worl... See More
The Yellow Fever epidemic in America... Horatio Nelson...
Item #700835
November 30, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Nov. 30, 1798
* Yellow fever epidemic in Eastern U.S.
Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with several reports on the Yellow Fever epidemic in the states, particularly Philadelphia and New York.
Page 5 has a brief item concerning the Battle of the Nile: "Mallet Du Pan states the important consequence of Admiral Nelson's victory, ... See More
Early for a non-London newspaper...
Item #700826
April 03, 1743
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE: OR THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENT, England, April 4, 1743
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
It is quite uncommon to find non-London newspapers from the U.K. from such an early date. The various news reports are almost entirely from Europe, plus various advertisements as well.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins which are quite wide, mi... See More
Parliament debates the Acts passed against America...
Item #700822
April 12, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, April 12, 1783 Page 3 has discussions in the House of Commons subhead: "America" concerning whether: "...to take into consideration a bill to repeal the prohibitory acts passed against America..." with much discussion on it.
Four pages, piece from a bottom, blank margin not close to any text, partial red tax stamp on page 3, good conditi... See More
Details on the British retaking the Bahama Islands...
Item #700816
July 31, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, July 31, 1783
* Revolutionary War ending events
The front page has a brief letter of introduction written by General Guy Carleton dated at New York: "I transmit...a copy of Col. Derveaux's letter conveying an account of the recapture of the Bahama Islands, together with a copy of the capitulation." signed in type: Guy Carleton.
The... See More
How to deal with those loyal to America, and those loyal to England at the war's end...
Item #700815
September 25, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Sept. 25, 1783
* Closing events in the Revolutionary War
* Post war Loyalists and patriots
The front page has a wonderful document headed: "America" with a Baltimore, Maryland dateline concerning those citizens supportive of America or England at the conclusion of the war.
A few bits note: "...Resolved unanimously, that...i... See More
Princeton to continue as the capital of the United States...
Item #700814
November 22, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Nov. 22, 1783
* Temporary U.S. capital at Princeton, New Jersey
The front page begins with a report headed: "America" from Charleston, concerning trade with France. Page 3 has a report: "...from America, of the 28th of September, advise, 'That it had been formally debated in Congress at Prince-Town [Princeton], whether the Del... See More
General St. Clair's defeat against the Indians...
Item #700812
February 16, 1792
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Feb. 16, 1792 The front page has a report mentioning Captain Bligh, of mutiny on the Bounty fame, concerning his travels in the South Pacific.
The back page has a letter from New York concerning General St. Clair at Fort Washington & Fort Jefferson. Also, a letter from Kentucky beginning: "The news of the defeat of the troops under Governor St. Cla... See More
The silk industry in South Carolina...
Item #700808
June 29, 1767
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, June 29, 1767
* Silk manufacturing in the Colonial South
Page 2 has reports headed: "America" one of which is from Charleston and the development of the silk business in South Carolina.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very wide margins, very nice condition.
... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700804
February 27, 1769
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Feb. 27, 1769
* Rare British publication
The front page--carrying over to page 2--with reports from the Caribbean, etc. Also reports taken from the Massachusetts Gazette.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, very nice condition.... See More
News from Charleston & Boston: naval concerns, hopes for a peace among the Indians...
Item #700801
December 09, 1771
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Dec. 9, 1771 Page 3 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Boston. Bits include: "...a chief of the Mohawk Tribe of Indiana...arrived in town & have had several conferences with...Lieutenant Governor...to make a general peace between the Six Nations & all the tribes inhabiting from the Ohio to the Chicasahs...... See More
On the French & Indian War: French have to abandon Louisbourg...
Item #700798
November 23, 1759
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 23, 1759 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 containing a related item noting: "...In consequence of the taking of Louisbourg, upwards of 20,000 French people, who were settled in different sorts of trade & business in the country round about have been sent away & several small towns...have been demolished...".
... See More
News from America...
Item #700795
June 13, 1758
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 13, 1758 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 having: "Plantation News" with datelines from Kingston, Jamaica; Boston, and New York.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.
French & Indian War reports from America...
Item #700794
December 26, 1758
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 26, 1758 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 having: "Plantation News" with datelines from Annapolis Albany, Boston, and New York, all with reports concerning the French & Indian War.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.
From 1787 York, England...
Item #700789
November 03, 1787
THE YORK CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 3, 1787
* Rare 18th century publication
A nice newspaper from the UK with mostly European reports and ads.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, full red tax stamp on the front page, small wear hole to the front leaf, minor rubbing.
AI notes: The York Chronicle was a prominent weekly newspaper published in York, England, first launched i... See More
From 1787 York, England...
Item #700787
November 23, 1787
THE YORK CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 23, 1787 A nice newspaper from the U.K. The back page has an: "American Anecdote" from the Revolutionary War.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, with a nice, full red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.
background: The York Chronicle was an influential newspaper in York, England, founded in 1772 by Christopher Etherington as an alt... See More
On the retirement of George Washington from public office...
Item #700777
December 16, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796
* President George Washington
* Retirement from public service
The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another lett... See More
On George Washington retiring from public life...
Item #700771
September 26, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 26, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
* re. President George Washington's retirement
The front page has 22 illustrated ship ads.
Page 3 has a nice report: "The Resignation of The President of the United States" which notes in part: "...is at length announced to us in form...there is nothing w... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #700770
August 06, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Aug. 6, 1796
* President George Washington
Over half of the back page is taken up with: "An ACT laying duties on carriages for the conveyance of persons, & repealing the former act for that purpose." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington.
The back page also has two reward ads for runaway slaves.
Four ... See More
Huge map of the Mississippi River dated June 1, 1775...
Item #700671
January 01, 1783
COURSE of the RIVER MISSISSIPI [sic] from the Balise to Fort Chartres; Taken on an Expedition to the Illinois, in the latter end of the Year 1763 by Lieut. Ross of the 34th Regiment: Improved from the Surveys of that River made by the French".
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 in 'Fleet Street, Published as the Act directs, 11 June 1775"
A noted map dealer
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 in 'Fleet Street, Published as the Act directs, 11 June 1775"
A noted map dealer
Defeat of Bonaparte at the Battle of the Nile...
Item #700651
December 05, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 5, 1798
* Lord Horatio Nelson
* Battle of the Nile
* Napoleon Bonaparte
Page 2 has some fine reports on the historic defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of the Nile.
One is headed: "Official & Pleasing" concerning the report, followed by: "French Official Accounts Of the Defeat at the Mouth of The Nile". This is follow... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
