Historic Newspapers: Pre-1800 American Titles

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 10, 1776 

* Great year to have (1776)
* re. Declaration of Independence
* American Revolutionary War

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. This issue was printed less than a month after it printed the Declaration of Independence (July 13 issue).
The front page includes an ad for the reprinting of a pamphlet titled: "American…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 27, 1779  The front page begins with two detailed reward ads for deserted soldiers.

One-third of the front page and over one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report of Commissioners for Settling a Cartel for the Exchange of prisoners" this being addressed: "To his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the Forces of the United States of America."

The report begins by introducing the…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781  The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner inscribed "Appeal To Heaven" and surrounded by ornate embellishments.

The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are taken up with: "The Revolution of America, by the Abbe Raynal. Distressed State of England in 1768."

Page 3 has various reports…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was 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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790  Almost a full 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, some some foxing and damp stain to the upper right, good condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 29, 1798  Most of the front page is taken up with  3 Acts of Congress, one for: "...the relief of sick and disabled seamen.", each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.

Page 2 has: "French Duplicity" which relates to the XYZ Affair. Also: "From the Mediterranean" concerning Napoleon Buoaparte, and "More Stuff For Treason" regarding France, and a page 3 item gives updates on the Frigates United States and Constitution.

Four pages, great condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War

The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris. 
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, as reported in the London Gazette. The first paragraph notes: "...have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 8th

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782

* Rare publication during Revolutionary War

 This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for the American reinforcement for the campaign of 1782 are not yet finally determined on; but it is agreed on all hands that it is…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779

* Ethan Allen captivity
* Revolutionary War original

 Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.
Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine. 
All of page 4 is taken up with the continued "Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Treatment during his Captivity." which is…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 25, 1781  

* Two John Hancock signatures
* Richard Langdon signature (President of Harvard) 

A very handsome issue 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 with 'Independence' in the other, with the words 'Appeal To Heaven" above him.
Most of the front page is taken up with a…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 18, 1775

* General George Washington
* Named Commander-in-Chief 
* Continental Army - British reaction

The front page begins with a nice item from London concerning George Washington: "General Washington, who was lately appointed Generalissimo over the Provincials, has refused any salary, and is to attend to the hazardous and arduous duty allotted him from principle only. A most noble example & worthy of imitation in Great Britain, particularly at this time…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, October 11, 1781 

* American Revolutionary War original
* American Issac Hayne's execution - hanging

Most of the front page is taken up with various correspondences from and to C. Fraser, Isaac Hayne, Lord Rawdon & John Collock, with a prefacing note: "The following are authentic copies of sundry papers which  Col. Isaac Hayne, two days before his execution, delivered to a friend with an injunction...".
Col. Isaac Hayne was one of the most prominent Americans to…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776 

* Post Declaration of Independence 
* American Revolutionary War 

This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776. 

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776  

* General Benedict Arnold
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 
Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796  

* President George Washington
* U.S. government in it's infancy

Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
  Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has a document concerning the sale of various tracts of…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1776  

* Governor John Penn
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

The front page has half a column taken up with 2 desertion reward ads, with much detail. Over a column is taken up with the verbatim cross-examination of Governor Penn of Pennsylvania, which carries over to take one-third of page 2. A few questions & answers include: "...Q. In what estimation was the Congress held? A. In the highest veneration imaginable by all ranks…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790 (a 4-issue set) 

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

The 4-issue set of Gazette of the United States from August 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790, covers several key historical events and historic developments from the early U.S. government, focusing on the United States Funding Act of 1790 (which flowed from Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Report).

• United States…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 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, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790  

* President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington. 
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Account of the Moravian Settlement at Bethlehem in…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787  

* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president 

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 1744  

* Rare colonial periodical 

This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was 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…

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 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

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 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

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 era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* A detailed eyewitness account 
* In a American publication (rare)

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 century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of…

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.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790  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 Jefferson, and George Washington.

This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress to address the issue of funding of the domestic debt incurred by the individual colonies during the Revolutionary War and…

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 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 letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

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, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

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 support the French in capturing British ships, which it would not do. Ultimately to avoid an appointment with the guillotine Genet was given…

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 congratulations for his public service. It is followed by his grateful response, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776 

 * News of the Declaration of Independence spreads
* Battle of Sullivan's Island - General Charles Lee 
* American Revolutionary War - great year to have 

 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 published at the Court House." A very notable report…

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 happy in the full enjoyment of her rights...". Also on the front page is: "A Plan for Reducing the Rebellious Colony of New England & for the…

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 national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

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 national legislature and President."
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" from military officers of Baltimore County, relating…

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 back is "Domestic Miscellany" with the latest news reports of the day including talk of developing Presque Isle near Erie, methods of improving the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 4, 1789  Mot of page 3 is taken up with reports on the: "Proceedings of Congress" with datlines of April 28, then April 29, under the latter are reports on preparations for Washington's inauguration.
These reports include: "The committees of both houses of Congress, appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception, etc. of the President of the United States, have agreed to the following order thereon,…

Lexington & Concord content...

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 by its President: John Hancock.
The Conciliatory Resolution was a resolution passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to reach a…

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 four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The back page has a letter from the "Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland, to George Washington..." followed by his…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston),  March 3, 1743,4 (1744 by today's calendar)  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", this 8 page magazine is almost entirely taken up with religious content from the "Great Awakening"

THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1792  This issue begins with a letter from Benjamin Rush concerning the academy at Bordentown, New Jersey, with a lengthy response. Also inside is the continued: "History Of the American Revolution" which takes 7 pages; "Capture of a Fort by a Drunken Sailor" "On The Indian War" & more.
There are 12 pages taken up with much detail on: "Proceedings of Congress" . There two letters each signed in type by La Fayette.
Near the…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page. Included are several letters signed in type by John Adams, Samuel Adams, James Madison & others. Also: "Description of a Visit to Mount Etna" among other articles. Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with the latest news of the day. Included is; "Revision of Constitution" which has an interesting & accurate commentary:…

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 pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, 4 small binding holes at the blank spine, generally nice condition.

AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 14, 1798  Among the front page full of ads is one: "For Sale--A Negro Boy who is near thirteen years old..." with more. Page 2 has two early circus ads, and the bkpg. has a "Fifty Cents Reward" for a runway girl.
The back page also has an ad for a book: "Just Published...An Expostulatory Letter to Gen. Washington...On the subject of his continuing a Proprietor of Slaves".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, numerical doodling to a…