One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #669851
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Coloni... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697098
April 30, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 30, 1743 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", th... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697762
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
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 iss... See More
The Great Awakening... Christian revival in New-Londonderry, PA...
Item #653754
May 21, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, May 21, 1743
* 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... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #645581
March 10, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
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 t... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #681106
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
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 iss... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #690181
April 28, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 28, 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 ... See More
Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod experiment...
Item #671792
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Inside has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily constructed, for making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this experiment works. E
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Inside has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily constructed, for making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this experiment works. E
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #676502
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 * Benjamin Franklin received Copley Medal
* Experiments and Observations on Electricity
Near the back of this issue is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." ... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #681445
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.
At the back is the &q... See More
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #688741
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 * The Copley medal of the Royal Society
* Benjamin Franklin electricity experiments
Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is ... See More
Poem to Ben Franklin with lightning rod reference...
Item #676541
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1754 * A poem to Benjamin Franklin
* Mention of his lightning rod
Near the back is a half page poem titled: "To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Philadelphia, on his Experiments and Discoveries in Electricity" which is dated from "Cooper River, S. Carolina, Sept. 20, 1753".
At the bottom of the poem are two footnotes, one... See More
Very early from Maryland: the French & Indian War... Money owned to Ben Franklin...
Item #694150
March 13, 1755
THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755 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... See More
Early map of the Caribbean Islands...
Item #683352
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1756 The first two pages are devoted to the "Caribee Islands" [Caribbean] primarily limited to text on Barbadoes.But of greater significance is the great and desirable foldout map labeled: "A Map of the CARIBBEE ISLANDS Shewing which belong to England, France, Spain, Dutch, & Danes...". This map folds out to 8 1/2 by 13 1/2 ... See More
Marriage of Ben Franklin's daughter... Colonists distressed by duties..
Item #687574
January 19, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768 Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #681266
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse.
Also within is a mention of "A Portugal Merchant&... See More
Imports, exports... Yankee Doodle...
Item #687381
March 06, 1769
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 attem... See More
A layout for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688744
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Plan (print) for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688743
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #688742
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Prelude to the Revolutionary War...
Item #569699
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 28, 1774 Most of the front page is a report headed: "The Journal of a Voyage...for making Discoveries towards the North Pole by the Hon. Commodore Phipps..." (see for beginning). A full column on pg. 2 has reports from Boston (see) concerning strained relationships with England, and mentioning Ben Franklin (see). This is followed by a lette... See More
Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century...
Item #687194
October 27, 1774
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #673309
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of th
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of th
The (1775) Restraining bill, and reaction to it...
Item #701076
May 17, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, May 17, 1775
* Retraining Acts of 1775
* Colonial trade restrictions
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with: "Lord Camden's Speech on the New England Fishery Bill".
Page 2 has a report headed: "Provisions in the Restraining Bill for the Provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylva... See More
Early version of the Articles of Confederation...
Item #677958
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1775
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
... See More
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
Congress responds to the King's Proclamation that the colonies are in open rebellion...
Item #687385
December 21, 1775
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE or the ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dec. 21, 1775
* King Charles III of England
* American colonies in rebellion
* U.S. Congress addresses conflict
* American Revolutionary War
Certainly the most historic content is found on page 3, being Congress' response to the King's proclamation of August 23 in which he refused to receive the conc... See More
Washington crosses the Delaware... Franklin vs. Howe...
Item #670241
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1777
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
... See More
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
The battle at Peekskill...
Item #659874
May 13, 1777
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, May 13, 1777 The ftpg. has a brief mention concerning Ben Franklin's efforts in Paris.
Page 2 begins with a report on the Battle at Peekskill, where the British destroyed a magazine of the Americans. This is followed by a letter from Lord Viscount Howe from New York, telling of his work in America.
Page 3 has additional reports from the Revolutionary W... See More
News from the Revolutionary War...
Item #597077
May 24, 1777
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 24, 1777 Page 2 has a few reports concerning the Revolutionary War including: "From Connecticut that the jail in that colony are filled with loyal Americans who are treated in the most barbarous manner. Some are chained on their backs to the floor & others so loaded with irons that they can hardly walk...General Lee has a good room in New Yor... See More
George Washington, Ethan Allen, and more...
Item #685950
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1778 * Revolutionary War - Jonathan Trumbull
* Benjamin Franklin - electricity experiments
The first article is a "...Debate...on Enquiry into the State of the Nation..." continued from a previous issue and has much on the Revolutionary War, including: "...that with equal force General Washington could not stand before the Br... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #678064
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 * No compromise w/ England
* American Revolutionary War
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" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping o... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #615582
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 c... See More
Ben Franklin on learning to swim... Holt Castle print...
Item #217171
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1779 Inside has nearly two pages on: "Useful Hints For Learning To Swim, In a Letter to a Friend, by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. F.R.S."Also within: "On the Fatal Effects of Revenge" and: "On Female Conduct" & so much more. Near the back are news reports of the day but I see no war-related content.
This issue does feature... See More
Foldout plate of the siege of Rhode Island... Treaty with France...
Item #686359
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 ingrati... See More
British defeat in the South...
Item #592256
August 24, 1779
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 24, 1779 Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with a piece from the book of Genesis prefaced with: "The following beautiful Apologue in the Eastern stile was written by Dr. Franklin some years ago, with a view of reclaiming his countrymen in New England from that spirit of intolerance and religious persecution which were then so... See More
Burgoyne & Saratoga... John Paul Jones: King wants his ships back...
Item #685874
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1779 * Battles of Saratoga - New York
* General John Burgoyne defeat
* Captain John Paul Jones
The first 8 pages are taken up with "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes some discussion of the affairs in America.
But the prime content would be the excellent coverage of events relating to General Burgoyn... See More
Testimony of Joseph Galloway against General Howe... Thomas Paine...
Item #693175
November 23, 1779
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, November 23, 1779
* Loyalist Joseph Galloway
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead for display
One-third of the front page has reports from the Penna. General Assembly, with a prefacing note signed in type by Thomas Paine, who was the Clerk of the General Assembly at that time.
There is a similar note signed by Thomas Paine on page 2 as wel... See More
Book by Ben Franklin reviewed... Fort Stanwix...
Item #671801
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1779 * Ben Franklin's book is reviewed (brief)
* Fort Stanwix report
* Captain Cook's ships observed?
Near the back is a review of a book titled: "Political, Miscellaneous, & Philosophical Pieces, Written by Benjamin Franklin...".
Some talk of "American News" near the back, with mention that: "...Fo... See More
Battle of Savannah... Captain Cook...
Item #653341
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1780 * Siege of Savannah - Georgia
* Benjamin Lincoln letter
* Captain James Cook - South Seas
Near the back is a section headed: "Advices Received from America" which includes: "Gen. Lincoln's Letter to Congress on the defeat of the combined Army before Georgia" with a dateline of Charleston, Oct. 22, 1779. This... See More
British & American forces in America...
Item #578283
February 03, 1781
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 3, 1781 Several pages are taken up with reports from the "House of Commons" which includes one bit noting: "...Lord Howe complained of a late publication in which he had been accused of having carried on a correspondence with Dr. Franklin, a little before he took the command in America--the fact was true, but the whole of that treasonable co... See More
Naval action in the Chesapeake... Mention of John Paul Jones... The Franklin Stove...
Item #678679
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1781 * Naval events in the Chesapeake Bay
* Rare John Paul Jones mention
* Benjamin Franklin stove illustration
"Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" has some nice talk concerning America & the Revolutionary War, including in part: "...that a treaty was entered into between the city of Amsterdam and Americ... See More
After Cornwallis' surrender: questioning the war...
Item #696481
January 10, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 10, 1782
* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy
Beginning on the front page & continuing on page 2 is a report noting: "...have information that Sir Henry Clinton had dispatched General Leslie with a reinforcement of troops to Charlestown [Charleston]..." with more reports on Charleston. Then another letter Cha... See More
Final items regarding the Revolutionary War...
Item #617546
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1782 The issue begins with 8 pages of "Proceedings In Parliament", the first 3 of which have much concerning America with mention of an exchange of prisoners, Mr. Laurens, Ben Franklin, Lord Cornwallis, General Burgoyne, and more.Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" with the latest news reports of the day, including men... See More
Ben Franklin and John Jay in Paris...
Item #673670
July 23, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 23, 1782
* Revolutionary War era
* Benjamin Franklin & John Jay
* Treaty of Paris talks
Page 4 has letter No. III of: "A Brief Memorial Upon the American War...", which begins: "The Americans were the first in opening the campaign in 1777. Their army was collected toward the end of May at the camp at Middlebrook..." with a g... See More
Have peace terms been agreed to? Loyalists to fight on...
Item #673700
October 10, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 10, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
Page 5 has: "A letter received yesterday from Paris says...that peace is or near being concluded between England and the Americans, not to the advantage of the Court of France & what gives some ground to suppose the report true, is, that Dr. Franklin has just received some dispatches from America, t... See More
Consequences of peace with England...
Item #681294
December 14, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Dec. 14, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
The front page begins with a report: "Doctor Franklin told a gentleman...at Paris that when a pacification between America and England should happen, it was the intention of Congress to appoint consuls in Dublin & other sea ports of this Kingdom to superintend all co... See More
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702586
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783 Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America. Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, particularly details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, &a... See More
The French evacuated Yorktown... Treaty particulars arrived in Paris...
Item #673946
April 03, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 3, 1783
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century original
* From The Enemy
The back page includes: "...an account that an American frigate had arrived at Nantes, on board which came...This gentleman, who is in the service of Congress, has brought over the outlines of the treaty which is to be definitive between America and Great Britain.... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
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E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
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