Historic Newspapers: American

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 18th century American publication

Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 1744  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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

* Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America

If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society, the country's largest repository of pre-1876 printed Americana.
The reporting of this signal event…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799  Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four years of age..." [re: John Adams].
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776 

* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also…

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783  

"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, July 18, 1768   All of pages 1, 2 & 3 are taken up with a detailed report of the island of Corsica, the latter page including a biography of Pascal Paoli which carries over to take close to half of page 4.
Near the back under "America" are reports from Charleston and Annapolis, as well as "A Message from the Governor" of Maryland which includes: "The King, our most gracious sovereign, having been informed that a circular letter...was in February last sent by the Speaker of…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 4, 1793 

* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet

The front page contains nearly a full column headed: "Official Communications" which has two letters signed by Genet, the French ambassador to the United States, concerning what is known as the "Citizen Genet Affair" relating to his plans to get America to support the French in capturing British ships, which it would not do. Ultimately to avoid an appointment with the guillotine Genet was given…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797  

* Rare 18th century publication
* President George Washington

A scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our (soon to be) 50 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 features a letter to George Washington from the Penna. Senate, offering congratulations for his public service. It is followed by his grateful response, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776  A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report and great to have in a period newspaper.
Page 2 begins with a letter from Major General Lee to the President of Congress, dated at Charleston, giving a…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War

The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of her rights...". Also on the front page is: "A Plan for Reducing the Rebellious Colony of New England & for the…

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War

This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798  

* General - President George Washington

Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the national legislature and President."
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" from military officers of Baltimore County, relating…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much more. 
Near the back is "Domestic Miscellany" with the latest news reports of the day including talk of developing Presque Isle near Erie, methods of improving the…

Lexington & Concord content...

THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775 

* Lexington & Concord report
* John Hancock type signature
* The Conciliatory Resolution

A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed in type by its President: John Hancock.
The Conciliatory Resolution was a resolution passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to reach a…

A Benedict Arnold letter... Less than 60 days until the Declaration!

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, Boston, May 9, 1776  Although the title might sound rather common (similar title published in Salem & Cambridge), this is actually a very scarce, short-lived title. 
On April 25, 1776 this newspaper was removed from Cambridge and printed at Boston, just 2 issues before this one. The last issue of this title published was on September 12, 1776, meaning just eleven issues were published at Boston.
The front page begins with a letter: "It is now become highly necessary…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798 

* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons

Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The back page has a letter from the "Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland, to George Washington..." followed by his…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796 

* President George Washington

The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details. Page 2 has an entire column taken up with: "AN ACT Making Provision for the Payment of Certain Debts of the United States" which is signed in type by the President: Geo.…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 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.
Page 2 has over a full column on the: "Celebration" of Washington's 65th birthday, including the 16 toasts and much more. Also an article: "The President's Birth Day".
Page 3 has a report from the Treasury Dept. followed by a notice: "The President of the United States, we understand, attends the Theater THIS EVENING for…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 24, 1791  Most of the front page is taken up the continuation of: "A Brief Examination of Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the United States of America", the first portion focused on "Flour & Wheat" a products from America, and then "Gunpowder" and it's future in America.
Page 2 has a "Circular" concerning the struggles of America to deal with its financial issues from after the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 has an item from Thomas Jefferson…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 19, 1794  A page 3 item says: "Mr. Thomas Paine... has petitioned the National Convention of France for liberty to retire to the United States; but the prayer of his petition has been rejected. His friends in Philadelphia are soliciting some appointment for him under the United States, as a mean to effect his regress from France."
Four pages, very nice condition.

PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1786  An issue from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and before the creation of the Constitution & the new federal government.
Page 3 has a report: "Amongst the respectable patrons of the Alexandria Academy, a new & promising institution, appears the name of  the illustrious General WASHINGTON, who hath benevolently engaged  to vest in the hands of the trustees of  that seminary and their successors…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795  

* George Washington letter
* re. John Jay's Treaty

The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and having such extensive relations, some diversity of opinion might be expected...", signed in type: Go. Washington. 
The front page also has: "Federal Ship News" which begins: "The good ship…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796  Page 2 has a curious article headed: "Amorous Fracas!" beginning: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion in the vicinity of Merrion Square..." with the details.
Four pages, very nice, clean condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZTTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Nov. 7, 1795  Page 3 has a report from Augusta, Georgia, being a letter signed by Timothy Pickering concerning a treaty with the Creek Indians. This is followed by a report from the Knoxville which begins: "Notwithstanding the Creeks have solicited the mediation of the President...to restore peace between them and the Chickasaws...that no parties would go out to war against the Chickasaws..." with much more.
Four pages, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 20, 1796  Much of page 2 is taken up with the "state of the state" address delivered by the governor of Massachusetts & signed by him in type: Samuel Adams.
Page 3 has a notice: "DIED--At his seat in Norwich, Jan. 8. His Excellency Samuel Huntington, Esq., 64..." with content on the funeral ceremonies. Huntington was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 24, 1797  Page 3 has commentary concerning President Adams' recent address to Congress, followed by the response of the House to the President.
Page 3 also has an address by Napoleon to his soldiers, noting in part: "I am now satisfied with you---The army of Italy has hitherto conquered by their courage & their intrepidity, the warlike legions of the Emperor; their discipline & their humanity have triumphed over calumny and malevolence..."…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 16 & 19, 1796  A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking much of the front page and part of page 2 in the issue of the 16th is part of Jay's Treaty through Article 12. Prefacing the Treaty is a "Proclamation" providing particulars about the conclusion and ratification of the Treaty. Includes word that the treaty was ratified…

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.

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, August, 1797  The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day.
Among the articles is an interesting one: "Improvements Suggested in Female Education" which takes nearly 3 pages.
Near the back is: "A PROCLAMATION" signed in type by the President, John Adams, noting that: "...all foreign silver coins except Spanish milled dollars and parts of such dollars, will cease to pass…

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, May, 1797  The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day.
Perhaps the most notable content is the: "President's Speech" which takes 5 1/2 pages. This was his speech of May 15, 17907, Adams calling for the first special session of Congress to consider the worsening French-American crisis, which would lead to the Quasi War. It is signed at its conclusion: John Adams.
…

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, February, 1797  The most notable report is the announcement that John Adams has been elected President of the United States.
A report near the back notes in part: "Yesterday, agreeable to a provision of the Constitution...the members...assembled...to count the votes of the Electors for, and determined the election of, a President and Vice President of the United States: when John Adams, Esq. was declared rot be elected President, and Thomas Jefferson,…

THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Sept. 20, 1753 

* Rare Colonial New York 
* Short lived publication

This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very early issue--over 270 years old--by James Parker from the colonial press of New York. American titles from the 1750's are rarely…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, October, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Description of a Curious Subterranean Cave at Clarendon, Vermont" "Description of the Moorish Women" "American Antiquities" "Description of the City of Morocco" "An Eulogium of General Washington, Written in 1783 at the Close of the American War" and much more.
Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" which has…

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…

PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 17, 1797  This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue appeared on March 4, 1797 and the newspaper lasted but 770 issues.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 27, 1797  Page 2 has an interesting article: "Review Of Militia" commanded by Major-General Hull, with various particulars. The back page features 14 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, 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.