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.
America's first successful newspaper...
Item #689552
April 17, 1740
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both Foreign and Domestick" which published just a s... See More
A fine & decorative issue from the Revolutionary War...
Item #689458
November 11, 1780
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1780
* Revolutionary War
* Great masthead
Over half of the front page is a: "Message from the President & Supreme Executive Council to the Representatives of...Pennsylvania" in which are addressed many issues.
A few bits include: "...when our enemies, forsaking in no small degree the efforts of open and manly force, b... See More
Ten London newspapers from the 1790's...
Item #689243
May 04, 1795
(10) THE SUN and THE TIMES were two of the more famous & successful of British newspapers in the late 18th century. The Times remains one of the iconic papers of the world, having begun in 1788 and is still printing today. It was the first newspaper to have "Times" in the title, since lending its name to innumerable newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Here is a lot of ten issu... See More
18th century Baltimore... slavery ads...
Item #689239
May 04, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 4, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* (2) slaves related advertisements
* Land for sale along the Potomac River
The full ftpg. is taken up with advertisements including 14 illustrated ship ads. The back page has 2 runaway slave ads. Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C. area. (see)
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
Reward advertisements for runaway slave & bitch...
Item #689227
January 07, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1793
* Rare 18th century American title
* Runaway slave & bitch advertisements
The front page is filled with advertisements. News of the day on pages 2 & 3. Page 3 also has a interesting ad for: "Bitch Lost; Fifteen Dollars Reward" which is for a runaway dog.
The bottom of the back page has a advertisement for:... See More
Historic Proclamation by the King formally ending the Revolutionary War...
Item #689194
February 15, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, February 15, 1783
* End of Revolutionary War
* King George III proclamation
* The cessation of hostilities
Certainly the prime--and very historic--content takes over one-third of the back page, headed: "By the KING, A PROCLAMATION Declaring the Cessation of Arms, as well by sea as land, Agreed Upon Between his Majesty's the most Christian King,... See More
Map of Barbados, Tobago & more...
Item #689189
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1749 Perhaps the best feature of this issue is the great title page engraving of the skyline of London from the mid-18th century, with St. Paul's Cathedral dominating.Also of much interest is the half page map of the: "Islands of Tobago, Barbadoes, etc." with a related article. Also shown are St. Vincent, Granada, a portion of Trinidad &am... See More
On the resignation of General Burgoyne...
Item #689187
April 18, 1780
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 18, 1780
* General John Burgoyne resignation
* re. Surrender at Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page, two-thirds of page 2, and half of page 3 are taken up with: "...the various letters that passed between the late and present secretary at War and Lieutenant General Burgoyne... See More
Maps of Jamaica and Havana, Cuba...
Item #689163
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1762 Although typically missing from most issues, this magazine still contains the full page plate titled: "A Map Of the Island of Jamaica" which shows much detail. Accompanying this map is a nice and detailed article on Jamaica which describes it geographically, gives a bit of history on how it was settled, and some text on its economy.... See More
Jamaica, Cuba & the Caribbean... Early electricity...
Item #689162
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1762 This magazine is missing the plates of "A Map Of the Island of Jamaica" and "Plan of the City and Harbour of the Havanna", Cuba, but there is a report near the back which relates to it, beginning: "Porto Rico is a large Spanish island, well fortified; and Hispaniola belonging to both France & Spain is much larger ... See More
Payments to wounded soldiers of the Revolutionary War...
Item #689125
January 31, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 1793
* Henry Knox - War Department notice
* Revolutionary War wounded soldiers
The back page has a notice headed: "War Department" concerning payments to be made to: "...military invalids of the United States..." signed in type by the Secretary of War: H. Knox.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins,... See More
Handsome newspaper... On Washington, Franklin, and Hamilton...
Item #689121
November 14, 1793
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 14, 1793 As the photo shows, this is one of the more handsome & displayable mastheads of the 18th century.
Page 2 has a letter: "...from Dr. Franklin to Dr. Mather, dated Paris, May 12th, 1784" which concerns the friendship between France and America. Then a report from Phil. noting: "...the Presiden... See More
Handsome newspaper... Two John Hancock documents on the front page...
Item #689112
March 21, 1793
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, March 21, 1793
* John Hancock signed in type
As the photo shows, this is one of the more handsome & displayable mastheads of the 18th century.
The front page features a full column: "Proclamation" for a day of thanksgiving and prayer, signed by governor: John Hancock. It is headed with the same coat-of-arms a... See More
Is the pursuit of independence worth the effort?
Item #689081
April 22, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, April 22, 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.
Over two-thirds of the front page is taken up with the text of two Bill... See More
A Loyalist states why America is at war...
Item #689079
February 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Feb. 28, 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.
Half of the front page first column is a: "Proclamation" signe... See More
Handsome newspaper from the late 18th century...
Item #688893
October 01, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Oct. 1, 1796 A very typical late 18th century American newspaper with a good mix of news reports of the day and advertisements. A fine opportunity for an early newspaper at a low price.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Creating the town of Castine... Benedict Arnold...
Item #688796
March 02, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 2, 1796 The front page has a full column on the creation of the town of Castine, Maine, being an Act of the Massachusetts Legislature reading: "An ACT to divide the town of Penobscot into two distinct towns; and to incorporate the southerly part thereof into a town by the name of Castine." with the lengthy text, signed in type: Samuel Adams.
Keep ... See More
President Washington unites all patriotic hearts...
Item #688773
November 04, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 4, 1795 Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia noting: "The President has returned here from Mount Vernon. The reception he every where meets shews he unites in him all patriotic hearts...".
Four pages, scattered foxing, good condition.
Two single sheet "Extra" issues from 1794...
Item #688674
December 03, 1794
DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER EXTRA, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1794
* 18th century runaway slave ad
A single sheet "Extra" edition. The front page taken up with ads with a runaway slave ad headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" (see)
Complete as a single sheet issue, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore... slaves advertisements...
Item #688649
November 10, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Nov. 10, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (8) slaves related advertisements
The full ftpg. is taken up with ads including 10 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has 4 slavery related ads. And the back page has 4 more. (see)
Four pages, minor light foxing, nice condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore...slave advertisements...
Item #688555
December 21, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 21, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) slaves related advertisements
The full ftpg. is taken up with ads including 5 illustrated ship ads & 4 slave related ads. The back page has another slave ad. (see) Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C. area.
Four pages, some light staining, minor margin wear, generally ... See More
Boston newspaper with Loyalist leanings... Opinions on Massachusetts clergy re the Charter...
Item #688492
December 26, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, December 26, 1768 The publisher of this newspaper had Loyalist leanings, causing its demise before the formal outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
All of pages 1 & 2 are taken up with a continued report on: "Voltaire on History". Page 3 has: "The Opinions of the Ministers of the colony of the Massachusetts...upon this question--Whether to Surrender the... See More
Would reject independence if offered... Regarding representation in Parliament...
Item #688491
April 04, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, April 4, 1768 Inside has most of a page taken up with a letter from the Speaker of the Mass. Assembly to one of the King's Secretaries of State, which includes: "...it seems to be conclusive that as those acts were made with the sole & express purpose of raising a revenue out of America, the subjects here are in those instances unfortunately ... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #688479
June 17, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 17, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
Page 4 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: &quo... See More
Three documents signed by the President, George Washington...
Item #688473
June 22, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 22, 1796
* President George Washington
* Three documents signed in type
Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged th... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress concerning the Whiskey Rebellion...
Item #688472
June 23, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 23, 1796
* re. The Whiskey Rebellion
* President George Washington
Page 2 has an: "ACT Making an Appropriation to Satisfy Certain demands attending the late Insurrection...", which provided money: "...to the discharge of certain incidental demands, occasioned by the trial of persons for crimes and offences... See More
Land for sale along the Potomac River... Includes a broadsheet "Supplement" as well...
Item #688469
May 06, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 6, 1796
* Rare publication
The front page is filled with ads including 16 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives". The back page has an ad: "Land On the Potowmac River for Sale" with details.
Included with this issue is a single sheet "Supplement to the Federal Ga... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisement...
Item #688389
July 06, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 6, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) runaway slave advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 12 illustrated ship ads and 2 slave related ads. (see) Pages 2,3 & 4 have another slavery related ad.
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, damp staining at a few areas, generally nice.... See More
Signed by New York governor John Jay... 1798...
Item #688363
January 20, 1798
THE SPECTATOR, New York, Jan. 20, 1798
* Governor John Jay
* His response to the New York Senate
The back page has the "Answer of the Senate of the State of New York to the Speech of...John Jay, Governor..." which is followed by his response, signed in type: John Jay.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, nice condition.... See More
The situation with America... Report from Charleston...
Item #688361
August 04, 1779
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 4, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Report from Charleston, South Carolina
A brief item on pg. 2 notes: "...an express was received from South Carolina that General Prevost had made himself master of Charlestown [Charleston] the 11th ult, which he had carried by assault." See images for more details.
Over half of the f... See More
Very early 1767 tennis report...
Item #688318
April 14, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 14, 1767
* Very early - 18th century tennis
The front page has: "A Further Account of the Patagonian Indians".
Inside has a rare & very early tennis report: "Yesterday the great match at Tennis between Tomkyns and Maccon was determined in favour of the latter; many of the nobility were present, and considerable bets depending.&q... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #688310
June 27, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 27, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
* 3 runaway slave advertisements
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 o... See More
Americans need to produce their own goods... Creeks vs. Choctaws...
Item #687575
January 21, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Jan. 21, 1768 The front page has over half a column of reports headed: "America", carrying over to page 2, with datelines from Providence and Boston. The first report is on a call for a meeting to promote industry & manufacture so as to not depend as much on foreign imports due to the taxes. Another item mentions: "...that the inhabitants have ha... See More
Marriage of Ben Franklin's daughter... Colonists distressed by duties..
Item #687574
January 19, 1768
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... See More
The United States is selling land...
Item #687498
August 31, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 31, 1796 The front page begins with a nice document from the Secretary of the Treasury, Oliver Wolcott, concerning the sale of: "Lands of the United States" which are located: "...in the territory north-west of the river Ohio, and above the mouth of the Kentucky River..." with more detail.
Page 2 has a letter on the Napoleonic War signed ... See More
Signed by President John Adams...
Item #687491
May 02, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 2, 1798
* 18th century American publication
The back page has an: "Address to the President" from the merchants & traders of Philadelphia, with his response signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, good condition.... See More
Letter from John Hancock...
Item #687489
October 13, 1791
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 13, 1791
* Massachusetts Governor John Hancock
Page 3 has a report concerning the collection of taxes, signed in type by the governor: John Hancock. Page 2 has a report on the: "Indian Expedition" of General Wilkinson.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, great condition.... See More
Last issue published before his presses were destroyed by the Sons of Liberty...
Item #687444
November 23, 1775
RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Nov. 23, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington - spy publisher
James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial sta... See More
Criticizing the Jay Treaty... Thanksgiving to the Most High...
Item #687435
November 18, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 18, 1795
* Criticizing the Jay Treaty
The front page has a lengthy: "Address to the President Of the United States" with criticisms about the controversial Jay Treaty with England. It carries over to page 2 as well.
Page 3 has a brief note: "Peace is at length concluded between the United States and the Regency of Algiers...". Anoth... See More
A rare & desirable Loyalist newspaper... Trying to find a solution...
Item #687431
August 17, 1775
RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 17, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington - spy publisher
James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial stance wh... See More
Great content on the Revolutionary War... Brandywine Creek... Chesapeake Bay....
Item #687422
February 14, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE and COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Feb. 14, 1778
* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Brandywine & more
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report on the treatment of American captures by the British, with considerable detail.
It begins: "The following is an account of the treatment that the Continental officers, taken in the... See More
Terrific discussions on the value of independence from England... Confirmation Howe has evacuated Boston...
Item #687419
March 30, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 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.
The entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terri... See More
Ben Franklin's famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #687418
September 06, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, September 6, 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
... See More
* 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
From before the outbreak of war in America...
Item #687403
October 01, 1769
THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, (Edinburgh, Scotland), October, 1769 A somewhat "generic" issue of this uncommon magazine title with a wide variety of articles from before the outbreak of war with the American colonies.
Near the back is a half page of reports from "British North America".
The front page has the "Contents" listed. Complete in 56 pages, 5 by 8 inches,... See More
Diagram of the fort at Bunker's Hill...
Item #687399
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1775 * Battle of Bunker Hill diagram - print
* John Hancock & George Washington
A nice issue with much historic content from the beginning months of the Revolutionary War.
Perhaps the best content is the very nice half page illustration of the "Redoubt & Intrenchment on the Heights of Charles Town, Commonly called... See More
The Declaration of Independence...
Item #687396
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, August, 1776 * Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find issues containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing... See More
Imports, exports... Yankee Doodle...
Item #687381
March 06, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 6, 1769
* Early Yankee Doodle song mention
* Importation - exportation tensions
The front page has an interesting article about: "...George being now master of the ceremonies made the music play just as he pleased; and one night...he swore he would exhibit to the company a dance which had never been attem... See More
Washington agrees to help establish a military force... Much on the end of the war...
Item #687373
September 18, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 18, 1783
* General George Washington
* United States military force
* Revolutionary War ending events
A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken from (modeled after) one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in ... See More
Closing events of the Revolutionary War...
Item #687352
October 17, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Oct. 17, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events in U.S. publication
Page 2 has a letter from Amsterdam which begins: "The happy moment having at last arrived when America's independence was acknowledged by our States..." with more.
Elsewhere is: "A Charlestown paper of the 27th of July last gives an account of the evacu... See More
Handsome, patriotic newspaper with war-related reports...
Item #687350
March 13, 1780
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 13, 1780
* One of the more patriotic mastheads from the Revolutionary War
The masthead includes one of the more patriotic engravings of the Revolutionary War, described by the motto just under the dateline: "All Hands With One Inflamed, Enlightened Heart" showing 13 arms--one for each colony--joined by holding a... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
