John Hancock signs an Act of the Mass. legislature...
Item #703218
August 07, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Aug. 7, 1783
* Governor John Hancock signed act
* State legislature of Massachusetts
Almost the entire issue is taken up with a lengthy Act of the state of Massachusetts, titled: "AN ACT, Laying Duties of Impost and Excise on Certain Goods, Wares and Merchandise therein described...". It is signed at its conclusion on page 4: John Hancock.... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702543
June 01, 1779
THE UNITED STATES MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1779
* The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War
In the entirety of the Revolutionary War only two American magazines existed, they being this one and the "Pennsylvania Magazine" which published in Philadelphia as well, from January, 1775 thru July, 1776.
The "United States Magazin... See More
Terrific political cartoon from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701553
February 01, 1778
THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1778
* American Revolutionary War era
* Very rare political cartoon illustration
The prime feature of this issue is a great full page plate which is a political cartoon concerning England as it relates to the American colonies (click here to see a high-resolution photo of the cartoon).
A page has an: "Explanation of the... See More
The Citizen Genet Affair in 1793...
Item #701503
May 29, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, May 29, 1793
* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet
The front page has the Address Of The Citizens Of Philadelphia, To EDMUND CHARLES GENET, Minister Plenipotentiary From The Republic of France, To The United States", with his Answer signed in type: Genet.
Genêt served as French minister to the United States from 1793 to 1794. His activities in ... See More
Maryland's non-importation resolution...
Item #701324
July 03, 1769
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769
* The Non-Importation movement
The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which begins: "Whereas, by the great & melanchol... See More
Dr. John Morgan defends himself as Surgeon General of the United States... Silas Deane's letter in defense of himself...
Item #701323
December 09, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, Dec. 9, 1778
* Rare Revolutionary War American publication
New Jersey was the last of the 13 original colonies to have a newspaper. This is the volume 1, number 53 issue.
The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & detailed letter: "To the Citizens and Freemen of the United States of America" signed ... See More
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #701189
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771
* Benjamin Franklin appointed agent
* Pennsylvania Assembly in London
Page 4 begins with a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus a... See More
Reports from the closing months of the Revolutionary War...
Item #701131
April 09, 1783
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL, Philadelphia, April 9, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events - John Dickinson
Fully half of the front page is a lengthy letter: "To His Excellency John Dickinson, esq., President" of Pennsylvania, which relates to the paper currency of America. The balance of the front page is a letter: "To Robert Morris" that begins: "M... See More
Reference to the Stamp Act...
Item #701127
March 23, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1767
* Rare pro British Colonial publication
* American taxation - re. stamp act
Over 1 1/2 columns of the front page are taken up with: "Dr. Franklin's Pieces in Behalf of North America", signed in type: Homespun.
Also on the front page is a letter mentioning: "...I know not with what ... See More
Map of the Hudson River region... Franklin on the exchange of prisoners...
Item #701099
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 consi... See More
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
The Quasi-War with France... Nelson & Buonaparte in Egypt...
Item #700840
August 14, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 14, 1798 Page 4 has much reporting on the Napoleonic War with Nelson & Napoleon in Egypt. One bit notes: "...mentioning that Admiral Nelson and Buonaparte had met near Alexandria; that the fleets had engaged, and that Admiral Nelson had lost three ships & two frigates..." with much more.
Page 5 has most of a column headed: "Hos... See More
Soldiers evacuating New York... Southern colonies are now free of the British...
Item #700821
April 24, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, April 24, 1783 The front page has half a column headed: "America" with various reports, including one of a fight between French sailors & inhabitants in Philadelphia: "...owing to the insolence of the French, which has at length become intolerable...The French have rendered themselves so unpopular that they dare not walk the streets...&quo... See More
Building lots for sale in the new federal capital...
Item #700702
August 02, 1791
DUNLAPS AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1791
* Washington D.C. land lots for sale
* Early United States government era
The front page has a nice ad concerning the sale of a number of lots in the "Federal City." It mentions that the President of the United States approved the: "...Sites for the Public Buildings pursuant to the Act passed by Congress... See More
The historic Boston Non-Importation Agreement...
Item #700584
May 15, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769
* The Boston Non-Importation Agreement
* Boycott of British goods b merchants & traders
* Rare Colonial Pennsylvania publication
The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defen... See More
On the conquest of Montreal & sending the French home...
Item #700467
November 29, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 29, 1760
* The Surrender of Montreal
* French troops defeated
The back page has a letter from Philadelphia which mention in part: "From Montreal we learn that M. Vaudruiel, late Governor & Commander in Chief of Canada, with all the regular troops...were to be sent home immediately, and t5hat the peasants born in Canada & having possessi... See More
From during George Washington's administration...
Item #700356
March 11, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 11, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.
During Washington's administration...
Item #700345
May 07, 1793
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 7, 1793
* 18th century America publication
A typical newspaper of the day from during George Washington's administration. Inside has a runaway reward ad, with details.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.... See More
A supplement issue almost entirely filled with ads...
Item #700337
November 15, 1792
SUPPLEMENT TO DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 15, 1792 This is a single sheet that is almost entirely taken up with advertisements that would not have fit in the "regular" issue.
Complete as a full size single sheet, wide, never-trimmed margins, irregular at the very top is a paper-making flow, not loss. Otherwise in nice condition.
A supplement issue almost entirely filled with ads, two slave-related...
Item #700336
November 14, 1792
SUPPLEMENT TO DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 14, 1792 This is a single sheet that is almost entirely taken up with advertisements that would not have fit in the "regular" issue. One is for: "The Time of a Negro Woman For Sale..." & another: "Twenty Dollars Reward" for 2 runaway: "...young Negro lads..." with details.
Co... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #699986
March 15, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 15, 1798 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper. Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment.
Page 2 has an adv... See More
An attempted early demonstration of a parachute ends comically... News from America...
Item #699820
July 14, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 14, 1785 The back page has a report concerning the early use of a parachute, bits noting: "...persons were assembled...late Blanchard's Aerobatic Academy near Vauxhall, to be spectators of an experiment made by a Italian with a parachute, who was to have let himself down from a prodigious altitude and to manifest his composure by playing on a viol... See More
Corbett's short-lived newspaper...
Item #699029
April 25, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, April 26, 1797 The front page includes a: "Two Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway indented servant girl, with details. Pages 2 and 3 have reports on the Napoleonic War including a letter signed in type: Buonaparte, which includes: "I shall send you immediately the ten standards which we have taken from the Pope in the different actions we h... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #699010
December 20, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 20, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pag... See More
Sam Adams... Building the frigate United States...
Item #698984
August 03, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 3, 1796
* USS United States construction
* Samuel Adams act signed in type
The first column on the front page has an Act of the Mass. Legislature signed in type by: Samuel Adams (stain here affects 4 words). Page 2 has: "French Victory on the Rhine" concerning Buonaparte. Also: "Intercourse With Canada".
Also a brief yet notable r... See More
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #698758
January 13, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Jan. 13, 1798
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Page 2 has the latest reports from Congress. The back page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents..... See More
Preparing for the final events at Yorktown... Tragic case of Col. Isaac Haynes...
Item #698643
October 02, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Oct. 2, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
Most of the front page is taken up with reports and correspondence concerning the case of Col. Isaac Haynes, the American officer hanged by the British for a controversial charge. One series of letters is prefaced with: "The following are authentic copies of su... See More
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #698611
January 05, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Jan. 5, 1798
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Page 3 has the latest reports from Congress. The back page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents..... See More
Quakers want immunity from military duty...
Item #698329
November 23, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1791 Congressional business reported on page 3 includes mention that a memorial was presented: "...from a committee of the counties of Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette and Allegheny, remonstrating against the excise law....". Also that a memorial was presented: "...from the Quakers of the Eastern part of N. Car
... See More
Silence is cowardice; neutrality is treason...
Item #698242
May 16, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 16, 1798
* President John Adams
The front page has a lengthy letter being an: "Answer to the Young Men of the City of Philadelphia..." signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Also: "The Address - John Adams, President of the United States" by the young men of Boston concerning the potential for war & noting: "...when th... See More
Detailing how supportive England has been to the colonies...
Item #698043
January 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coa... See More
Washington introduces a letter by the Secretary of State...
Item #698025
March 20, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 20, 1794
* George Washington & Edmund Randolph
Page 2 has a letter of introduction to the Congress signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. It introduces a letter from the Secretary of State concerning: "...the vexations and spoliations on our commerce since the commencement of the European war...". The much lengthier lette... See More
Naval battle between the Americans & British... Franklin the 'old fox'...
Item #697389
January 03, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, January 3, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engravi... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697371
May 31, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 31, 1797 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue app... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697250
June 01, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 1, 1797 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue app... See More
The "humble" beginnings of Stephen Girard...
Item #697217
October 17, 1792
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1792 The front page features 21 illustrated ship ad making this a decorative issue. The ftpg. also has a small notice for the "Cincinnati of Pennsylvania" [The Society of Cincinnati] calling for a meeting of the standing committee.
The back page has an ad by Stephen Girard, for the sale of merchandise (including French... See More
Notable attempt at price controls during the War... Much fine war content...
Item #697211
July 15, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 15, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This is the volume 1, #18 issue.
The entire front page & most of the back page are taken up with what one scholar calls: &quo... See More
Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington as Commander-in-Chief...
Item #697032
June 27, 1775
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: ... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #696529
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
British fear America will be lost...
Item #696490
January 31, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 31, 1782 Page 2 has a nice letter from New York beginning: "We are under some apprehensions here for the safety of the garrison of Charlestown [Charleston], South Carolina. If that should meet with the same fate as York Town in Virginia, America, it is to be feared, will be totally lost to Great Britain..." with more.
Page 7 has a full column of... See More
Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #696414
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787 * Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.
Comments from the Library Company ... See More
Reports on the French & Indian War...
Item #696159
February 21, 1761
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 21, 1761
* Fort Prince George - South Carolina
* Major Andrew Thompson
Page 5 has a report headed: "America" with Boston, New York and Philadelphia datelines. Included is a naval encounter between the French and British from the French & Indian War. Another item mentions: "...that the Indians continue in their old way, but that M... See More
Some notes from the French & Indian War...
Item #695161
August 03, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 3, 1762 Page 7 has an: "Extract of a Letter From Philadelphia", bits including: "Gen. Mockton is returned...to his government of New York...Seven British ships of war were cruising of Cape Francis, blocking up the French men of war...The Indians to the north and west are very quiet...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, partial red ... See More
Broadside "Extra" of the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694986
May 17, 1771
POSTSCRIPT EXTRAORDINARY to the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE....Philadelphia, May 17, 1771
* Very rare "extra" edition broadside
* Pre-Revolutionary War America
A very handsome broadside (printed on one side only) "Extra" edition of the famous newspapers, owned by Ben Franklin during the previous decade.
The reports are news items from London brought over in the ships L... See More
End of war reports... Proclamation signed by John Hanson, the first President?
Item #694963
November 05, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?
Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright pe... See More
Single sheet "Supplement" to the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694917
August 03, 1769
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119 (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)
* Rare colonial publication
This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the reg... See More
This newspaper existed for just one year... Botany Bay...
Item #694555
December 06, 1796
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1796
* Rare publication
* Botany Bay
* New South Wales
* Australia
A very scarce title, existing only from Aug. 15, 1796 thru Aug. 16, 1797, just one year. This issue is from the private collection.
Page 3 has: "Botany Bay" which is present-day Australia. The letter from Governor Hunter, New South Wales, begins: "This settlement ... See More
A single sheet "Supplement" issue...
Item #694552
October 15, 1796
SUPPLEMENT TO CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 15, 1796 Occasionally newspapers would publish a "Supplement" to an issue to either provide space for advertisements or to report news that would not fit within the 4 page issue. This is one.
The front page begins with a: "Twenty-Dollars Reward" for a runaway: "...Negro servant lad..." ... See More
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