Pre-1800 American Titles
Pre-1800 American Titles
Thomas Jefferson on creating a Navy...
Item #713623
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1787 Among the articles within are: "The Situation of the First & Present Settlers in America Contrasted" "Thoughts on emigration, Particularly to America..." Mr. Jefferson's Opinion Upon the Establishment of an American Naval Force" which begins: "The sea is the field on which we should meet an European en... See More
Delaware & Pennsylvania ratify the Constitution...
Item #713619
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify
The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delawar... See More
George Washington is elected President of the United States...
Item #713617
February 20, 1793
NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793
* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory
By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792. Page 3 has a re... See More
Signed by Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Hamilton... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #712388
August 25, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 25, 1790 Page 2 has an item from the National Assembly of France which begins: "M. Mirabeau rose, & made a funeral panegyric on Dr. Franklin. 'Franklin is dead--the man who emancipated America--the Sage who was the ornament of the two worlds..." with more.
Page 3 contains "An Act Authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to finish the Light Hou
The Copyright Act...
Item #712366
June 05, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 5, 1790 A very significant issue for anyone in the publishing field, as page two has virtually an entire column taken up with the printing of: "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors & Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein mentioned." which was the copyright act, signe... See More
Very uncommon 18th century title... Peace between France & Prussia...
Item #711189
January 28, 1795
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jan. 28, 1795 This is a quite scarce 18th century American title as it existed only until 1799 and rarely comes on the market. We suspect the circulation was somewhat limited.
The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with: "Congressional Debates -- House of Representatives". Page 3 has a report from Paris: "PEACE!!!" announcing: "... See More
This title existed for just one year...
Item #711121
October 24, 1794
THE BALTIMORE DAILY INTELLIGENCER, Maryland, Oct. 24, 1794
* Rare 18th century American publication
One of the less common American titles from the 18th century as it existed for just one year, from October. 28, 1793 thru October. 29, 1794.
Pages 1 & 4 are filled with ads, with news items inside. Included is a lengthy letter signed by: John Jay, concerning what would b... See More
A Ben Franklin newspaper with the earliest mention of G. Washington we have found in an American newspaper? Death of Ben Franklin's brother...
Item #710763
February 12, 1756
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756
* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer
A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at th... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspa... See More
Sam Adams and Thomas Jefferson...
Item #709996
July 15, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 15, 1795 Fully half of the front page is taken up with three Acts of the Mass. legislature, each signed in type by the governor, Samuel Adams.
The front page also has lengthy letter concerning the Jay Treaty signed in type by: Thomas Jefferson.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Honor bestowed upon President John Adams...
Item #709994
August 30, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 30, 1797 Page 2 has a "Tribute of Respect" from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences written: "To John Adams, L.L.D., President of the United States of America" concerning an honor given to him. This is followed by: "The President's Answer", signed in script type: John Adams.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank s... See More
Counting the slaves... The infant Navy...
Item #709993
August 08, 1798
(2) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 15 and 28, 1798 A notable pair of issues. The entire front page & a bit of pg. 2 of the Aug. 15 issue are taken up with: "An Act to provide for the Valuation of Lands & dwelling houses & the Enumeration of Slaves within the United States". It concludes by taking up most of the ftpg. of the Aug. 18 issue where it is signed in sc... See More
President John Adams signs in script type...
Item #709989
July 08, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 8, 1797 The last column of the front page is taken up with two Acts of Congress, each signed in in type by the President, John Adams, one in script type & the other in block type. Page 2 begins with a third Act signed in script type by John Adams.
Four pages, nice condition.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson...
Item #709984
March 14, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1798 The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, one for defraying expenses for a treaty with Indians.
Also on the front page is a Mass. Act signed in script type by the governor: Increase Sumner.
Page 2 has an: "Important Message&quo... See More
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson...
Item #709983
March 14, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1798 The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, one for defraying expenses for a treaty with Indians.
Also on the front page is a Mass. Act signed in script type by the governor: Increase Sumner.
Page 2 has an: Important Message" sig... See More
Uniforms of the United States Navy described... The Constellation is launched...
Item #709925
September 01, 1797
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, September, 1797 The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day.
Near the back is is more than a full page taken up with: "Uniform For the Navy of the United States of America" which includes quite detailed descriptions for the various ranks as seen in the photo... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #709924
November 01, 1792
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, November, 1792 Certainly the most notable content is President Washington's state-of-the-union address, found in its entirety at the back of the issue.
Headed: "THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH" it is prefaced with a paragraph reading in part: "...the national legislature assembled...at Philadelphia...the President of the United States.... See More
Plan to create a nobility for the United States...
Item #709922
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, May, 1792 This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792.Content includes: "Account of the Rise of the Mississippi Scheme" "Account of the Des... See More
Benedict Arnold on the Battle of Quebec... Ethan Allen in irons...
Item #709894
February 22, 1776
NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, (Cambridge), Feb. 22, 1776
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
* Battle of Quebec - Canada
* General Benedict Arnold
The top of the first column begins with a report from Cork that: "...there has been commotions amongst the soldiers who are to embark for America; that a great numbers of them have deserted & that ... See More
The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...
Item #709556
October 01, 1787
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787
* Historic United States Constitution
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs
Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declara... See More
John Adams' letter to the Masons...
Item #709047
June 30, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 30, 1798 Page 2 has an address of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Boston to the President, with his: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams. Also the President's letter to the people of Braintree, Mass., also signed: John Adams.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
Pickering's report... the X Y,Z Affair...
Item #709046
February 06, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, February 6, 1799 Included with this issue is a 4 page supplement which contains what appears to be the entire text of Timothy Pickering's report to Congress and the President on the relations between the United States and France, what would be known as the X, Y, Z affair.
The front page of the "regular" 4 page issue has related content as well.
Eight pages, very nice,... See More
Full name, George Washington, in script type...
Item #709006
August 04, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790 Almost a full page 2 column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, some l... See More
George Washington, Paul Revere...
Item #709004
March 08, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 8, 1797 Page 2 has an "Address To George Washington" from the "Senators representing Massachusetts in Congress" concerning his retirement from public life, followed by his humble and gracious reply, signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 3 has a notice about the quarterly meeting of the "Grand Lodge" signed in type: Paul Revere, G... See More
Three "signatures" by Washington on his last day in office...
Item #708996
April 22, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 22, 1797 The front page contains not one but three Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The Acts are regarding duties on distilled spirits, one for placing buoys in Boston harbor, and one for setting the time for the next meeting of Congress.
All three of these Acts of Congress were approved and signed into law... See More
Washington & others declared French citizens...
Item #708966
November 21, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 21, 1792 A page 2 report states that: "The following persons have been declared FRENCH CITIZENS by the National Assembly of France...George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, Dr. Priestly..." and several others.
Another item says: "Virginia has again instructed its Senators in Congress to use their influence to have the doors of that house opened...... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #707388
February 01, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice for: "Proposals For C... See More
Address signed by Sam Adams...
Item #707374
January 26, 1795
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1795
* Samuel Adams, Massachusetts governor
* 18th century American original
Page 3 has 1 1/2 columns taken up with an: "Address" to the Mass. legislature by the govern, signed in type: Samuel Adams. Mention is also made of an "illumination" celebration in Boston in honor of George Washington.
The back pa... See More
On Adams & Jefferson assuming the Presidency and Vice Presidency...
Item #707369
February 18, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 18, 1797
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* United States President and VP
Page 3 has a lengthy address: "To the Honorable the Congress of the United States" being: "The memorial & petition of the owners of land in the state of Tennessee that was purchased from the state of North Carolina &am... See More
Rare 18th century title... Visiting Gilbert Stewart's famous portrait of George Washington...
Item #707249
February 14, 1798
THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, Feb. 14, 1798 A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
Beginning on page 1 & taking all of page 2 are various reports from: "Congress".
Page 3 has a great notice headed: "General Washington--To be Seen Every Day at the New City Tavern, Broadway". This is an adver
... See More
Beginning on page 1 & taking all of page 2 are various reports from: "Congress".
Page 3 has a great notice headed: "General Washington--To be Seen Every Day at the New City Tavern, Broadway". This is an adver
Rare 18th century title... William Corbett on Thomas Paine...
Item #707244
February 01, 1798
THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, Feb. 1, 1798 A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
Nearly half of the front page and much of page 2 have various reports from: "Congress". Page 2 also has an article concerning the infamous publisher William Cobbett and Thomas Paine's writings. The back page has a "Ten Dollars Reward" ad for
... See More
Nearly half of the front page and much of page 2 have various reports from: "Congress". Page 2 also has an article concerning the infamous publisher William Cobbett and Thomas Paine's writings. The back page has a "Ten Dollars Reward" ad for
Rare 18th century title...
Item #707233
January 08, 1798
THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, Jan. 8, 1798
* Very rare 18th century publication
* American Editor Philip Freneau
* Short-lived publication
A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
The front page includes the continued: "View of the Present State of our Political Relation with the United States
... See More
* Very rare 18th century publication
* American Editor Philip Freneau
* Short-lived publication
A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
The front page includes the continued: "View of the Present State of our Political Relation with the United States
Slave reward ads, 20 illustrated ship advertisements...
Item #706704
July 25, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 5, 1796 Curiously, five different type fonts are used to print the title in the masthead. The front page features 20 illustrated ship ads, making it very displayable.
The back page has an ad beginning: "For Sale, A Healthy Negro Girl...", plus no fewer than 3 reward ads for runaway slaves, each with details.
Four pages, two small binding h... See More
Washington offers a patent to an inventor...
Item #706703
July 15, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 15, 1796 Curiously, five different type fonts are used to print the title in the masthead.
The back page has a document headed: "The United States of America" being a patent of 14 years issued to Robert Dawson who: "...hath invented a new & useful improvement in bolting cloths, etc...", signed in type by the Pres... See More
Just before the outbreak of war, from Philadelphia...
Item #706112
April 11, 1774
DUNLAP'S PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 11, 1774
* Great colonial era masthead engraving - John Dunlap
* American Revolutionary War upon the horizon
This title had one of the more ornate masthead of the pre-Revolutionary War era. And this issue was printed shortly before the outbreak of war, with content reflecting the brewing troubles between England and th... See More
Bainbridge and the Quasi-War... Napoleon was assassinated?
Item #706092
February 28, 1799
THE UNIVERSAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1799 The front page has 1 1/2 columns on a letter to: "The Secretary of the Navy" from William Bainbridge, concerning the controversy of him surrendering his ship to the French in the Quasi-War, which was a limited naval war against French privateers who were seizing U.S. shipping in the Caribbean.
The back page has "An Act" ... See More
Scarce, short-lived newspaper from Philadelphia...
Item #706002
January 21, 1796
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 21, 1797
* Rare 18th century short-lived publication
A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.... See More
One of the less common 18th century titles...
Item #705984
June 14, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 14, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
The entire front page is taken up with ads including a a detailed ad for a runaway slave ad under: "Fifty Dollars Reward".
Another can be found on the back page.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
AI notes: Porcupine’s Gazette was a daily Philad... See More
Recruitment ad for joining the U.S. military...
Item #705974
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 Governm... See More
The Jay Treaty: preventing another war...
Item #705918
March 16, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 16 & 19, 1796
* John - Jay's Treaty
* George Washington
A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking much of the front page and part of page 2 in the issue of the 16th is part of Jay's Treaty through... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #705746
May 12, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 12, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", th... See More
During Washington's administration...
Item #705731
March 19, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 19, 1794
* 18th century America publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. The front page features 5 illustrated ship advertisements. Half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the "Federal Legislature". Among the back page ads is one for a... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington... Will of Ben Franklin...
Item #705730
May 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790
* President George Washington
* Two acts of United States Congress
* Benjamin Franklin's will after death
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 Proce... See More
On the historic Funding Act... Building the Cape Henry lighthouse... Much more...
Item #705729
October 06, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Oct. 6, 1790
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse construction
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The back page has not one, but two documents from the "Treasury Department" concerning carrying into effect the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government would assume the debts
... See More
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse construction
* re. Benjamin Franklin's death
The back page has not one, but two documents from the "Treasury Department" concerning carrying into effect the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government would assume the debts
On the death of Benjamin Franklin... John Adams' Discourses on Davila…
Item #705641
May 26, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 26, 1790 Given the death of Ben Franklin just the month prior, it is not surprising that page 3 includes a poem titled: "Dr. Franklin".
Pages 2 & 3 contain various discussions from "Congress". Also included is part of one of John Adams' Discourses on Davila (#VII), which was concluded in the following issue.
Four... See More
George Washington... Alexander Hamilton...
Item #705640
September 01, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 1, 1790 The top of the front page contains an Act of Congress, headed with a heraldic eagle & signed in type by the President: GEORGE WASHINGTON as well as by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, making this a nice issue for display.
Page 3 has a nice article on: "The President's Departure", on his way to Mount Vernon. He may not... See More
Captured by Indians... Treasury Dept. document on the historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #705539
September 25, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 25, 1790
* re. United States Funding Act of 1790
The back page has a "Proclamation" signed by the King of France: Louis.
The front page has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurre... See More
1796 Samuel Adams...
Item #705498
July 30, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1796
* Samuel Adams, Massachusetts governor
* 18th century American original
The front page has a full column taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature signed in type by its governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
A eulogy on the life of Ben Franklin...
Item #705464
May 19, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy
The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" whi... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #705418
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- Announcing: Catalog 365 – Released (early) for April, 2026 – Rare & Early Newspapers…
- Mystery Solved … The Ancestry of Abraham Lincoln Clarified…
- Vanguard to Revolution…
- March Newsletter (2026) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
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
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
