Historic Newspapers: Catalog 370 - released for September, 2026...

MERCURIUS POLITICUS, London, England, May 27, 1652. Pages 7, 8, and 9 of this extraordinarily rare newsbook feature the complete twelve-article text of the Treaty of Jamestown under the heading: “Articles agreed on and concluded at James City in Virginia, for the surrendering and settling of that Plantation under the obedience and Government of the Commonwealth of England…”. Concluding with its official sign-off on March 12, 1651 [1652 using today’s calendar], this publication represents what

LONDON GAZETTE, London, Oct. 3, 1667  An early issue of this world famous newspaper which began in 1665 and still publishes today.
The front page has two items noting in part: "...Several merchants touched here and are again put to sea, all of them bound for New England, the Royal Exchange only excepted...". Also: 
"Yesterday arrived at St. Lucars our expected ships from New Spain, and in them about seven or eight millions of pieces of eight to the great encouragement of trade which was before…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 28, 1670  The top of the front page has a report from Vienna noting: "The Jews have offered great sums of money to the Emperor to dispence with his order for their banishment, or at least to give leave that a considerable number of them may be permitted to continue here, but have effected nothing and are consequently preparing to be gone within the time prescribed having already taken care to remove their Synagogue."
The back page has a brief item mentioning…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 31, 1682  The front page has a passing Judaica mention in a report from Venice concerning finances. It notes in part: "...That this business has not cost above 20,000 crowns, the Ambassador having only made a present to the Grand Signior of a diamond ring...but from other hands, we have a quite contrary account of this matter, they telling us, that what with the money they have been forced to give, and the interest they pay for the same, having taken it up of…

A CONTINUATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARLIAMENT IN SCOTLAND, London, England, July 30, (1689)  The year is printed in the dateline of the first report at the top of page 1, as well as in the imprint at the bottom of the back page.
A very rare newspaper from England dealing primarily with Parliamentary affairs.
A single sheet issue with untrimmed margins, 7 by 11 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

(5) THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1600's (2nd rate)  An opportunity to purchase a lot of 5 issues of the oldest continually published English language newspaper, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today. All are from the late 1600's, priced due to minor imperfections causing them to be 2nd rate. A great opportunity to obtain authentic 17th century newspapers at a fraction of their typical cost. The image shown is just an example. Actual issues vary.

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1692-1694. This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics & one of the earliest periodicals in English. Partially in question/answer format. This newspaper was published before any American newspapers even existed.
A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides (typical for the period), measuring 7 1/2 by 12 1/2 inches. Very nice, clean…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, 1690-1699  An opportunity for a genuine issue of the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 & is still publishing today. This issue is well over 300 years old. 
Very nice condition with some minor foxing, single sheet, printed on both sides. A very popular title & a foundation for any newspaper collection.  The photos are representative of the look and condition of the issue you will receive. Actual dates vary within…

VOTES OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, London, England, 1699  This was not a newspaper in the ordinary sense, but rather an official parliamentary publication that recorded the daily proceedings, decisions, resolutions, and votes of the British House of Commons. It was one of the most important governmental publications of the 18th century and served as the authoritative public record of parliamentary business.
Rarely has this title been found in the collector market outside of our website.
Complete as…

(10) A lot of ten engraved plates from "Gentleman's Magazine", London, all from the 1700's to early 1800's (though not dated). The lot may include foldouts, prints of buildings, diagrams, maps, etc. A few defects at the margins, some of the fold lines of multi-panel plates may be archivally mended from the reverse, but otherwise nice condition.

THE REHEARSAL OF OBSERVATOR, London, England  1704-1705  A variant title --& earlier date--of the newspaper titled "The Rehearsal", and much less common. A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides measuring 8 by 13 inches. The image shown is only an example of the layout and condition of what you will receive. Actual issues vary within the specifications given.
Note: Upon request, we also have issues of "The Rehearsal".

London pamphlet from 1707. The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd before the QUEEN, in Lent, 1704. At Saint James's" with more, the second edition, London, 1707.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, nice condition.

THE SPECTATOR, London, England, 1711-12  One of the more famous of the early newspapers - founded by the famed Addison & Steele. Nice condition, trimmed, some light browning. A single sheet issue measuring approximately 8 by 11 1/2 inches. 

THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, Nov. 27, 1723  A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence is the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspapers. This format classified it as a pamphlet, and therefore, no tax was required. According to Crane and Kaye this title is not held by any American institution.
Complete as a…

THE POST-BOY, London, England, Oct. 26, 1727  The front page has a brief, and quite early mention of Bermuda, then known as the Somers Islands: "John Pit [Pitt], Esq, to be Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Bermuda or Summer [Somers]  Islands, in the room of John Hope, Esq."
The front page also has mention of a ship bound for Virginia.
A single sheet newspaper, 8 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on page 2, great condition.

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Feb. 2, 1728  A quite rare title containing a wide variety of news of the day. Amongst the various reports are items on criminals and their crimes. A wealth of advertisements as well, consuming most of pages 3 and 4.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, 10 by 13 inches, very nice condition.

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"

(10) THE LONDON GAZETTE, a lot of ten issues of this famous newspaper covering at least 5 decades from the 1700's.  All are in good condition.  A nice way to gain Britain's perspective of world affairs from the 18th century. The image shown is representative of the "look" of what you will receive. Actual issues/dates will vary.

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1755  Of great interest is: "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, etc. By B. Franklin, Esq. of Philadelphia", which takes 3 pages.
Near the back are two prints on a single page, one headed: "Plan of Fort Frederick at Crown Point" and the other a map showing a much wider area including Lake George, the Hudson River, Lake Champlain & more.
There is descriptive text on the same page as well, beginning: "This fort, which is…

(5) THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, late 1750's  A very early lot of five newspapers from Scotland, with news of the day.  A great period set at a considerable discount from the regular per-issue price. Nice condition.  The images shown are representative of the look and condition of those you will receive.  Actual dates vary in the later 1750's.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 3, 1758  Two inside pages have reports from America, both with close to half a column of text concerning the French & Indian War.
One includes: "Three thousand troops are sailed from Philadelphia, 3000 from Boston...with all the implements of war...20,000 provincials and 8000 regulars march against Ticonderoga; about 1500 regulars; and 6000 provincials march against Fort Du Quesne...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, great condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 18, 1759  Page 6 has two paragraphs of reports headed: "America", one beginning: "The Assembly in Maryland...voted 2000 men for the general service of this year, and 2100 rangers for the protection of their frontiers...".
Page 7 has a letter dated July 10 from a person in the expedition against Canada to his friend in Boston, dated in the River St. Lawrence". This nice letter details the early events of the siege of Quebec by the British.
It begins: "I am…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 10, 1760  Page 7 has over a full column headed: "America" "The Speech of the Hon. Francis Fauquier, Esq., Lieut. Gov. of Virginia, to the General Assembly of that Province".
In his address the governor gives reasons for disbinding the Va. regiment, noting in part: "...that Great Britain, notwithstanding the enormous debt under which she at present labour, is raising many millions for the service of the ensuing year; that notwithstanding the invasion with which…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 27, 1761  Page 6 has most of a column of reporting headed: "America" with datelines from Boston, Charleston, and New York, as well as a letter from Fort Augusta, all relating to the French & Indian War. The report ends with: "...Some of the Creeks are under apprehensions that the Spaniards intend to march a body of men against them from St. Augustine, to revenge the mischief they have received from these Indians, who have lately killed and taken a great many…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1762  Among the articles are: "Specific for the Hiccough [hiccup]" "Considerations on the Present War, as it Respects England and France" takes over a full page; "Extract of a Letter from Major General Monckton...dated at St. Peter's in the Island of Martinico [Dominican Republic]..." "Account of the Island of Granada" which is a nice description of it; "Cure for the Head-Ache" "New Musical Machine" and other articles.
Of interest as well is a very descriptive…

(10) THE LONDON CHRONICLE. A collection of ten issues, one from each year 1763 thru 1772, crossing the critical period from the just prior to the Stamp Act to just before the outbreak of the pre-Revolutionary War tensions. Each is 4-8 pages, may have slight imperfections, but in overall nice condition.   

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 25, 1763  Beginning on page 5 is an: "Extract of a letter from Carlisle, July 12, 1763" which includes: "... I embrace this first leisure, since yesterday morning, to transmit you a brief account of our present state of affairs here... flying families, obliged to abandon house and possession, to save their lives by an hasty escape' mourning widows, bewailing their husbands surprized and massacred by savage rage; tender parents, lamenting the fruit of their…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1765  Near the back under: "Remarkable Events" is a report of ships arriving at Philadelphia: "...with the stamps on board for Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, when several citizens assembled in order to consider ways and means for preventing the stamp act taking place in that province..." with more.
Further on is "The governor of New England, upon the arrival of the stamp paper for that province...sent a message to both houses of assembly…

REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES, (no date, no city of publication, no issue number).  
This is one of the more intriguing "newspapers" we have had the opportunity to offer. This is actually the November 14, 1765 issue of the famous "Pennsylvania Gazette" printed by Ben Franklin and David Hall. The hated Stamp Act took effect on Nov. 1, 1765. Therefore the paper was suspended and in its place a broadside entitled "No Stamped Paper to be had" was printed for Nov. 7, and this four page issue titled:…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 13, 1766  Earlier issues of this title were: "The Massachusetts Gazette And Boston News-Letter" with typical volume and issue numbering, along with the notation of Richard and Samuel Draper as publishers.
It is curious that this issue is numbered "0", that no publishers are listed, and the title is shortened. Here is clarification:
As noted in Brigham: "...With the issue of April 19, 1765, the Drapers changed the title to "The Massachusetts Gazette";…

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL [Gloucester], England, March 23, 1767  Page 3 has an interesting item: "Last week the skeleton of a man in setters, with one jaw and some of the large bones perfect, was dug up in removing some ground in our Castle Green, eastward of the ruins of the old County Hall, memorable as the place wherein was held the fatal black assize, in the year 1577... upwards of 500 other persons were infected by a gaol disease, and died between the sixth of July and the tenth of August.…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 6, 1768  A great example of a typical American newspaper from the colonial period with various news items from Europe, America, and a wealth of ads, some illustrated.
As a bonus, it still has the smaller-sized, four page "Postscript" issue. There is a front page report of troubles in England with the balance of the Postscript taken up with ads.
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches in great condition, with the Postscript having…

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1771  See the photo for the terrific & large engraving in the masthead, making this a very displayable colonial newspaper.
Pages 1 and 2 are taken up with European reports, with a few brief references to America. Page 3 has an address to John Penn, Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, followed by a: "Proclamation".
Four pages, two small mends inside at margins, nice condition.

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1775  Although there is other good American content here, near the back has a great account of the very historic Battle of Bunker Hill signed in type: Tho. Gage, which overshadows all else. This report takes nearly an entire page and begins: "I am to acquaint your Lordship of an action that happened on the 17th of June instant between his Majesty's troops and a large body of the rebel forces. An alarm was given at break of day on the 17th...troops advanced,…

LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1775  Page 2 has a fine account of the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. The account describes the march of the British Regulars stating in part that they: "...advanced within two miles of Cambridge without any considerable opposition; but they were there met by General Putnam at the head of 5000 men, who gave them a very warm reception...it is suppose 3 or 400 men were killed on each side, and the provincials retreated...without the least disorder. The Regulars…

THE WEEKLY MAGAZINE OR EDINBURGH AMUSEMENT, Scotland, Feb. 15, 1776  There are 2 1/2 pages taken up with: "A Letter from an Officer Retired to his Son in Parliament which begins: "This letter is on the subject of the present unhappy disputes between Great Britain and her American colonies...his sentiments on the measures adopted by government to reduce the colonists to obedience..." with much on this.
Some nice reading under the heading: "America" with reports from Charleston and North…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, August, 1776  Although there are 2 1/2 pages of reports headed: "American Affairs" with accounts of the Revolutionary War, certainly the prime content is that which consumes  most of the back page.
Prefaced with: "The following is the substance of the declaration of independency by the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, July 4...", what follows is the text of the Declaration of Independence, signed in type at its…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 26, 1777  Pages 2 & 3 have some reports on the Revolutionary War, bits including: "...received advices...from New York which give an account of some further advantages gained over the rebels & that several dispatches had passed between Lord & Sir William Howe & the ruling powers of the Congress..." and: "...that an engagement lately happened near that place between seven privateers fitted out by the Colonists...when after a warm contest one of the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 7, 1778  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.
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "...letter from Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe, to Mr. Stephens, dated on board his Majesty's ship Eagle in the River Delaware, Oct. 25, 1777" which has some great reading, portions of which can be seen in the…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, June, 1778  Near the back are 1 1/2 pages headed: "American Affairs". Included is a letter signed by: W.  Howe announcing his replacement, Sir Henry Clinton, has arrived, and Howe will soon be leaving for  England. He also comments on recent military events under his leadership.
Also included is a nice account of the battle at Bordentown, New Jersey. As General Clinton was preparing to evacuate Philadelphia & return to New York via New Jersey, they were met by…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1779  Near the back under: "American Affairs" is fine & lengthy reporting on events in Georgia, including the battles at Savannah and Briar Creek. Most accounts are detailed in a letter from General Prevost to Lord G. Germain signed in type: A. Prevost. The report takes 1 1/2 pages.
Both plates called for are present.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, very nice, clean condition.

Formatted very much like the Gentleman's Magazine but a much more…

THE MONTHLY REVIEW, London, July, 1780  One of the less common magazines of the 18th century, and more importantly, this issue is as it was sold on the streets, with untrimmed margins and with the original green outer wrapper.
The issue begins with the: "Account of the Russian Discoveries Between Asia & America..." which takes nearly 10 pages. Also within: "Political Annals of the Present United Colonies, from Their Settlement to the Peace of 1763" which ended the French & Indian War. This is…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1781  Near the back is a full page with a very nice & detailed: "Description of West Florida", which at that time was the present-day panhandle of Florida west to New Orleans. Nice descriptions of Mobile, Pensacola & other parts.
One of the two plates called for is present (map of West Florida is lacking).
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, a bit close-trimmed at the right margin of the title/contents page only, very nice condition.
Formatted very much like…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Springfield, Dec. 31, 1782  Certainly one of the less common American titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is an error newspaper, as all of pages 2 and 3 are blank. The back page is mostly taken up with ads. 
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, an older tape mend across the central fold of pages 1 and 2, scattered foxing, minor margin wear.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, a pair of issues dated Feb. 3 and 7, 1784  This was the era of the "air balloon" when flight by balloon was first achieved. 
The entire front page and one-third of page 2 of Feb. 3 are taken up with: "AIR BALLOONS" "A Brief Historical Account of the Various Experiments lately Made with the Aerostatic Machine in France". The lengthy & detailed report concludes on page 4 of the Feb. 7 issue.
This article focuses on the work of the Montgolfier brothers and is…

THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, January, 1785  This magazine--much more scarce than the Gentleman's Magazine--published in serial form the account of: "Captain Cook's Voyage to the Northern Hemisphere...", this issue containing reports from after July, 1778 when he was exploring the far northwest coast of North America in search of a Northwest passage to the Atlantic, extending into what are now called the Aleutian Islands & to the Bering Strait then the Arctic Ocean before having to turn back…