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…
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…
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Dec. 9, 1790 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 assembled in the hall, in Chestnut Street, which number not being sufficient to…
Item from last month's catalog - #369 - released for August, 2026
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…
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 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.
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 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, 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 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…
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.
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. 30, 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.
Item from last month's catalog - #369 - released for August, 2026
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.
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.
Item from our most recent catalog - #370 - released for September, 2026
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…
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 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 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…
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…
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…
* Benjamin Franklin
* Early electricity
Although there is much interesting content in this issue, perhaps the best is an article: "By a Number of Experiments lately made in Philadelphia, Several of the Principal Properties of the Electrical Fire were Demonstrated...".
The fact that this article was by Franklin & about his electricity work is documented by the April, 1857 "Gentleman's Magazine" issue in an article titled: "Autobiography of
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…
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…
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 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 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 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…
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
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…
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 18, 1777
* Revolutionary War
* From the enemy
Half of page 2 is taken up with reports concerning the Revolutionary War, a few of the reports noting: "...has been reported that they contain private advices that Philadelphia was in possession of the King's troops. A report...that the provincial Congress at Boston has made proposals to the King's commissioners of returning to their allegiance, which have been accepted....The Congress have lost their…
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…
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 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,…
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 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 PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 26, 1750
* 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 that…
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…
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 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 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 &…
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.…
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…
NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE & THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, April 18, 1792 Over half of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" which includes mention of the President, General Anthony Wayne and others. Page 3 has news from a letter from Philadelphia noting: "... Thirty or forty Chiefs of the six and other nation of Indians are now in this city..." with more.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.
Background: The 1792 Native American diplomatic delegations to…
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 7, 1778 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.
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "...letter from Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe, to Mr. Stephens, dated on board his Majesty's ship Eagle in the River Delaware, Oct. 25, 1777" which has some great reading, portions of which can be seen in the…
Item from our most recent catalog - #370 - released for September, 2026
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. 5, 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.
Page 3 has a message from the President concerning the growing tensions with France, signed in type: John Adams. 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…
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