Historic Newspapers: Search Results

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 Justice Belcher from

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747

• 18th Century Genoa, Italy map
• "The Speech of Polly Baker"
• Early Benjamin Franklin story

Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Polly Baker". This is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as confirmed by the Franklin Papers, Yale University. Quite noteworthy!
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behaviour and Execution of the late Lord Lovat &

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790

• Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
• Early report from his hometown

Certainly the most notable report is the death of the revered Ben Franklin. At the back of the issue, in "The Gazette" section, is a report that: "On the 17th of April, departed this life, at Philadelphia, the venerable & celebrated Philosopher and Patriot, His Excellency Benjamin Franklin..." with some particulars on the funeral procession. This is a very early report as most

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787

• Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
• re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington

The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life are to be acquired & strengthened by it..." with much, much more. An

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790

• Benjamin Franklin letters
• Dangerous lightning deaths

A nice issue with a full title/contents page with an embellishment at the top.

Included within are two item by Ben Franklin: "Letter on the Death of Persons Struck with Lightning--by Dr. Franklin" and "Extracts of Letters form Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg, the French Translator of his Works" .

The back page has an "Anecdote of Paul Jones" being the famed John Paul Jones.

Disbound, 5 by 8

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790

• Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)

Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790" beginning: "Died on Saturday night, in the 85th year of his age, the illustrious BENJAMIN FRANKLIN of this city. His

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London,  August, 1790  Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit  noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin]  tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a free & enlightened city to the memory of a man who gave liberty to the New World...". Ben Franklin had just died a few months previous. Also a very early items concerning the Northwest Coast of America:

THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755

• Very rare & early American publication

A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gun battery at the South End is to be greatly enlarged and more cannon added to it...".
Also: "...have advice that six French men

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752

• Benjamin Franklin
• Electricity experiments
• Lightning rod

An inside page has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily Constructed, for Making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this experiment works. Each piece of the illustration is identified as well.
A great and early, contemporary piece on Franklin's experiments with electricity and

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 19, 1760

• Book by Benjamin Franklin advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for a book headed: "This Day was Published". The text of the ad reads: "The interest of Great Britain considered with regard to her colonies and the acquisitions of Canada and Guadeloupe.  To which are added, Observations concerning the increase of mankind, peopling of countries, etc."
Although not mentioned here, this book was written by Benjamin Franklin .
All this relates

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, January, 1792

• Benjamin Franklin's will

The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page.
The issue begins with: "Extracts from Dr. Franklin's Will" which takes over a full page and provides many details on various beneficiaries.
Also within: "Thoughts on Dueling" "The Child Trained up for the Gallows" "A Description of the Dismal Swamp in Virginia" "The Distresses of a Frontier Inhabitant"

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 which printed the essay which is highly desirable among those who collect items related to the history of chess. More can be

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753

• Most famous of newspapers
• Benjamin Franklin (very rare)

In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint after 1765.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790

• Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy

The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" which reads like a eulogy on him, having died just the previous month. A few bits note: "...is astonishing how the whole city was moved--His funeral was

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 25, 1790

• Death of Benjamin Franklin
• President George Washington
• John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

Page 2 has an item from the National Assembly of France which begins: "M. Mirabeau rose, & made a funeral panegyric on Dr. Franklin. 'Franklin is dead--the man who emancipated America--the Sage who was the ornament of the two worlds..." with more.
Page 3 contains "An Act Authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to finish the Light House on Portland Head in

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790

• President George Washington
• Two acts of United States Congress
• Benjamin Franklin's will after death

On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings in each state...", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson, plus a second Act concerning regulating the processes

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1755  Of great interest is: "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, etc. By B. Franklin, Esq. of Philadelphia", which takes 3 pages.
Near the back are two prints on a single page, one headed: "Plan of Fort Frederick at Crown Point" and the other a map showing a much wider area including Lake George, the Hudson River, Lake Champlain & more.
There is descriptive text on the same page as well, beginning: "This fort, which is

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779

• Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
• Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "Address To the Inhabitants of Ireland", signed in type at its conclusion: B. Franklin. Versailles, October 4, 1778.
It

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 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 LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 18, 1791  The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with: "Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Late Benjamin Franklin, LL.D."
This is a great and quite detailed account of his life, and great to have on the front page. Photos show just portions.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, June, 1790  This title was one of just a small number of successful American magazines of the 18th century.
Among the articles are: "Extracts from the Last Will & Testament of his Excellency Benjamin Franklin" which takes nearly 4 pages and includes the "Codicil" with many particulars (see); "Remarks on the State of American Manufactures & Commerce" which takes nearly 6 pages; "Notes on the State of Pennsylvania" "On Maple Sugar" "Diligence, Industry,

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

GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 28, 1794  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. This anti-Federalist-leaning newspaper was published by Benjamin Franklin Bache, the grandson of Benjamin Franklin.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 25, 1790  The front page is mostly taken up with three Acts of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in script type: George Washington, and in block type by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. 
Page 2 has an article headed: "The Americans" noting: "The famous john Paul Jones, at the head of the Americans, resident in Paris, applied for permission to do homage to the Assembly at the Bar & was admitted; and after having delivered their

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

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768  Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of our people...". Then a letter from Niagara.
Page 6 has over a full column of news headed: "America" with datelines

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776

• General Benedict Arnold
• American Revolutionary War
• Great year to have (1776)

This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 
Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid storming &

THE BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739

• Extremely early & rare Colonial publication

This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben apprenticed in the printing business.
Brigham notes only 3 institutions have this date.
A handsome issue for display with

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776

• American Revolutionary War
• Great year to have (1776)
• Benjamin Franklin song

The front page begins with a wonderful letter beginning; "The Ministry have boasted much of their regular, their disciplined troops, which they fancied capable of beating all the irregulars in the world. One would wonder how men of any attention to what has passed, could deceive themselves into such an opinion when so many facts, within the memory of men not

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775

• Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon

If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.  The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a label of a colony with the implied message that only by each of the separate

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 18, 1786

• Nice 18th century masthead engraving
• Post-Revolutionary War American original

The front page has some discussion on: "The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...", continued in a future issue.
Inside has a report noting in part: "The trade of America seems to be in a most deplorable state...". Also mention that, among others, Alexander Hamilton has been appointed to serve on a commission to create a document on trade

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 26, 1790  Given the death of Ben Franklin just the month prior, it is not surprising that page 3 includes a poem titled: "Dr. Franklin".
Pages 2 & 3 contain various discussions from "Congress".  Also included is part of one of John Adams' Discourses on Davila (#VII), which was concluded in the following issue.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759

• "Political Aphorisms...", by Benjamin Franklin (?)

The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information).
Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which also has the identical signature "F", was attributed by Ford, 605 in a Bonhams' auction in 2009.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches,

THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790  The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.
Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Education...", more on the continued article: "History of the American Revolution" "Strictures on Dr. Brown's Elements of Medicine" "An Oration on the

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 from Rhode Island concerning the situation there, followed y a letter from Major-General John Hancock at Rhode

(5) HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, a lot of five issues from just after the Civil War. Dates are August 12, August 19, September 23, November 11, and December 2, 1865. A wealth of great prints including: 'New Westminster, Capital of British Columbia'. Halfpg: 'Trial of Mowing Machines' & 'The Richmond Election--the Polling at the 1st Market House'. Nice doublepage centerfold: 'The Atlantic Telegraph Cable' is a fine item with 9 vignettes celebrating its completion, including illus. of Prof. Morse

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston),  March 3, 1743,4 (1744 by today's calendar)  This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", this 8 page magazine is almost entirely taken up with religious content from the "Great Awakening"

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 14, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great

SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119  (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)

• Rare colonial publication

This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the regular 4-page issue, reflecting the great success of this colonial title which was once owned by Ben Franklin.
A single sheet,

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 5, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, April 29, 1783

• American Revolutionary War - closing events

The front page has some reports concerning the negotiations for a treaty of peace to end the Revolutionary War. Also reports headed: "America" which carry over to page 2 concerning various events in America, one bit noting: "...In January last, Col. Willet, with about 600 men...set out from Albany on an expedition up the Mohawk River on purpose to surprize & reduce the British post at Oswego..." with

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790

• President George Washington
• 2nd State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington. 
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Account of the Moravian Settlement at Bethlehem in

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1780

• Siege of Savannah - Georgia
• Benjamin Lincoln letter
• Captain James Cook - South Seas

Near the back is a section headed: "Advices Received from America" which includes: "Gen. Lincoln's Letter to Congress on the defeat of the combined Army before Georgia" with a dateline of Charleston, Oct. 22, 1779. This letter concerns the battle for Savannah & takes nearly a full page, signed in type: B. Lincoln, and includes mention of the death of Count Pulaski.

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 21, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great

THE GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE. London, August 1776

• Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
• From our American Revolutionary War foe

This issue contains one of the earliest British magazine printings of the foundational American document, with the full text headed: “Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled, July 4.” It begins with the immortal opening “When in the course of human events…” The document continues on the following

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4  (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", this magazine is almost entirely taken up

Book: "Men and Times of the Revolution; Or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson", 1856

The full title is: "Men and times of the revolution; or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson, including journals of travels in Europe and America, from 1777 to 1842, with his correspondence with public men and reminiscences and incidents of the revolution.", by Elkanah Watson, edited by his son, Winslow C. Watson. Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Paine, William Penn, and more all appear within the pages of his memoir.

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 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 MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774

• Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
• Pre American Revolutionary War era
• "Join or Die" snake issue masthead

It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.

In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is commonly used in