Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.
On the Roberts & Carlisle treason... Discussion on the American war...
Item #686561
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 rebe... See More
From the Revolutionary War...
Item #686481
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1780 A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as there is very little American content in this issue.Just one report in the "Historical Chronicle" with two items: "There have been no material advices from America that can be rely'd on. A vague report...that two French s... See More
News of Cornwallis' surrender... Benedict Arnold & the Battle of Groton Heights...
Item #686426
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1781* Revolutionary War
* Cornwallis' surrender
* Gen. Benedict Arnold
* Battle of Groton Heights
Near the back is a section headed: "American News" which has a "Copy of a Letter from Brig. Gen. Arnold to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, dated Sound off Plumb Island, Sept. 8, 1781" which takes over an entire pa... See More
War in the South... Chart of killed & disabled...
Item #686417
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1781 * American Revolutionary War
* Camden, South Carolina
Near the beginning is the "List of the Men Killed or Disabled in the War" which includes various columns, with mentions of Howe, Carleton, Gage, Saratoga, and more. Also: "Summary of Proceedings in the last Session of the Last Parliament" which includes some ... See More
War in the South... Chart of killed & disabled...
Item #686374
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1781 Near the beginning is the "List of the Men Killed or Disabled in the War" which includes various columns, with mentions of Howe, Carleton, Gage, Saratoga, and more. Also: "Summary of Proceedings in the last Session of the Last Parliament" which includes some discussion of the Revolutionary War.Also: "Concerning t... See More
Foldout plate of the siege of Rhode Island... Treaty with France...
Item #686359
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1779 * Great siege of Rhode Island print
* American Revolutionary War original
This issue leads off with reports on the debates in Parliament, which include discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...the conduct of the army under the command of Gen. Howe; he seized the opportunity of painting in the blackest colours the ingrati... See More
John Burgoyne.... Regarding the surrender at Saratoga...
Item #686352
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1779 * Battles of Saratoga - New York
* General John Burgoyne defeat
The first five pages are a: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes various discussions concerning the Revolutionary War, including one interesting bit: "...told us the bulk of the people are our friends; that the Congress was chosen... See More
Cornwallis surrenders to Washington at Yorktown...
Item #686313
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1782 * Lord Charles Cornwallis
* General George Washington
* Surrender at Yorktown - Virginia
This issue contains the very historic report of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia.
An inside page has a nice report headed: "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton" which begins: "...I had th... See More
The beheading of Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France...
Item #686304
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1793 * Marie Antoinette beheaded
* The Queen of France
* Common hangman
Near the back under the heading: "Obituary of Considerable Persons", and amongst the listings of many others, is the very historic report of the beheading of Marie Antoinette.
The text begins: "Guillotined, at Paris, in her 38th year, being born Nov. ... See More
John Adams signs an Act of Congress... Brown University...
Item #686177
September 14, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1799
* President John Adams
* Act of Congress
* Brown University
On the front page under Laws of the United States is an Act of Congress signed in script type: John Adams. Also under Rhode Island Commencement (now Brown University) is a list of the exercises that occurred at the recent commencement.
Other news of the day includes
... See More
* President John Adams
* Act of Congress
* Brown University
On the front page under Laws of the United States is an Act of Congress signed in script type: John Adams. Also under Rhode Island Commencement (now Brown University) is a list of the exercises that occurred at the recent commencement.
Other news of the day includes
An Act for collecting duties...
Item #686168
August 26, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Aug. 26, 1799 Various news of the day from both America and Europe. Most of the back page is taken up with a portion of a lengthy (and continued): "An Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, minor archival mend to the back page, nice condit... See More
Act of Congress signed by President John Adams...
Item #686166
September 30, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 30, 1799 Close to half of the front page & some of page 2 are taken up with an Act of Congress signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Four pages, nice condition.
Two documents signed by Alexander Hamilton...
Item #686162
November 28, 1791
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Nov. 28, 1791 Mot of the front page is taken up with the French Revolution with a lengthy letter signed: Louis.
Most of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress, including a brief note to the House concerning expenses for the year signed by the Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton. This is followed by another letter signed: Alexander Hamilton with a ch... See More
Rules by the President... John Jay...
Item #686157
August 17, 1793
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Aug. 17, 1793 Over half of the front page is the conclusion of: "Chief Justice Jay's opinion on the question, 'Whether a State be liable to be sued by a Private Citizen of another State?' "
Page 2 has a "Circular to the Collectors of the Customers" of the ports of the United States, from the Secretary of the Treasur... See More
George Washington... Preventing Louis XVI from cutting his throat...
Item #686154
March 20, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 20, 1793
* George Washington
* John Adams
* Thomas Jefferson
The entire first column on the front page and part of page 2 are taken up with: "An Act for Enrolling & Licensing ships or vessels to be employed in the Coasting trade & fisheries & for regulating the same" (concluded from a previous issue) which on page 2 is signed in... See More
Significant Act of Congress in response to the Whiskey Rebellion...
Item #686153
July 09, 1794
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, HARTFORD, June 23, 1794 Half of page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress: "An ACT Making Further Provision for Securing and Collecting the Duties on foreign and Domestic Distilled Spirits, Stills, Wines and Teas." At its conclusion it is signed in type by the President; Go. Washington,
This Act of Congress was notable to the troubling Whiskey Rebellion i... See More
George Washington signature in script...
Item #686152
May 14, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 14, 1794 Page 3 has a document signed in script type: Go. Washington, President of the United States, concerning authorization for ships belonging to the U.S. to enter ports beyond the Cape of Good Hope, etc.
Page 2 has a report: "From the Western Army".
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a small nick to the bottom blank margin, great condition.... See More
Washington and Napoleon Buonaparte...
Item #686143
April 05, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 5, 1797
* President George Washington
* Napoleon Bonaparte
At the bottom of the front page is an Act of Congress which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
This was one of just a few newspapers which used the script type for documents signed by politicians, making such issues very displayable.
Amongst the various items on page... See More
Four script signatures of George Washington...
Item #686139
May 06, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, May 6, 1797
* President George Washington
* (4) acts signed in script
On the front page under "Laws of the United States" are four "Acts", each signed in script type: George Washington. The acts take all of the third and fourth columns, and all of the script signatures appear in the last column.
Also on the front page under Commonwealth of Massachuse... See More
Act of Congress signed by Adams & Jefferson...
Item #686137
November 09, 1797
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Nov. 9, 1797 The entire front page and a good portion of page 3 are taken up with: "AN ACT Laying Duties on Stamped Vellum, Parchment and Paper" which is signed in type at its conclusion by John Adams, President, and Thomas Jefferson, Vice President.
Four pages, a very handsome issue as it was never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, slight ... See More
Detailed Treasury report... Discussing the state of the country...
Item #686134
May 22, 1798
THE FARMER'S WEEKLY MUSEUM: NEW HAMPSHIRE & VERMONT JOURNAL, Walpole, May 22, 1798
* 18th century American publication
The front page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with a: "Treasury Department" report signed: Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has much reporting on: "Proceedings of the Federal Congress" concerning the state of the Union, & p... See More
Wolcott and Pickering... The Quasi War with France...
Item #686133
May 15, 1798
THE FARMER'S WEEKLY MUSEUM; NEW HAMPSHIRE & VERMONT JOURNAL, Walpole, May 15, 1798 The front page has a lengthy "Treasury Department" notice signed: Oliver Wolcott, followed by another shorter one.
Inside has a lengthy document signed: Timothy Pickering, Secretary of State, relating to the Quasi War with France, an undeclared war which lasted from 1798-1800.
Four pages, v... See More
Treasury report and documents signed by President John Adams...
Item #686132
April 24, 1798
THE FARMER'S WEEKLY MUSEUM: NEW HAMPSHIRE & VERMONT JOURNAL, Walpole, April 24, 1798
* Oliver Wolcott Jr. - U.S. Treasury
* President John Adams letters signed
The front page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with a report headed: "Treasury Department" signed in type: Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury. Page 2 has "Important Communications" which includes 3... See More
Treasury notice... The situation with France...
Item #686131
May 01, 1798
FARMER'S WEEKLY MUSEUM: NEW HAMPSHIRE AND VERMONT JOURNAL, Walpole, May 1, 1798 The front page has 1 1/2 columns taken up with: "Treasury Department, Public Notice is Hereby Given..." signed by: Oliver Wolcott, Secretary of the Treasury. Much of the front page & most of pages 2 & 3 are taken up with: "Dispatches from the Envoys to France" which rel... See More
Includes a document signed by Buonaparte...
Item #686129
June 08, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, June 8, 1799 The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are taken up with a portion of the very lengthy Act of Congress on regulating duties on imports, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has a "Five Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway negro man, as well as reports on the Napoleonic War including a document signed: Buonaparte.
Four pages, ... See More
Latest news from 1799...
Item #686126
June 05, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, June 5, 1799 Most of the front page is taken up with the continuation of: "An Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" which carries over to pg. 2 & is continued in a future issue. It is headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has a short bit headed: "Trial of Fries" which relates, in an oblique way, to ... See More
Regulating the tariffs...
Item #686125
July 15, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, July 15, 1799 Two columns on the front page are taken up with "An Act to regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" continued in a future issue. It is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle.
The back page has over a full column report from the "War Department" seeking bids to supply rations to the mentioned mi... See More
Proclamation signed in script by John Adams...
Item #686122
July 06, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 6, 1799
* President John Adams
* Act of United States Congress
* Commerce w/ San Domingo
Most of the front page is taken up with the continuation of an: "Act to regulate the Collection of duties on imports...". Page 2 has: "By the President of the United States of America, A Proclamation" concerning the suspension of trade with Fra... See More
The historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #686121
August 16, 1790
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Aug. 16, 1790
* Funding Act of 1790
Taking two-thirds of the front page and half of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress t... See More
Regulating the tariffs...
Item #686120
July 15, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, July 15, 1799 Two columns on the front page are taken up with "An Act to regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" continued in a future issue. It is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle.
The back page has over a full column report from the "War Department" seeking bids to supply rations to the mentioned mi... See More
Signed by Adams and Jefferson...
Item #686119
July 31, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 31, 1799
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has most of a column taken up with a continued Act of congress signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by: Th. Jefferson. This is followed by another very lengthy Act of Congress carrying over to page 2 where it is signed in script type by: John Adams.
Four pages,... See More
Hamilton & Knox to be on Washington's Cabinet... Setting federal salaries...
Item #686116
September 19, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 19, 1789 The front page has an interesting article which could be appropriate today: "Propositions for Reforming the Present System of Publick Education in Boston".
Page 2 begins with reports from the House of Representatives concerning discussions on setting the salaries for House & Senate members.
Page 3 has: "THE PRESIDENT has... See More
Two George Washington script signatures...
Item #686115
October 10, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 10, 1789
* (2) President George Washington acts
* First year of his administration
Most of the first column of page 2 contains not one but two of the very desirable Acts of Congress each signed in script type by President George Washington and in block type by Vice President John Adams. This title was one of just a few to use the "script&... See More
Work towards creating a tariff plan for the new government...
Item #686114
July 09, 1789
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER OR CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, July 9, 1789 Nice to have a newspaper from this town from the year of the formation of our nation's government.
Page 3 includes reports from "Proceedings of Congress" which includes some discussion on: "The bill to regulate the collection of the Impost, still under consideration...".
This was formally ... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #686108
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Two Acts of U.S. Congress
Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by: George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from congress. Page 3 ha... See More
Full name: George Washington, in script type...
Item #686107
August 04, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790
* President George Washington
* Act of Congress script signed
Almost a full column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name... See More
Washington inspects the land for building the federal city...
Item #686083
October 29, 1790
THE NEW YORK JOURNAL & PATRIOTIC REGISTER, Oct. 29, 1790
* President George Washington
* Early Washington D.C. construction
* Future of the federal government
Half of page 2 is the conclusion of an "Act to provide more effectually for the Collection of the Duties imposed by Law on Goods, Wares...imported into the United States...".
Page 3 has an item noting:
... See More
* President George Washington
* Early Washington D.C. construction
* Future of the federal government
Half of page 2 is the conclusion of an "Act to provide more effectually for the Collection of the Duties imposed by Law on Goods, Wares...imported into the United States...".
Page 3 has an item noting:
Alexander Hamilton... Isaac Franks... Knox's War Dept. report...
Item #686080
January 12, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1791 The bottom of page 3 has a letter from the "Treasury Department" signed in type by the Secretary of the Treasury: Alexander Hamilton, to the Speaker of the House of Rep., concerning national financial matters.
Among the many front page ads is one for: "ISAAC FRANKS, Stock and Exchange Broker...Buys
... See More
Among the many front page ads is one for: "ISAAC FRANKS, Stock and Exchange Broker...Buys
Comptroller of United States appointed... Louis XVI attempts to escape...
Item #686076
June 27, 1791
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 27, 1791
* Oliver Wolcott Jr.
* Appointed to U.S. Treasury
* Louis XVI - King of France
A page 3 report from "Hartford" states: "We are informed that the President of the United States has appointed OLIVER WALCOTT, Esq., Comptroller of the Treasury, of the United States, vice Nicholas Eveleigh...deceased."
Over one-third of p... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams...
Item #686073
April 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 2, 1791
* President George Washington
* Two Acts of U.S. Congress
The front page has reporting on: "The Bank Bill under Consideration". The back page has two Acts of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in block type by: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The bkpg. also has an ... See More
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686060
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686059
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
Congressmen sworn in & Congress begins...
Item #686051
April 15, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Apr. 15, 1789
* 1st United States Congress begins
* Congressmen & speaker are sworn in
A terrific issue on the very first days of work for the new federal Congress.
See the photo for the page 2 report from New York mentioning that the Speaker & other members of the House are sworn into office, with a printing of a portion of their o... See More
Workings of Congress on creating the Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686046
May 18, 1789
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 18, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789
* United States Congress
* 1st major piece of legislation
One of the first priorities of the new federal government was creating a means of tariff revenues, of such importance that the resulting Tariff Act of 1789 was just the second Act approved by Congress. The Tariff Act would be approved on July 4.
But it is th... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686042
July 22, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 22, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789 (Tonnage)
* George Washington signs
* 1st major piece of legislation
Most of page 2 and a bit of page 2 are taken up with "Sketches of the Proceedings of Congress" providing interesting insight into the discussion of the very new federal government.
Page 3 has the full text of: "An Act Im... See More
On the Treasury Bill and compensations for various officers...
Item #686040
July 25, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, July 25, 1789 Half of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "Slave Trade" which is a report from a French society for the abolition of the trade. One bit notes: "...The abolition, therefore, of negro slavery was esteemed by the general United States & by the convention in which they were represented, not only a measure condu... See More
Signed in script type by George Washington...
Item #686037
April 08, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 8, 1795
* President George Washington
Half of the front page and half a column on page 2 are taken up with Act of Congress concerning duties on snuff and refined sugar, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Four pages, some minor damp staining, good condition.... See More
Founding months of the federal government...
Item #686035
August 04, 1789
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 4, 1789
* From the 1st year of George Washington's presidency
* United States government (Congress) in it's infancy
Great to have this issue from the formative months of the new federal government, and from the city where it all happened.
Page 2 begins with reports from Congress noting the discussions at the time. Then a lengthy report on... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789..
Item #686033
July 24, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 24, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789 (Tonnage)
* George Washington signs
* 1st major piece of legislation
The entire front page is taken up with ads including 7 illustrated ship ads.
Page 2 has an address to George Washington from the governor & council of North Carolina, which is followed by his reply which carries ove... See More
George Washington and Sam Adams...
Item #686032
July 05, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 5, 1794
* President George Washington
* Samuel Adams
Almost the entire front page is taken up with: "An Act Laying Certain Duties Upon Snuff and Refined Sugar" which is signed in script type at its conclusion by the President: Go. Washington.
This is followed by two Acts of the Massachusetts legislature, carrying over to page 2, each signed ... See More
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