Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

(editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western…

THE 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 of Philadelphia note that it cannot be definitively determined which of these two publications was the first to…

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...The History of the United States for the year 1796, in which the Charge of Speculation Against Alexander…

GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1796  

* Rare 18th century American publication

A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 3 has a chart of election results for President & Vice President, by county in Penna. And a note that: "...informed that the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 14, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with the latest reports from Congress. Other news of the day inside.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 9, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 6 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 15, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 2 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has the latest reports from Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 13, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 6 illustrated ship ads. Page 3 has the latest reports from Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 7, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Pages 2 & 3 have much reporting from Congress. The back page has a very lengthy notice headed: "Proposals For Carrying the Mails of the United States" listing the various cities for delivery by state.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 7, 1798  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Most of page 2 have a wealth of reporting from Congress. The front page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents...The History of the United States for the year 1796, in which the Charge of Speculation Against Alexander Hamilton, Late Secretary of the Treasury, is…

DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1792  Page 2 has an illustration of "Thirty-Six Lots of Ground" to be sold in Philadelphia, bounded by Spruce, Madison, & Twelfth Streets, as well as Twenty-Feet Alley. Other news of the day and many ads, including a back page "War Department" notice signed by: H. Knox, Secretary at War.
Four pages, nice condition.

DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 7, 1794  Page 3 has an: "Extract of a Letter from the Island of Bermuda" plus various other news of the day. A large number of ads including 5 illustrated ship ads on the front page.
Four pages, light foxing, very nice condition.

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1797  A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796 

* Rare 18th century American publication

A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 2 has much reporting from Congress. Page 2 has a chart showing the elections for President & Vice President by state.
Page 3…

THE PENNSYLVANIA HERALD, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 16, 1786  

* Very rare 18th century American publication

A very rare title, in fact I find no record in our database of having sold another of this title.
This newspaper existed under this title from just May 31, 1786 thru Feb. 14, 1788, less than 2 years. It existed for 16 months prior under several different titles.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, various wrinkling and some creases, moderate wear at the…

THE DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 18, 1797

* Very rare publication
* Short lived (4 months)
* Nation's temporary capital

 Although the title might seem common this is actually a quite scarce newspaper. It existed as this title from February 11 thru July 3, 1797, less than 5 months, and was continued by "Carey's Daily Advertiser" until just September 12.
This is issue #11. In our 47 years we have never offered this title before now.
Four pages with wide, untrimmed margins, in…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1797  A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 21, 1797  

* Rare 18th century short-lived publication

A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1775  

* Battle of Bunker Hill diagram - print
* John Hancock & George Washington

A nice issue with much historic content from the beginning months of the Revolutionary War.
Perhaps the best content is the very nice half page illustration of the "Redoubt & Intrenchment on the Heights of Charles Town, Commonly called Bunker Hill, Opposite Boston, attacked & Carried by his Majesty's Troops, June 17, 1775" with some text on the illustration as…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 4, 1778 

* Battle of Brandywine - Creek
* Chadds Ford Township, Pennsylvania
* American Revolutionary War

This was a strongly Tory (pro-British) newspaper that began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia, so much of the content within is with a pro-British bias.
Rare to find such Tory newspapers in America, and those from Philadelphia would not survive beyond the brief…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston,  May 26, 1792  

* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone

Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United States, viz 'This Corner Stone of the House to Accommodate the President of the United States, was laid May 10, 1792; when…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 19, 1798  

* 18th century American original

The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 9 illustrated ship ads. Page 3 has a lengthy message to Congress concerning the growing troubles with France, signed in type by the President: John Adams. Also a dispatch from Italy:…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 25, 1793 

* Founding Father John Hancock
* Proclamation & documents 
* re. Yellow Fever epidemic 

The front page begins with a document from  Massachusetts on the restrictions to be enforced due to the spread of the Yellow Fever epidemic centered at Philadelphia, signed in type by the governor: John Hancock.
This is followed by "A Proclamation" from him also relating to the: "...dangerous and infectious disease...prevails at this time..." also signed: John Hancock,…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, February 14, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

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.
The entire front page is taken up with ads, one of which is for the printing of: "Common Sense".
Page 2 has numerous reports which relate to the Revolutionary War, bits…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

 This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "The following rules for establishing a Society for Relieving the Distresses of Prisoners...". Page 2 has reports from…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 19, 1794  

* Uncommon 18th century American publication
* During George Washington's administration

Given that Phila. was the temporary capital of the United States while the District of Columbia was under construction, it is nice this issue has reports from Congress during this early year of the federal government.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

background: In 1797, Philadelphia…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, April 19, 1783  

* John Dickinson of Pennsylvania
* Proclamation of the Cessation of Arms 
* End of hostilities of Revolutionary War

Over half of the front page is taken up with various dispatches concerning: "The Proceedings of the Federal Army near New Windsor, to Obtain the Redress of their Grievances".
This was called the Newburgh Conspiracy, a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 18, 1776  

* Great year to have (1776)
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare mention of Button Gwinnett
* Birth of the American Postal System

A front page report from Savannah includes: "Friday last our Provincial Congress proceeded to the election of delegates to represent this province in the grand Continental Congress..." with the winners noted, one of which was Button Gwinnett,.
This is rare mention of Button Gwinnett, who has the dubious…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779

* Abraham Carlisle & John Roberts
* Treason trials - Revolutionary War

The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebellion against his Majesty's loyal subjects in that country..." and further on: "...he took occasion to lament the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 26, 1777 

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
* General William Howe proclamations

This was a strongly Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British were in occupation. 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 coat-of-arms.
The first column on the front page features…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779  The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebellion against his Majesty's loyal subjects in that country..." and further on: "...he took occasion to lament the melancholy fate of those brave men who laid down their arms at Saratoga,…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1783  

* American Revolutionary War
* Ending events towards peace 
* Benjamin Franklin as a diplomat 

Page 2 has over half a column is taken up with: "The Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia & the Liberties thereof, to his Excellency the President and Congress of the United States". This address deals with the end of the war with England, one small bit noting: "...we beg leave to assure Congress of the affection of…

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 engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
Page 2 has a very detailed letter concerning a naval battle between…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775 

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

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

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779

* Discussion of the American War

  The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebellion against his Majesty's loyal subjects in that country..." and further on: "...he took occasion to lament the melancholy fate of those brave men who laid…

THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 1, 1793  

* 18th century America publication

A typical newspaper of the day from during George Washington's administration. The front page has a notice headed: "War Department" concerning filing for pension benefits, signed in type by: H. Knox, Secretary of War.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

Background: This was a daily newspaper published in Philadelphia, then the U.S. capital, during the administration of…

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 coat-of-arms.
Only to be found in a Loyalist newspaper, the entire front page is taken up with text and…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735  

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

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 Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Dec. 25, 1790

* First Bank of the United States planning
* Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton 

The front page has the" "Plan Of A National Bank, As laid before the House of Representatives of the United States by the Secretary of the Treasury, the 13th instant."
This was the very historic--and significant plan of Alexander Hamilton. On December 15 Hamilton submitted a report to Congress making the case. He proposed a Bank of the United…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753

* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper

A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War and all the oppressive Acts of Parliament of the 1760's and 1770's…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, July 6, 1797  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 four illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, stains at the spine margin inside, nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756 

* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer

A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at that time: "Last week Colonel Washington arrived here [Phila.] from Virginia; as did the honorable Chief…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1763  Certainly the most significant item is the nearly 3 1/2 page article: "An Account of the Commerce of Louisiana" which is very detailed.
It includes: "...the Mississippi is a very rapid as far as the Missouri, which is about 1200 miles from its mouth, which, though it makes it difficult to ascent, yet facilitates the conveyance of the gross commodities down it which constitute the chief staple of North America. The worst part of the navigation is…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 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. Also on the ftpg. is a notice for: "Proposals For Carrying the Mails of the United States". Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pages, wide…

DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1792   

* Northwest Indian War
* Colonel John Hardin
* False report of torture

The front page features 24 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has a report: "...that Colonel Harden...on a mission to the Indians respecting a treaty of peace...were immediately made prisoners & sentenced to be burnt as spies. Colonel Harden saw his companion expire under all the tortures which savage ingenuity could invent; and was himself the next morning after his…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795  

* President George Washington
* 2 Acts of Congress signed 

The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is followed on page 2 by the response from the President, a rather brief letter signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a…

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 considerable detail.
This map measures 9 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, nice condition. A small bit was cut from lower left margin so it could be folded…

NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793

* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory

By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792.  Page 3 has a report datelined February 20 which states: "On Wednesday last [the 13th] both houses of Congress met in…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 2, 1760  Most of the front page is retaken up with: "The Speech of the Hon. James Hamilton, Governor of Pennsylvania...to the General Assembly of the said Province, met at Philadelphia".
Hamilton had just assumed his position of governor, and he extolls t the Assembly his plans, etc. He was also governor from 1748-1754. His father was the famed attorney Andrew Hamilton.
This address is followed by the gracious response from the penny. Assembly.
Page 5…