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.
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
Fate of Col. Hayne... The Asgill Affair... Keep fighting, or not
Item #687347
May 02, 1782
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris.
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South ... See More
Washington involved in a plan to exchange prisoners...
Item #687346
May 27, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 27, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* General George Washington
* Exchange of prisoners talks
The front page begins with two detailed reward ads for deserted soldiers.
One-third of the front page and over one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report of Commissioners for Settling a Cartel for the Excha... See More
Americans entitled to defend themselves....
Item #687345
March 02, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 2, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
The top of the front page has a brief item from London: "Yesterday five petitions for stopping the proceedings against the Americans were presented to his Majesty at St. James's." Also mention that: "The 33d regiment of foot, of which Lord Cornwallis is c... See More
The first issue of this Revolutionary War title we have offered...
Item #687322
February 23, 1779
THE ROYAL AMERICAN GAZETTE, New York, February 23, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* Loyalist - support to the British cause
This is an exceedingly rare title, in fact the very first we have offered. It was published by Alexander and James Robertson, beginning in January, 1777 and existed until some tim in 1783.
Brigham's "History & Bib... See More
One of the more rare Revolutionary War titles... Battle of Bunker Hill... Patrick Henry... so much more...
Item #687318
October 06, 1775
STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication
Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 i... See More
Benedict Arnold responds... Nice war reports... Paul Revere masthead...
Item #687315
March 25, 1779
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR, AMERICAN ORACLE OF LIBERTY, Worcester, March 25, 1779
* 18th century American publication
* Revolutionary War - Benedict Arnold
* Masthead by Paul Revere
This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era.
It is worth noting that the famed printer Isaiah ... See More
Nice title from 1720...
Item #687304
July 19, 1720
THE ST. JAMES'S EVENING POST, London, July 19, 1720
* Rare 18th century publication
An uncommon title from such an early date. News reports from various corners of Europe including "London". Several advertisements, plus page 3 has a "Postscript" for recently-received news. The back page is entirely blank.
Four pages, 7 3/4 by 9 1/2 inches, a paper flaw in the ... See More
With the "Supplement" issue as well. Fine content...
Item #687300
May 16, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, May 16, 1768
* Pro-British American publication
* Tensions build with England
* Tensions build with England
The entire front page and most of pg. 2 are taken up with a continued report titled: "An Account of Corsica; & the Memoirs of the famous Pascal Paoli the commander in chief of the Corsicans."
Page 2 contains a nice & somewhat detailed ad for the famous series of... See More
On the Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington named commander-in-chief.. So much more....
Item #687295
July 05, 1775
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
* Terrific issue w/ many reports
Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
The front page has a letter from an officer in General Gage's regiment heading for ... See More
Washington's miraculous escape from Long Island...
Item #687294
September 18, 1776
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Sept. 18, 1776
* Battle of Long Island - Brooklyn
* General George Washington
* Escape from New York - East River
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has a report from Congress concerning the use, storage & inspection of gunpowder, signed in type by its President: John Hancock.
The ftpg. also has several reports concerning ht Revoluti... See More
Nice reporting on the war in the South...
Item #687291
January 25, 1781
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 25, 1781
* Rare Revolutionary War title from America
A very handsome issue as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll with 'Independence' in the other, with... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, in an American newspaper...
Item #687288
December 20, 1781
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, December 20, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
This issue contains one of the most historically significant letters from the Revolutionary War, being Cornwallis' official announcement of his surrender to Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.
The report begins on the front page no less, prefaced wit... See More
The King addressses Parliament on the dire situation in America...
Item #687287
February 23, 1782
THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782
* Rare publication during Revolutionary War
This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for t... See More
Lord Dunmore's actions... Arms will decide the outcome... Capture of Chambly...
Item #687210
November 15, 1775
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Nov. 15, 1775
* American Revolutionary War (1st yr.)
* John Murray, 4th Earl of Dunmore
* Kempsville - Virginia Beach
* Fort Chambly, New France, Canada
Over half of the front pages is taken up with the actions of Lord Dunmore and his relationship with the people of Virginia, noting in part: "...Lord Dunmore...went upon an expedition to Kemp's... See More
Much on the tensions between England & the American colonies...
Item #687205
March 17, 1775
THE NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE & HISTORICAL CHRONICLE, Portsmouth, March 17, 1775
* Rare colonial America publication
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions w/ England
Although all American newspapers from the colonial era are quite scarce, this title is even more so.
The front page has a letter concerning bearing arms, followed by a letter noting: "An artful piece has been handed abou... See More
Paul Revere engraved the masthead... Battle of Alamance...
Item #687196
January 23, 1772
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Boston, Jan. 23, 1772
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* Pre American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Alamance - North Carolina
This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era. An ardent patriot, Thomas was a constant target of the Royalist government. He began his ne... See More
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