Historic Newspapers: Declaration Signers

THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745  

* Very rare & early colonial magazine
* Great Boston masthead engraving

This is a very rare title, actually the first successful magazine in American history done in the traditional magazine format (Christian History preceded this by several years but was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening).
This magazine existed for about 3 years. Two previous attempts at a magazine in the colonies only lasted a few issues, one published by Ben…

THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 23, 1745  

* Very rare Colonial NYC publication
* 30 years prior to the Revolutionary War

As those who follow our offerings know, it is rare that we have the opportunity to offer American newspapers from the 1740's. Here is a very handsome issue from 1745 featuring a nicely engraved, well-inked coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead. 
The entire front page and over half of page 2 are taken with a report from the commander-in-chief of the province of…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753

* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)

In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint after 1765.
This issue is from before the French…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753

* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper

A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War and all the oppressive Acts of Parliament of the 1760's and 1770's…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1755  Among the articles are: "Secret of the Fire-eating Art" "An Account of some New Experiments on Human Blood" "Life of a Modern Physician" "A Letter from R. Brook, M.D. in Maryland..." concerning Fahrenheit's thermometer; "New Improvement of the Barometer" which includes a nice illustration of it; "An Account of Canada, Given to the Governor of New York" which takes over a full page, and has as a page heading: "Journey from Quebeck to…

THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755  

* Very rare & early American publication

A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gun battery at the South End is to be greatly enlarged and more cannon added to it...".
Also: "...have advice that…

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 that time: "Last week Colonel Washington arrived here [Phila.] from Virginia; as did the honorable Chief…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759  

* "Political Aphorisms...", by Benjamin Franklin (?)

The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information).
Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which also has the identical signature "F", was attributed by Ford, 605 in a Bonhams' auction in 2009.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1766  One of the better items is a letter: "...from the Principal Merchants in London trading to the Colonies, to John Hancock, Esq., and the rest of the Merchants in Boston, on the Repeal of the Stamp Act" which has some great reading. This letter takes a full page.
Other articles within include: "An Account of a white Negroe Boy" "Remarkable Petition to Oliver Cromwell" "Behaviour of a Young Heretic executed at Abbeville" and more.
Three-quarters of…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 15, 1767  A short report on page 6 is headed: "From the Virginia Gazette, Williamsburgh, Virginia" mentioning that John Randolph was appointed Attorney General, to replace Peyton Randolph. The balance of the issue is taken up with various reports from Europe from just 8 years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Many advertisements as well.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, some front page rubbing, good condition.

Background: The year 1767 marks a…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768 

* Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
* Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica

Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this publication. As was typical of Franklin, it was signed using one of his many pseudonyms: "Medius". This was one of the most detailed letters Franklin had written devoted to the care of the poor. Portions are quoted in…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768  

* Pre Revolutionary War tensions

This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an article voicing his support for the Boston Tea party. The paper's sympathies and general revolutionary message were a cause of great concern to the British. Soon the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 6, 1769  

* Early Yankee Doodle song mention
* Importation - exportation tensions

The front page has an interesting article about: "...George being now master of the ceremonies made the music play just as he pleased; and one night...he swore he would exhibit to the company a dance which had never been attempted but in North America. 'Twas in vain that his friends, observing the state of intoxication he was in,…

Events in Charlestown, SC - pre-Battle of Alamance...

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1771  Near the back is a full page headed "American Affairs" which includes: "Charles-Town, May 8. The General Assembly of the province of Georgia, met at Savannah on the 23d past. On the 24th the new elected Commons House of Assembly unanimously re-chose the Hon. Noble Wimberly Jones, Esq; for their Speaker; but he being disapproved of by the Governor, they, the same day, unanimously chose Archibald Bullock, Esq;...". This event was instrumental in what…

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…

PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 11, 1775

* The Battles of Lexington and Concord
* Start of American Revolutionary War

This is a gem of an issue, as it is what all serious collectors seek for their Revolutionary War collection: an American newspaper with a terrific report on the famous battles at Lexington and Concord.
This page 3 report, datelined from Salem, April 25, begins: "Last Wednesday the troops of his Britanic Majesty commenced hostilities upon the people of this…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, July 29, 1775  In the world of American Revolutionary literature and manuscripts three bodies of work stand out: 1) Thomas Paine's Common Sense; 2) the Declaration of Independence; and 3) the earliest of the Revolutionary trinity: The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.
All of the front page and a bit of page 2 are taken up with this latter document, signed in type by John Hancock. This document is rarely offered in a period American…

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…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 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 storming & thereby prevent effusion of blood on both sides...These circumstances we

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776  

* American Revolutionary War 
* Great year to have (1776)
* Benjamin Franklin song 

The front page begins with a wonderful letter beginning; "The Ministry have boasted much of their regular, their disciplined troops, which they fancied capable of beating all the irregulars in the world. One would wonder how men of any attention to what has passed, could deceive themselves into such an opinion when so many facts, within the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 18, 1776  

* Great year to have (1776)
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare mention of Button Gwinnett
* Birth of the American Postal System

A front page report from Savannah includes: "Friday last our Provincial Congress proceeded to the election of delegates to represent this province in the grand Continental Congress..." with the winners noted, one of which was Button Gwinnett,.
This is rare mention of Button Gwinnett, who has the dubious…

John Hancock signature... A few weeks prior to his most famous...

THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776  

* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have

This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776. 
But the content is nice as well, particularly given that this issue was printed just 9 days before the Declaration…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  Certainly a very uncommon title from the 18th century, formatted much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine" or the era.
An inside page has a great document headed: "American United Colonies, In Congress, May 15, 1776" which is a statement concerning the lack of ability to give allegiance to the King and the desire to authorize each of the 13 colonies to form a new provincial government. It is signed in type by the President: John Hancock.
This…

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 UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, August, 1776  

* Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain

It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find issues containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing of the actual document.
With American newspaper printings commanding $100,000 or more in nice…

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 evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the headings covering the war are: "Proceedings of the Army Under Gen. Howe" and "Proceedings of the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  

* Battles of Saratoga
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
* Germantown and Brandywine

The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the…

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 considerable detail.
This map measures 9 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, nice condition. A small bit was cut from lower left margin so it could be folded…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, August 13, 1778  Most of the front page is taken up with news & correspondence concerning America negotiating a treaty of assistance with France, including mention of Ben Franklin.
Page 3 has several reports on the war including a report from Fishkill on the battles at Long Island & Staten Island, then a letter to General Heath from Rhode Island concerning the situation there, followed y a letter from Major-General John Hancock at Rhode…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the measures pursued…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1779  

* Great siege of Rhode Island print
* American Revolutionary War original

This issue leads off with reports on the debates in Parliament, which include discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...the conduct of the army under the command of Gen. Howe; he seized the opportunity of painting in the blackest colours the ingratitude of the Americans; & concluded with exhorting the House to unanimity in prosecuting the war against them..." with…

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 Morris against Thomas Paine. Also much on a meeting of freeholders at Boston, moderated by Sam Adams, with…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779  

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "Address To the Inhabitants of Ireland", signed in type at its conclusion: B. Franklin. Versailles, October 4,…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War
* Gen. John Burgoyne failures
* re. Battles of Saratoga surrender

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is best remembered as the commanding general at Saratoga who gave up that strategic post to American General Gates, a major…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1780  

* Battle of Camden, South Carolina
* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Inside has a lengthy & very detailed letter from Lord Cornwallis to Lord Germain on the battle of Camden, S.C., which begins: "It is with great pleasure that I communicate to your lordship an account of the...victory obtained on the 16th inst. by his Majesty's troops under my command over the rebels of the southern army, commanded by General Gates...". This report continues…

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

* Rare Revolutionary War title from America

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 letter: "To the Inhabitants of…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1781  

* American Revolutionary War
* Closing months - nice masthead

Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" beginning: "Whereas a resolve...for apprehending all prisoners of war that have been captured by any armed vessels of the United States and have not taken arms against the King of Great Britain..." with further dextral, signed in type by the governor of Mass: John Hancock.
Page 3 begins with a letter signed: Benedict…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781  

* American Revolutionary War
* Post Surrender of Cornwallis
* Loyalist James Rivington

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…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782  

* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War

Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.
The front page has an item including: "...from Paris...that the King has signified to his Excellency…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 12, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War closing events
* George Washington & Thomas Jefferson

The inside pages have various reports concerning the Revolutionary War, including: "...nothing but the utter destruction of the Carolinas was talked of by the ministry & their creatures; but since the French have blocked up the Chesapeake & landed 8000 troops, they can condescend to think it very well if Lord Cornwallis should be…

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 POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, May, 1783  Certainly one of the less common magazines of the 18th century, formatted very much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine' of the day.
Inside includes: "The Fate Of the Loyalists" "Sir G. Carleton and Adm. Digby Letters to Secretary Livingston" "Letters From America on the Terms of Peace" "Indian War in America" "Rebel Financier Resigns" being Robert Morris; "Loyalists Settle in Nova Scotia - State of Loyalists" plus a letter concerning: "...the…

THE NORWICH PACKET of the CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Connecticut, Dec. 10, 1783  

* Historic Treaty of Paris (peace)
* End of the Revolutionary War

This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century with the handsome engraving of the ship.
Taking almost all of page 3 is perhaps the most significant document of the Revolutionary War era, being the complete text of the Treaty of Paris ending the war, formally headed at the top of the first column: "The Definitive Treaty…