<img src="/images/cathead_1600s1700s.gif" alt="Newspapers From The 1600s and 1700s" />
Celebrating peace with England...
Item #703293
June 02, 1783
INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783
* American Revolutionary War ending events
* Peace celebrations in Massachusetts
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. ... See More
Excellent account of the Sullivan Expedition...
Item #703290
October 13, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1779 The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a very fine & detailed account of the Sullivan Expedition. The report is signed in type by John Sullivan, who commanded the expedition.
This was a U.S. military campaign of the Revolutionary War, lasting from June to October 1779 against the
... See More
Negotiating a treaty with France... The war on Long Island in at Rhode Island...
Item #703279
August 13, 1778
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... See More
Thomas Paine's the "American Crisis" essay number 10...
Item #703278
March 11, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - essay # 10
* "The American Crisis"
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas Paine's essay #10 of his famous "American Crisis&q... See More
A very rare American newspaper that existed for just seven issues...
Item #703276
June 25, 1776
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... See More
General Howe's offer pardon to those who return their allegiance to the King...
Item #703273
December 19, 1776
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776
* Great year to have in a publication (1776)
* General William Howe offers pardons - clemency
* American patriots asked to pledge oath to the crown
Taking close to half of the front page is a notable: "PROCLAMATION" by Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe.
Keeping in mind that Washington had ju... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed i... See More
The Federal edifice: a famous engraving!
Item #703265
January 16, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, January 16, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of Massachusetts
* Pillars illustration - cartoon
This is one of the more desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independen... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
Item #703264
March 01, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronic... See More
Very uncommon 18th century title... France proudly announces they are now a Republic...
Item #703232
July 16, 1793
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 16, 1793 This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 1, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
Half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy report headed: "On A Well Regulated Militia". Following this is a: "Letter From the Minister of the French Republic to the Secretary of the Un... See More
Lengthy Jefferson report... Marie Antoinette is sentenced and beheaded...
Item #703231
January 15, 1794
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jan. 15, 1794
* Marie Antoinette sentence & beheading
* Thomas Jefferson commerce report
* Secretary of State to U.S. Congress
This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 2, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
All of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report Of t... See More
Washington and General Anthony Wayne...
Item #703230
June 07, 1796
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 7, 1796
* President George Washington
* Asks United States Congress to act
* Possession of Detroit & Michilimackinac
Near the bottom of the front page is a note to Congress concerning the taking possession of the posts at Detroit and Michilimachiac, signed in type by the President: G. Washington.
Page 3 has a note: "Letters... See More
Inaugural addresses of John Adams, and much more...
Item #703229
March 08, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, March 8, 1797
* John Adams inauguration
* V.P. Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To George Washington" from the Penna. legislature on his retirement from public office, to which he responded with a letter signed in type; Go. Washington.
This is followed by another similar letter to the President, ag... See More
New York prepares for Washington's inaugural ceremonies...
Item #703228
April 04, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1789
* General George Washington
* New York City prepares welcome
* First Inauguration as U.S. president
Page 3 notes preparations are being made for the new Congress to begin its work, and Washington to arrive in town: "There are now FOUR members of the lower, and TWO of the Upper House wanting...it is expected there will be a ... See More
Was Napoleon murdered? Victory in the Quasi-War...
Item #703226
March 20, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, March 20, 1799 Page 3 has a report from the Quasi-War with France: Truxton's Victory" as well as an: "Extract of a letter from Captain Stephen Decatur..." dated at the "Gulph of Florida".
Page 3 also has a curious item noting in part: "...Mr. Liston has news from Jamaica, late date from Europe, which gives a confirmation of the murd... See More
Adams calls the first special session of Congress...
Item #703222
May 26, 1797
THE PHENIX; OR WINDHAM HERALD, Connecticut, May 26, 1797
* Uncommon publication with nice masthead
* First special session of U.S. Congress
On the front page headed: "President's Speech which takes over half of the front page and a portion of page 2 is a report dated "May 16".
In the speech President John Adams discusses the increased tensions betw... See More
Alexander Hamilton responds to criticism on the salary of the President...
Item #703221
November 30, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, November 26 and 30, 1795 A nice pair of issues as the first has the entire front page (and a bit of page 2) taken up with: "Explanation--By Mr. Hamilton, on the subject of a late attack upon the President of the United States and the former and present Secretary of the Treasury, in relation to the compensation of the President".
This lengthy report c... See More
Travels of the "Chief"... USS Washington to be bought by the government...
Item #703214
November 19, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 19, 1798 Page 3 has a report from Baltimore concerning the travels of George Washington with a curious beginning: "This morning arrived in tow, the Chief who unites all hearts... escorted in by captains Hollingworth's & Bentalou's troops...had the gratification of being reviews bye him...to the satisfaction of a large concourse of spec... See More
On the Edmund Randolph resignation...
Item #703213
January 12, 1796
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Jan. 12, 1796 Half of page 2 is taken up with letters & reports concerning Edmund Randolph's resignation as Secretary of State, two letters signed in type by: Go. Washington.
As a bit of background, Wikipedia offers:
"A scandal involving an intercepted French message led to Randolph's resignation from Washington's cabinet in August
... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress, on the front page...
Item #703212
April 17, 1790
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 17, 1790
* First three United States Presidents
* Act of U.S. Congress signed in type
The front page features an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Also much reporting from Congress.
Page 3 has a report headed: "Assumption of State Debts".&... See More
Washington's Farewell Address...
Item #703206
September 29, 1796
UNITED STATES CHRONICLE, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 29, 1796
* President George Washington
* Farewell Address (retirement)
If there was a list of the most historic utterances of the post-Revolutionary War era, this issue would have to rank near the top.
All of pages 1 and 2, and nearly a column of page 3 are taken up with an address: "To The People of the United... See More
President George Washington responds...
Item #703204
September 28, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 28, 1795 This issue features a nice, ornate masthead engraving.
Page 2 begins with a discussion on the controversial Jay's Treaty with England. Also: "Indian Negotiations", but the feature report is a letter signed in type by the President: G. Washington, headed: "Answer Of the President to the Chairman of th... See More
Much on the XYZ Affair...
Item #703198
June 25, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Tremendous coverage of the on-going XYZ Affair with over half of the front page, and all of pages 2 & 3 containing various reports & documents relating to this event.
The XYZ Affair was a political and diplomatic episode in 1797 and 1798, early in the presidency of John Adams, i... See More
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was th... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #703186
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Pag... See More
John Hancock on the front page... Creating the State Department...
Item #703185
June 17, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789
* John Hancock message
* U.S. Department of State
This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of Massachusetts..." signed in type: John Hancock, in which he comments on his recent... 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
Early American title from the French & Indian War...
Item #702912
May 13, 1762
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER AND NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE, May 13, 1762
* Rare Colonial Massachusetts
* St. Augustine, Florida
This is a much later issue of America's first successful newspaper, founded in 1704.
The top of the ftpg. has a nice recruiting advertisements to enlist soldiers to fight in the on-going French & Indian War: "For Recruiting His Majesty's Regular Forc... See More
Edmund Halley (23 years old)... Significant issue on the Popish Plot...
Item #702887
April 10, 1679
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 10, 1679
* Early mention of Edmund Halley (he was only 23 years old)
* Popish Plot (to kill King Charles II)
The back page has not one but two items concerning the Popish Plot in England, a contrived conspiracy to accuse Catholic leaders of plotting to kill King Charles II.
A report from Dublin notes: "A Proclamation has
... 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
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
Letter from John Wesley... State of affairs in Pennsylvania...
Item #702561
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1756 Among the articles within is a "Letter from Mr. Wesley Confirming the Yorkshire Earthquake", signed by him in type: John Wesley, the noted evangelist and founder of Methodism.Also: "Of the Cultivation of Exotics" which concerns the red cedar & other trees in America. Another article taking over 3 pages is "A Dia... See More
Very early newspaper from Cologne, Germany...
Item #702551
March 19, 1751
ORDINARIA RELATIONIS DIARIE CONINUATIO, Colonie Agrippinea, March 19, 1751 In 50 A.D. Roman emperor Claudius planted a colony on the left bank of the Rhine River. At the request of his wife he named it "Colonia Agrippina", which later became Cologne, Germany.
All four pages appear to be in Latin. Never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, 6 1/4 by 7 1/4 inches, a few period notati... 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
Burgoyne surrenders at Saratoga...
Item #702533
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 Su... See More
Causes & Necessities for Taking Up Arms... Edmund Burke's historic speech...
Item #702529
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1775 * Causes & Necessities for Taking Up Arms
* American Revolutionary War beginning
Taking 3 1/2 pages is "A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America, now met in General Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessities of their taking up Arms", signed in type at the ... See More
Terrific foldout map of St. Augustine, Florida, & vicinity... And a map of Chagre, Panama...
Item #702514
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1740
* Early and rare 18th century maps
* St. Augustine, Florida as English camp
* Atlantic Ocean - West Indies
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the terrific foldout map titled: "A View of the Town and Castle of St. Augustine, & the English Camp before it June 20
... See More
* Early and rare 18th century maps
* St. Augustine, Florida as English camp
* Atlantic Ocean - West Indies
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the terrific foldout map titled: "A View of the Town and Castle of St. Augustine, & the English Camp before it June 20
Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War: abridged version...
Item #702490
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1783* The Treaty Of Peace (partial)
* John Adams and Ben Franklin (block) signatures
* Reports from New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston
Included is a portion of text headed: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783" the text being just the b... See More
Rare political cartoon on America... Continental Association...
Item #702484
THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE, London, Dec., 1774* Rare pre Revolutionary War political cartoon on America
A focus of this issue is a full page political cartoon concerning America, such items rarely found in periodicals of the say.
The heading of the cartoon is: "American In Flames" and the facing page has descriptive text on it. It reads in part: "...it will... See More
Burgoyne surrenders at Saratoga...
Item #702480
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 wi... See More
Handsome, colonial New York newspaper from 1743
Item #702364
December 23, 1745
THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 23, 1745 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 o... See More
One of the great rarities in American magazines...
Item #702283
May 01, 1745
THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745 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,... See More
Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...
Item #702244
April 23, 1787
THE MORNING CHRONICLE & LONDON ADVERTISER, England, April 23, 1787
* Founding father Dr. Benjamin Rush letter
* Declaration of Independence signer
Page 2 features a full column that includes a letter from Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The letter was sent to Dr. Richard Price in the UK, a political reformer active in the cause of... See More
England declares war against France: The French & Indian War begins...
Item #702243
May 22, 1756
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 22 1756
* England declaration of war w/ France
The most significant item in this issue is: "His Majesty's Declaration of War Against the French King" which was the official beginning of the French & Indian War. It was prompted by England & France not being able to compromise on the border between their colonies in North... See More
Phillis Wheatley arrives in London...
Item #702240
June 22, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 22, 1773
* Phillis Wheatley's London arrival
* Famous Woman servant turned poet
Certainly the most notable report is found on the back page, which contains: "Last Thursday the celebrated negro girl Phillis, the Poet, whose extraordinary talents have lately been taken notice of in the News Papers, arrived in London from Boston in New England. She ... See More
On the future prospects of the United States...
Item #701989
March 23, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, March 23, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) A notable newspaper from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the American Constitution when the founding fathers were crafting a framework for a new federal government.
All of page 1 and half of page 2 are taken up with: "Observations on the Present Si... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #701947
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Aug. 12, 1758, June 24, 1760, May 5, 1761, Feb. 2, 1768, and May 21, 1772. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in nice conditio... See More
Only one issue is recorded in the United States...
Item #701721
October 14, 1795
KLINE'S CARLISLE WEEKLY GAZETTE, Pennsylvania, Oct. 14, 1795
* Very rare 18th century publication
This is a very scarce title from 18th century America, the first we have been able to offer in 20 or more years. Brigham's "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" notes that only the American Antiquarian Society has this issue.
Four pages, excellent conditio... See More
The XYZ Affair In 1798....
Item #701701
March 28, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 28, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams message
Page 2 has the "President's Message" to Congress indicating that the negotiations with France by the U.S. envoys have failed. In the message the President states in part: "...I perceive no ground of expectation, that the objects of their mission, can be accomplished,... See More
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