Historic Newspapers: Pre-1800 American Titles

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  • By the famed Isaiah Thomas in 1795...
    Item #726465
    THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 17, 1795

    * 18th century American publication

    Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
    Four pages, light damp staining,... Read full description  
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    $38.00
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  • Daniel Hewe's umbrella manufacturer advertisement...
    Item #725758
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

    * Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

    The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
    Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

    background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57... Read full description  
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    $48.00
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  • John Adams, Thomas Jefferson - the XYZ Affair... Battle of the Nile...
    Item #725313
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

    * The XYZ Affair - France relations
    * John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
    * Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

    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... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $48.00
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  • One of the more decorative mastheads of the 18th century...
    Item #725135
    INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

    * Nice masthead engraving
    * 18th century America

    If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the... Read full description  
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    $58.00
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  • George Washington's inauguration and inaugural address...   And a very rare eye-witness account...
    Item #724907
    THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $4,675.00
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  • American envoy in France...  the X,Y, Z Affair...  John Adams' birthday...
    Item #724667
    THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799  Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four years of age..." [re: John Adams].
    Four pages, very nice condition.
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    $44.00
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  • This historic Funding Act of 1790...
    Item #724612
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790

    * United States Funding Act of 1790
    * President George Washington signs
    * Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson


    Taking about a full page of text, including almost all of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas... Read full description  
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    $3,950.00
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  • Ben Franklin article on the morals of chess...
    Item #724609
    THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792  By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $245.00
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  • Election of Patrick Henry sets the stage for his famous speech...      So much more...
    Item #724559
    THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775  This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
    The entire front page is a terrific... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $7,480.00
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  • Rare Paul Revere engraving...  Benedict Arnold & the Battle of Quebec...
    Item #723820
    THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776 

    * Paul Revere masthead engraving
    * American Revolutionary War
    * Great year to have (1776)

    There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous,... Read full description  
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    $2,995.00
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  • Washington's Farewell Address to the Army...
    Item #723343

    THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783  

    "One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

    A very nice feature 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 having a common,... Read full description  

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    $2,885.00
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  • The affair of "Citizen Genet"...
    Item #719847
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 4, 1793 

    * Citizen Genet Affair
    * Edmond Charles Genet


    The front page contains nearly a full column headed: "Official Communications" which has two letters signed by Genet, the French ambassador to the United States, concerning what is known as the "Citizen Genet Affair" relating to his plans to get America to... Read full description  
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    $98.00
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  • Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century... Paul Revere's segmented snake engraving - "Join or Die"
    Item #719725
    THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774  

    * Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
    * Pre American Revolutionary War era 
    * "Join or Die" snake issue masthead


    It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of... Read full description  
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    $18,500.00
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  • Scarce title containing a Washington letter...
    Item #719658
    THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797  

    * Rare 18th century publication
    * President George Washington


    A scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our (soon to be) 50 years. It published for exactly one year.
    Page 2 features a letter to George Washington from the Penna. Senate, offering... Read full description  
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    $125.00
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  • Printing the Declaration of Independence...   Battle of Sullivan's Island...   Patrick Henry...
    Item #719174
    THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776  A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $3,200.00
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  • 1775 capture of Ethan Allen...
    Item #719128
    THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

    * Ethan Allen captured
    * American Revolutionary War


    The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be... Read full description  
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    $915.00
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  • The Articles of Confederation...
    Item #718994
    THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

    * The Articles of Confederation (historic)
    * American Revolutionary War


    This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
    There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our... Read full description  
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    $13,450.00
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  • A colonial North Carolina newspaper with an intriguing story...
    Item #718898
    THE CAPE-FEAR MERCURY, Wilmington, North Carolina, June 3, 1775  This would have to be one of the more interesting colonial newspapers we've offered, primarily for being a forgery.
    This title began Oct. 13, 1769, and was suspended for about five months from the fall of 1774 to the spring of 1775. It ceased in September,... Read full description  
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    $3,995.00
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  • Much praise for George Washington...
    Item #718420
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798  

    * General - President George Washington

    Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the... Read full description  
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    $57.00
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  • Alexander Hamilton re: the Funding Act... Washington, Adams & Jefferson... Building a lighthouse at Cape Henry...
    Item #718411
    GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, N.Y., Oct. 2, 1790   Both pages 3 and 4 have two separate documents on carrying into effect the very historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurred during the Revolutionary War.
    Most of... Read full description  
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    $475.00
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  • An American magazine from 1795...
    Item #718276
    THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much more. 
    Near the... Read full description  
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    $57.00
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  • Lexington & Concord content... - The Conciliatory Resolution plus Congress' response to it...

    Lexington & Concord content...

    Item #718011
    THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775 

    * Lexington & Concord report
    * John Hancock type signature
    * The Conciliatory Resolution


    A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed in type... Read full description  
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    $2,395.00
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  • A Benedict Arnold letter...  Less than 60 days until the Declaration! - Only elven issues were published in Boston...

    A Benedict Arnold letter... Less than 60 days until the Declaration!

    Item #717998
    THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, Boston, May 9, 1776  Although the title might sound rather common (similar title published in Salem & Cambridge), this is actually a very scarce, short-lived title. 
    On April 25, 1776 this newspaper was removed from Cambridge and printed at Boston, just 2 issues before this one. The last... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

    (Added to the May, 2026 Catalog (#366) after its initial release - only available on-line.)

    Available Now

    $985.00
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  • George Washington & the Masons...   Nelson & the Battle of the Nile...
    Item #717902
    THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798 

    * Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
    * Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
    * President George Washington
    * Masonic - free masonry - Masons


    Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes... Read full description  
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    $77.00
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  • "Negro Tom"...  George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
    Item #716551
    FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796 

    * President George Washington

    The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details.... Read full description  
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    $82.00
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  • The Jay Treaty with England - Washington's response signed in type...
    Item #716334
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795  

    * George Washington letter
    * re. John Jay's Treaty


    The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
    One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and having such... Read full description  
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    $75.00
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  • John Adams is elected President of the United States...
    Item #716264
    NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, February, 1797  The most notable report is the announcement that John Adams has been elected President of the United States.
    A report near the back notes in part: "Yesterday, agreeable to a provision of the Constitution...the members...assembled...to count the votes of the Electors for,... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $71.00
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  • The first successful magazine in the country...
    Item #716263
    THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston),  May 12, 1744  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... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $156.00
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  • Very early, short-lived,  colonial newspaper...
    Item #716262
    THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Sept. 20, 1753 This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
    A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very early issue--over 270... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $225.00
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  • A "Eulogium" on George Washington at the end of the Revolutionary War...
    Item #716244
    THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, October, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Description of a Curious Subterranean Cave at Clarendon, Vermont" "Description of the Moorish Women" "American Antiquities"... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $42.00
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  • Early date of this famous Boston newspaper...
    Item #716237
    THE BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739  This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $5,250.00
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  • William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
    Item #716230
    PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 17, 1797  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 opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican... Read full description  

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $67.00
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  • Detailed review of the militia...
    Item #716194
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 27, 1797  Page 2 has an interesting article: "Review Of Militia" commanded by Major-General Hull, with various particulars. The back page features 14 illustrated ship ads.
    Four pages, nice condition.

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $38.00
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  • From during George Washington's administration...
    Item #716171
    GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 24, 1794  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
    The front page has 3 runaway slave ads and three shipping ads. Other news of the day is found throughout,
    Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $48.00
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  • Scarce, short-lived newspaper from Philadelphia...
    Item #716152
    THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1797  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.

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $82.00
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  • Natchez and Fort Recovery...
    Item #716125
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797  Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had been defeated in an attempt to take Fort Recovery by surprise...".
    Four pages, nice condition.

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $40.00
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  • Two script George Washington signatures...
    Item #716124
    COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795  The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
    Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is followed on page 2 by the... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $98.00
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  • Much front page reporting from Congress...
    Item #715944
    NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE & THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, April 18, 1792  Over half of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" which includes mention of the President, General Anthony Wayne and others. Page 3 has news from a letter from Philadelphia noting: "... Thirty or forty Chiefs of the six and other nation of Indians are now in this city..." with more.
    Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

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    $82.00
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  • This Boston newspaper existed for just 55 issues...
    Item #715858
    FEDERAL GAZETTE AND DAILY ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 4, 1798  Certainly one of the less common 18th century American newspapers, as it was short-lived, lasting just 55 issues from Jan. 1 thru March 5, 1798. This is the number 4 issue.
    All of pages 2 & 4 are taken up with reports from: "Congress of the United States" including a lengthy... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $86.00
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  • British to attack Philadelphia...  John Hancock... Creating battalions...
    Item #715771
    THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

    * Rare Revolutionary War era title
    * Tory issue from Pennsylvania

    * Great year to have (1776)


    (editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British... Read full description  
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    $1,365.00
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  • Arguing against American independence...
    Item #715770
    THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 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.
    Over half of the... Read full description  
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    $745.00
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  • Only one issue is recorded in the United States...
    Item #715584
    KLINE'S CARLISLE WEEKLY GAZETTE, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1796  This is a very scarce title from 18th century America. Brigham's "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" notes that only the American Antiquarian Society has this issue.
    The entire front page is taken up with reports from the "Federal Legislature".
    Most of pages 2 & 3... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $355.00
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  • We may not have offered this colonial title before...
    Item #715581
    GREEN & RUSSELL'S BOSTON POST-BOY & ADVERTISER, June 18, 1759  This is one of the less common colonial titles we have offered. A very handsome masthead with two ornate engravings, one of a sailing ship & the other of a horse-mounted post boy delivering the news.
    Page 2 has reports from various American cities, including one item:... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $545.00
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  • Much debate on the value of the Revolutionary War...
    Item #715063
    EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 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.
    An unusual "Extra" edition,... Read full description  
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    $325.00
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  • Commenting on politicians in office in 1796...
    Item #714685
    THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 30, 1796  Page 3 has a letter which begins: "The reduction of the army & the arrangements in the war office will occasion man revolutions in our microcosm...". Another item comments on those serving in office (see).
    Four pages, great condition.
    Available Now

    $43.00
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  • Period news and advertising from the late 1700's...
    Item #714684
    THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 13, 1796  Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from discussions in Congress.
    Various news of the day inside, with mostly period advertising on the back.
    Four pages, never-trimmed margins, good condition.
    Available Now

    $39.00
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  • Letter from John Jay...
    Item #714681
    THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York April 16, 1796  Page 2 has a lengthy letter concerning "the university" in New York, signed by its Chancellor and New York governor: John Jay.
    Four pages, nice condition.
    Available Now

    $47.00
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  • Ten days before Washington's death...
    Item #714446
    THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 4, 1799  

    * 18th century American original

    This issue was printed less just ten days before the death of George Washington.
    Inside has much on the Napoleonic War, including a back page article: "Buonaparte's Retreat from Syria". Page 3 has a detailed ad for: "Forty Dollars Reward" for... Read full description  
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    $40.00
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  • Tortured by Indians...
    Item #714377
    DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1792   The front page features 24 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has a report: "...that Colonel Harden...on a mission to the Indians respecting a treaty of peace...were immediately made prisoners & sentenced to be burnt as spies. Colonel Harden saw his companion expire under all the tortures which savage... Read full description  

    Item from last month's catalog - #365 - released for April, 2026

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    $48.00
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  • Handsome masthead...   The frigate Concorde...
    Item #714376
    INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 7, 1794  See the handsome masthead of this newspaper. Page 3 has: "Concorde Frigate" and another report being a letter from a person on board the Concorde.
    Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, somewhat irregular at the margins, nice condition.

    Item from our most recent catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026

    Available Now

    $48.00
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  • 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.