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 portion of what

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Dec. 9, 1790

• United States Congress meets for 1st time
• Temporary nation's capital in Philadelphia

Page 3 has an article on the first meeting of Congress on December 6, 1790 at the temporary capital at Philadelphia since it's move from New York City. "...Monday last being the day appointed for the meeting of the National legislature, in this city, now the seat of government of the United States, thirty-one members of the House of Representatives

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, April 3, 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.
Beginning on page 1 and carrying over to page 2 are the latest reports from Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

Background: Philadelphia’s decade as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800 was a vital period

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 print, but

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 returns of

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, 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 Hamilton, Late

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 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, 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.

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.

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.

THE POST-BOY, London, Nov. 10, 1724  The front page has a report from Philadelphia mentioning: "...a violent Hurricane in that Country...in the Great Valley, where it tore up the Trees by the Roots..." and a bit more. The back of the issue is comprised of various advertisements.
Two nice engravings in the masthead make this a very displayable newspaper.
Complete as a single sheet issue 8 1/2 by 14 1/4 inches, in 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 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 great 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.

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 27, 1773  This title has one of the more ornate mastheads of the pre-Revolutionary War era. This issue was printed just over two months before the Boston Tea Party.
Page 2 has an early report concerning a trip on the Mississippi River, and the execution of a man found guilty of counterfeiting. Other events of the day, 
Included as well is the single sheet: "Supplement" with additional reports from Europe and a page full of

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 29, 1799  The front page has a lengthy letter: "To Doctor Benjamin Say, President of the Humane Society of Philadelphia". Page 2 has much news from Europe on the Napoleonic War. 
Four pages, several creases, good 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 also has an

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 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 margins with a few

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 time the British were

THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775

• Pre American Revolutionary War
• Thomas Paine - first time as editor

This is a very rare magazine, published only from January, 1775 thru July, 1776, containing the Declaration of Independence in its final issue.
It was the only American magazine to print the Declaration, in fact it was the only American magazine ever printed in 1776. In the entirely of the Revolutionary War only two American magazine titles existed, they being this one and

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1752  Inside has a terrific account of a legendary event in history--the famous kite experiment conducted by Benjamin Franklin. Note there is even mention of Franklin's name on the title page.
The article, datelined "Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752", begins by mentioning the reports about kite experiments, especially a different and easier one at Philadelphia: "...success of the Philadelphia experiment for drawing the electrical fire from clouds by means

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 Williamsburg, Worcester,

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 including:

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 Pennsylvania was out

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1752  Inside has a terrific account of a legendary event in history--the famous kite experiment conducted by Benjamin Franklin. Note there is even mention of Franklin's name on the title page.
The article, datelined "Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752", begins by mentioning the reports about kite experiments, especially a different and easier one at Philadelphia: "...success of the Philadelphia experiment for drawing the electrical fire from clouds by means

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, and

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 down their

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 melancholy fate of

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 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 colonies.
This is a

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 Confederation

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 was serving as

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 & inconsistancy...we well

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776

• Post Declaration of Independence
• American Revolutionary War

This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776.

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are engaged in

THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 11, 1793

• 18th century America publication

A typical newspaper of the day from during George Washington's administration.
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 President George Washington. Edited by Benjamin Claypoole, it provided contemporary coverage of both domestic and international events,

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 States with a

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 distinction of

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787

• Constitutional Convention begins
• George Washington elected president

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its President.

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 American ships

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 two

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 many charts

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1776

• Governor John Penn
• American Revolutionary War
• Great year to have (1776)

The front page has half a column taken up with 2 desertion reward ads, with much detail. Over a column is taken up with the verbatim cross-examination of Governor Penn of Pennsylvania, which carries over to take one-third of page 2. A few questions & answers include: "...Q. In what estimation was the Congress held? A. In the highest veneration imaginable by all ranks and

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1790

• James Bowdoin death
• 2nd Governor of Massachusetts

The front page has: "Mr. Bowdoin" being a brief report announcing the death of James Bowdoin, a former Massachusetts governor and scholar, plus the "Order Of Procession" for his funeral.
A page 3 report from "Philadelphia" says the President was about to leave Mt. Vernon "...on his return to the seat of government." Also word about the arrivals of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Also a

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, March, 1787

• John Shay's Rebellion
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The issue begins with: "A Letter from David Rittenhouse...Respecting the Generation of Clouds in the Atmosphere". Other items include: "Description of Chalybeate Springs near Saratoga" "Description of a New Solar Dial" which includes a fold-out plate of it in nice condition; "Account of Remarkable Cascades & Caverns in Virginia" & much more.
Near the back is "Intelligence" with the latest news

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, October, 1790  Articles include: "Remarks on Capital Punishment" "Sketch of the Nature & Causes of Diseases" "Short Account of Mr. McGillivray" who was the famous chief of the Creek Indians; "On the Architecture of America" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Lady in France".
Most of a page is taken up with: "The Whistle--A True Story. Written by Dr. Franklin to his Nephew"; a letter: "...on the Manufacture of Wine from the Grapes of America..."; an interesting

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1792  First page has: "Description of the Upper Ferry on the River Schuylkill, near the city of Philadelphia", lacking the related plate.
Also in this issue are: "History of the Smallpox" "A Hint to the Ladies" "Method of Imitating Certain Wines" "An Oration Delivered at Taunton, July 4, 1792 at the Celebration of American Independence" "General Moultrie's Letter to Lord Montague" "Reflections on Death" "Thoughts on Grief" "On the Inhabitants of

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, November, 1789  This was one of the more successful titles.
Among the many articles noted on the full title/contents page are an article with a rare illustration (seldom found in 18th century American magazines) of: "...a black boy without arms belonging to Mrs. Alexander..."; "Creoles of St. Domingo" "The Ancient Welsh" "Oration in Praise of Drunkenness" "Address of...the Presbyterian Church...to the President of the United States" which is followed by his