Historic Newspapers: Pre-Civil War
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Item #713872NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Feb. 28, 1860 The front page has over five columns devoted to coverage of this famous speech which is headed: "NATIONAL POLITICS" "A Speech Delivered at the Cooper Institute Last Evening, by Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois".
At this point Lincoln had not declared himself a presidential... Read full description -
Item #713862NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Sept. 7, 1869 Page 2 has: "Mr. Lincoln's Eulogy on Henry Clay" which is an excerpt of his talk. Page 3 has: "Capture of a Slaver" which was the Spanish ship: "...Joven Antonia...fitted out for a slave voyage...had been on the coast & actually purchased a cargo of... Read full description
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Item #713669THE WEEKLY HERALD, New York, March 12, 1842 The front page has among some one-column heads: "Three Important Matters--Arrival of Charles Dickens (Boz) and Lady..." with the article beginning: "The distinguished lion of literature, Charles Dickens, accompanied by his beautiful lady, arrived in our city yesterday afternoon from Philadelphia..."... Read full description
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Item #713666NEW YORK HERALD -- EXTRA, not dated by a Boston report is dated Jan. 21, 1841 An uncommon single sheet issue printed upon the arrival of news from Europe as taken from the steamship Columbia. This news takes over half of the front page, the balance of the issue is taken up with ads. The reports note: "The... Read full description
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Item #713650THE CANADIAN SPECTATOR, Montreal, July 11, 1827 A very early Montreal newspaper as we rarely receive such from the 1820's. Page 2 has: "South America" "United States" which begins: "This day makes the fifty first Anniversary of American independence..." with more; "Quebec" which takes nearly a full page.
Four pages, measures 10 by... Read full description -
Item #713648AMERICAN RAILROAD JOURNAL, New York, Feb. 1, 1834 This is an early issue of the very first American periodical on railroading.
The best feature of this newspaper may be the great and very early engraving of a railroad train in the masthead, showing an engine with three cars. Note the crudeness of the train, but keep in mind this is from the very... Read full description -
Item #713641
AMERICAN PHRENOLOGICAL JOURNAL, New York, December, 1853 Phrenology is a theory stating that the personality traits of a person can be derived from the shape of the skull. Although holding no validity today, it was a popular science in the mid-19th century and this periodical focused on it.
Illustrations of those featured are Thomas Moore, Mary L. Booth, and A. L.... Read full description -
Item #713639THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 27, 1811 During the latter years of his reign, King George III was declared mentally incapable of carrying on his duties. Thus, the "Care of the King During his Illness Act" of 1811 came into play, giving his son, the Prince Regent and the future King George IV, the... Read full description
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Item #713638DAILY EVENING TRANSCRIPT, Boston,, July 10, 1834 Page 2 has an interesting article: "Protection For the Constitution", referring to the famous frigate. It is more of a political report, referring to a Jackson newspaper which mentions: "...in speaking of the mutilation of the figurehead of the... Read full description
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Item #713637WEEKLY MUSEUM, New York, March 17, 1804 Page 3 has an historic report: "Loss Of The U.S. Frigate Philadelphia, Capt. Bainbridge". The report begins: "We are sorry to say that the above-mentioned frigate has been lost on the coast of Tripoli & the officers & crew, we fear, condemned to slavery..." and what followed... Read full description
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Item #713635THE RURAL REPOSITORY, Hudson, New York, Dec. 17, 1836 pages 5 and 6 contain an early, lengthy & very descriptive report on: "The Falls of Niagara".
Eight pages, 9 3/4 by 11 1/2 inches, never bound nor trimmed so it folds out to one larger sheet, some foxing & mild margin wear, good condition. -
Item #713631COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 24, 1819 Page 2 has: "The Late Savage Duel" between General Mason and Mr. McCarthy. between General A. T. Mason and his cousin, Colonel John McCarty
The detailed account takes over half a column & offers much detail. There is much about this famous duel on the internet.
Four pages, a bit... Read full description -
Item #713628SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Sept. 2, 1836 Page 2 has a notice supporting: "For President DANIEL WEBSTER...". Also: "Abolition and Mr. Van Buren". Page 3 has: "Piracy On The Lakes".
Four pages, good condition. -
Item #713626POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL REGISTER, Philadelphia, Aug. 23, 1811 If nothing else, this somewhat uncommon title has a very nice masthead, featuring a 3-masted ship at its center.
Inside pages have various news reports from Europe and the United States. A wealth of advertisements as well, including 11 illustrated ship ads on the front page.
Four pages, nice... Read full description -
Item #713625MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 12, 1820 A page 2 report notes: "The Great Canal in New-York is fast progressing...The whole expense is estimated at nearly five million dollars. The distance will be upwards of 350 miles--the rise and fall of water in the...rivers and creeks, about 661 feet...will require 77 locks. Lake Erie is... Read full description
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Item #713624SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 19, 1801 On page 3 under "Naval Affairs" is a brief report stating: "The Constitution and Boston frigates are now in Boston Harbor." Also mention of ships headed off: "...for the protection of our Mediterranean commerce..." leading to the First Barbary War.
Another report notes: ... Read full description -
Item #713448COLUMBIAN CENTINEL & MASSACHUSETTS FEDERALIST, Boston, Nov. 26,1803
* Lewis and Clark Expedition begins
* Louisville, Kentucky - Ohio River
Page 2 has several items concerning the recent Louisiana Purchase, but certainly the most significant is a report from Louisville noting: "Capt. Clark, and Mr. Lewis, have... Read full description -
Item #713265NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, April 20, 1822 Page 2 has a report: "The Slave Trade" that begins: "A. Lacoste, of Charleston, S.C. who was convicted at Boston in 1820 of being engaged in the slave trade & condemned to five years imprisonment & the payment of a fine of $3,000,... Read full description
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Item #713235SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, June 13, 1808
* The 1808 Thomas Lewis-John McHenry duel
* Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg, Virginia.
The front page has "AN ACT" of congress: "For the establishment of a turnpike company in the county of Alexandria in the district of Columbia" signed tintype: Th.... Read full description -
Item #713232SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, April 11, 1808
* President Thomas Jefferson
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
The front page has 3 Acts of Congress, carrying over to page 2, each signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, good condition. -
Item #713230SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, April 21, 1806 The front page has two Acts of Congress, each signed in type by the President: Th. Jefferson.
Page 3 has much detail on a: "Massacre - Particular Account of the Massacre of the Officers & Crew of the Ship Atahualpa, Capt. Porter" about which more is found on the internet.
Four pages,... Read full description -
Item #713219SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, May 3, 1803
* Prelude to Louisiana purchase
* Early 19th century publication
* President Thomas Jefferson era
With considerations for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France then much in focus, it is not surprising that nearly the entire front page is taken up with... Read full description -
Item #713218SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, April 26, 1803
* Rare early 19th century publication
With considerations for the purchase of the Louisiana Territory from France then much in focus, it is not surprising that over three-quarters of the front page is taken up with the 4th in a series of 7 essays titled: "The... Read full description -
Item #713018WINDSOR FEDERAL GAZETTE, Vermont, June 28, 1803 The front page has a lengthy report headed: "Horrid Cruelty of Bonaparte!"
Page 3 has an item noting: "Dispatches were received...from Mr. Monroe. Nothing official has transpired...The profound silence which is observed concerning our own affairs, and the... Read full description -
Item #712524NEW YORK WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Jan. 19, 1861 A wealth of fine pre-war content in this issue as states consider seceding from the Union, including: "The Pro-Slavery Rebellion - Secession Is War" "From Georgia - Progress of the Rebellion" "From Charleston - The First Shot and the Parley" which reports on the Star of the West incident,... Read full description
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Item #712458(5) Five very early 19th century American newspapers: United States' Gazette, Dec. 7, 1809; Massachusetts Spy, May 25, 1808; Boston Gazette, May 2, 1805; Independent Chronicle, Nov. 16, 1807; and New York Herald, Dec. 3, 1803. All five are good "newsy" newspapers of folio size, 4 pages, some margin tears, generally good condition. A... Read full description
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Item #712439SANDUSKY WEEKLY REGISTER, Ohio, Sept. 29, 1851
* Erie County
* Uncommon title
This 4 page newspaper has news of the day with a few advertisements. Located in Northern Ohio, Sandusky is situated along the shores of Lake Erie.
Complete, measures 26 x 19 inches, several folds with a little wear, generally in nice condition. -
Item #712426NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, April 28, 1827 Page 4 has a report: "New Harmony" concerning this famous utopian community. It begins: "The society established at this place by Mr. Owen does not appear to have proceeded so much with the 'spirit of one man' as was expected..." with more.
New Harmony is the... Read full description -
Item #711820NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 21, 1830 Near the back is: "Removal of the Cherokees" which is a follow-up to the Indian Removal Act signed by the President 3 months prior. The lengthy letter from the "Department of War, Office of Indian Affairs" explains the benefits of the Indians being... Read full description
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Item #711271NILES'S NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, April 2, 1842
* Samuel Houston call to arms - Texas citizens
* Post Texas Revolution - Pre Mexican-American War
Inside has: "President Houston's Proclamation to the Citizens of Texas" which begins: "My Countrymen: Rumours have been brought from the southwestern frontier of... Read full description -
Item #711145
THE NON-RESISTANT, Boston, July 28, 1841 This is a quite uncommon anti-slavery newspaper with an interesting history.
As Wikipedia notes: "The New England Non-Resistance Society was an American peace group founded by William Lloyd Garrison (publisher of the famous 'Liberator' newspaper) in 1838.... Read full description -
Item #711139
THE NON-RESISTANT, Boston, March 24, 1841
* Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
* New England Non-Resistance Society
* About 20 years prior to the Civil War
This is a quite uncommon anti-slavery newspaper with an interesting history.
As Wikipedia notes: "The New England Non-Resistance Society was an... Read full description -
Item #710889UNITED STATES' WEEKLY TELEGRAPH, Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 1831 Published by the famed Duff Green, he took an intensely partisan stance in this newspaper, incorporating crude humor & vehement attacks & accusations against Jackson's opponents. Following Andrew Jackson's election in 1828 this paper briefly became the primary organ of... Read full description
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Item #710877NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 10, 1836 The front page has a brief, albeit historic, report on the death of Nathan Mayer Rothschild, the founder of the English branch of the Rothschild family legacy and influence.
A portion of the text includes: "He...swayed princes and ministers by the power of his... Read full description -
Item #710873NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 8, 1836 The bottom of the front page has a brief report: "Mexico and Texas" which begins: "Advices...that on the 20th, gen. Urrea issued a violent proclamation against the Texians and Americans, grounded on the supposition that the United States government had acknowledged... Read full description
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Item #710798THE WAR, New York, April 20, 1813 The front page has several documents which relate to the "Impressment Of Seamen" including items signed in type by James Madison and James Monroe among others.
Page 2 has: "American Gallantry" which is a nice & detailed account of a naval battle: "...between the privateer schooner... Read full description -
Item #710795THE WAR, New York, March 30, 1813 The front page is entirely taken up with: "Seamen" and "An Act For The Regulation of Seamen On Board the Public & Private Vessels of the United States" which carries over to page 2 & is signed in type: James Madison.
Inside has 2 more Acts of Congress: "Rewarding... Read full description -
Item #710604NEW YORK TIIMES, Sept. 15, 1859
* Camp Floyd - Utah unrest
* U.S. military installation
* Used to monitor the Mormons
The back page has nearly a full column report relating to the Mormons, datelined: "Camp Floyd, U.T." and headed: "Interesting From Utah" "More Gross and Outrageous... Read full description -
Item #710500NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Feb. 3, 1844 Pages 2 and 3 contain a lengthy article concerning the Mormons in Nauvoo. Headed: "The Mormons", bits include: "This singular community contrive to make themselves of importance. Numbering as they do many thousand persons, all moving with the perfect devotion at the nod of their prophet, and... Read full description
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Item #710307THE NEW YORK HERALD, July 12, 1859
* Battle of Solferino, Italy
* Second Italian War of Independence
The front page has one column headings: "THE BATTLE OF SOLFERNO" "Napoleon in Danger in the Fight" and more. (see images)
Other news of the day. Complete in 8 pages, nice condition. -
Item #710303NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 12, 1844
* Nauvoo Legion militia - Illinois
* Mormons - Mormonism War ?
* Governor Thomas Ford
The back page has a report: "Mormon Troubles" which mentions in part: "Governor Ford, concentrated some 5 to 800 of the Illinois militia in the neighborhood of Nauvoo to frustrated... Read full description -
Item #710297THE MADISONIAN, Washington City, July 16, 1840
* William Henry Harrison for president
This issue has on the inside page a political cartoon print of a log cabin (for Wm. H. Harrison) and a heraldic eagle engraving with "Harrison & Tyler" on a banner in the eagle's beak (see). Much political reporting.
Four pages, a few... Read full description -
Item #710244BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 21, 1822
* Paul Revere's son
The front page has an illustrated ad for "Joseph W. Revere..."Factory and ship Bells..." with a bit more.
Joseph was the 3rd Paul Revere's 8 children, taking over the bell foundry business from his father in 1811.
Four pages, never bound nor... Read full description -
Item #710240GLEASON'S PICTORIAL LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, Aug. 27, 1859 This title has one of the more beautiful & ornate mastheads of the 19th century, plus each page is bordered with an anchor & chain devise (see).
The front page has prints of: "Charles XV, the New King of Sweden" with text on him. Also: "Whitehall, South &... Read full description -
Item #710238THE SCOTTISH JOURNAL, New York, April 24, 1841
* Rare publication for Scotland immigrants
Obviously a newspaper for Scottish-Americans. The masthead has a thistle-themed engraving. Various literary items & other content.
Eight pages, 10 1/2 by 15 inches, nice condition. -
Item #710136THE EVENING FIRESIDE, Philadelphia, Jan. 11, 1806 This was a short-lived paper existing only from December, 1804 thru December, 1806.
It was one of several weeklies of the early 19th century. Mott describes them: "Most of the weeklies were low-priced, quarto in size, and designed for entertainment; frequently they combined politics and news... Read full description -
Item #709981FRANK LESLIE'S ILLUSTRATED, New York, Aug. 25, 1860 The full front page is a print of: "Sir Edmund W. Head, Governor-General of Canada". Additionally, inside has 5 prints relating to the visit of the Prince of Wales to Canada.
A very nice full page print: "Grand Festival Reception to John C.... Read full description -
Item #709967NATIONAL GAZETTE & LITERARY REGISTER, Philadelphia, Aug. 8, 1832 Page 2 has a report on the Black Hawk War, a brief conflict between the United States and Native Americans led by Black Hawk, a Sauk Indian leader. This was the war in which Abraham Lincoln was an Illinois militia soldier, although he saw no combat.
About... Read full description -
Item #709946BOSTON MUSEUM, July 27, 1850 The front page has a large sketch/likeness of the newly sworn-in president, Millard Fillmore, the last member of the Whig Party to serve as POTUS. Included is an lengthy article which includes his 1842 resignation speech when he left Congress.
An inside notice announces... Read full description






















































