Historic Newspapers: Founding Fathers (U.S.)

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 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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1757  

* Early Major George Washington 
* Jewish colony in the East Indies

The first 2 1/2 pages have reports from the French & Indian War in America, including five letters written by General Braddock datelined Williamsburgh and Alexandria. In the introductory comments on the first page is mention that: "...concerning the territories in America mention'd in the treaty of Utrecht; of several Indian traders seized by the French on the Ohio, and sent…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 29, 1757  Fully half of page 4 is taken up with a fine letter regarding the on-going French & Indian War. It begins: "The preservation of our Colonies and preventing the French from making any encroachments was the cause and design of the present war. But we have yet been so far from succeeding that the French, in conjunction with the neighboring savages, continue to destroy our fortifications, butcher the inhabitants..." with much more.
Page 7 has nearly a…

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 LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 4, 1769  

* One year prior to the "Boston Massacre" 
* Pre American Revolutionary War tensions 

Page 2 has an interesting report: "It is whispered, that some letters of great importance and bad tendency, which were written in the spring to the friends of a certain Patriot in America, have been intercepted, and are intended to serve as matter effectually to put an end to his popularity."
The back page has a small bit: "It is said that for the future…

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1773

* Phillis Wheatley poem & biography
* Famous Woman servant turned poet

  Near the back is a printing of a poem titled: "On Recollection" which was written by the famed black poetess Phillis Wheatley. This piece also includes a brief biography of her.
Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American poet and the first African-American woman whose writings helped create the genre of African American literature. Born in Gambia, she…

THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775 

* Pre American Revolutionary War 
* Thomas Paine - first time as editor 

This is a very rare magazine, published only from January, 1775 thru July, 1776, containing the Declaration of Independence in its final issue.
It was the only American magazine to print the Declaration, in fact it was the only American magazine ever printed in 1776. In the entirely of the Revolutionary War only two American magazine titles existed, they…

THE CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775 

* Very rare publication
* British pro-American 

 In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London both in defense of American liberty and their cause for independence, as well as to attack the policies of the King…

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 PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: "...waving all that may be said of your hypocracy, cruelty, villany, treachery, persidy, falsehood &…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
* Terrific issue w/ many reports

Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
The front page has a letter from an officer in General Gage's regiment heading for Boston, which details his reason for wanting to retire, noting: "...As I cannot, without reproach from my own…

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 NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE Cambridge, Sept. 21, 1775  

* American Revolutionary War

This title has a rather short lifespan in Cambridge existing from just May 12, 1775 thru April 4, 1776, less than a year. After the latter date the newspaper was removed to Boston.
The front page begins with a strong appeal by the City of London to the King concerning his handling of the situation in America. It mentions: "...The abhorrence we entertain of civil bloodshed & confusion will, we…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England October, 1775  

* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Continental Congress rejects the offer 
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War

Over 2 pages area taken up with the document--signed in type by John Hancock--in which the Continental Congress rejects the conciliation plan of Lord North. The document is headed: "CONTINENTAL CONGRESS". See for portions. This is followed by a number of letters from notables of the Revolutionary War including…

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead…

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…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1776   

* The "dishonest malevolence" controversy
* Thomas Paine "Common Sense" & Robert Bell
* Great year to have (1776) Revolutionary War

As a bit of a back story, printer Robert Bell ran an advertisement taking most of a column in the January 27 issue attacking both Paine and Bradford and ingenuously accusing them of "dishonest malevolence." He also continued his efforts to sell his own second edition of Thomas Paine's famous…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 1, 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, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common, in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also created the masthead for the Essex Journal, very few examples of which are found on…

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 front page is taken up with: "The following rules for establishing a Society for Relieving the Distresses of Prisoners...". Page 2 has reports from…

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 LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 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.
The entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terrific letter signed by "A Common Man" headed: "To Cato, Cassandra, and all the Writers on the…

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE: OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, April 4, 1776  

* Ethan Allen as a prisoner
* General George Washington 
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

A wealth of fine content in this issue from this desirable year.
Page 2 has a wonderful address from the Massachusetts Council offering praise and support to "His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United American Colonies". This is followed by the heartfelt…

Less than 100 days prior to the Declaration...

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 23, 1776  

* Pre Declaration of Independence signing
* American Revolutionary War original 
* Great year to have (776) - very rare 

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with reports of ships trading in the Caribbean & related news. Also on the front page is: "The French appear exceedingly friendly to the American cause which they would have promoted by a much larger supply of arms & ammunition than they have hitherto imported had…

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…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 10, 1777  

* Thomas Paine's "American Crisis"
* Essay # 2 re. Revolutionary War
* Intended to bolster American morale 

Almost the entire front page is taken up with the continuation of Thomas Paine's essay #2 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by Paine during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1776 Paine wrote Common Sense, an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for…