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.
Appointing the Postmaster General... Honoring Alexander Hamilton...
Item #686790
July 30, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1791 Page 3 includes: "We are informed that the President of the United States has been pleased to appoint William Jackson Post Master General of the United States."
Above this is a report of the celebration of the 4th of July, and also a note that: "The Coroporation of the Chamber of Commerce of New York last week gave an elegant entertai... See More
Treatment of Indians... Louis XVI on the colors of the flags...
Item #686786
May 14, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 14, 1791 Over half of the front page is taken up with: "Commonn Sense -- In Answer to Burke's Phillipick" which relates to Thomas Paine's work, plus much concerning he French Revolution and several references to the Maquis de LaFayette.
Page 2 has "A Law" from France, signed by the King: Louis, concerning a Decree of the Nati... See More
Federal government along the Potomac?
Item #686781
December 15, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 15, 1790
* Site for United States Government
* Along the Potomac River ?
Detailed front page article "Observations On the Whale-Fishery and Seal-Catching" says the two combined would make for a "...profitable voyage..." and that the Nantucket and Long Island Whalemen: "...will find themselves peculiarly adapted..." for se... See More
Vermont to ratify the Constitution...
Item #686777
December 01, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 1, 1790
* United States Constitution
* Vermont for ratification
On page 2 under "Vermont" is a notable report reading in full: "The Legislature of this State, has called a Convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States--to meet at Bennington, in the next month. The terms of the decree of the State of New York, with this State... See More
Early report on boxing...
Item #686767
October 30, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 30, 1790
* 18th century bareknuckle boxing
Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" which is a very early report of the sport. The match is between "Big Ben" and the "Tinman".
Other items including a page 3 article on: "Duelling" "King of France's Demand" "the Art of Joking" "King of Sweden" a... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President...
Item #686742
June 01, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, June 6, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention.
Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia datelined May 26 with the historic report: "Yesterday, at the State House in this city, seven states were ful... See More
Speech signed by John Hancock... Vermont joins the Union...
Item #686732
January 29, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 29, 1791
* John Hancock signed speech
* Vermont statehood - joins union
Over half of page 2 and a bit of page 3 are taken up with the "Speech" of the governor of Massachusetts which is signed in type: JOHN HANCOCK. It is rare to find newspapers with documents signed by Hancock.
Page 3 has a report noting: "This day the Hon. Aaron ... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686710
November 14, 1792
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 a... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President: a day after report...
Item #686699
May 26, 1787
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the ... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686698
December 22, 1795
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 Repre... See More
England discusses the issue of independence for America... War accounts...
Item #686694
May 12, 1780
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 12, 1780
* American Revolutionary War era newspaper
* Independence for America ?
Pages 2 and 3 have much discussion in the House of Commons concerning the Revolutionary War. A few bits include: "...introduced his motion for a reconciliation between Great Britain & her colonies. Peace, he said, was a desirable object to every man...The p... See More
On religion in the Constitution... George Washington... The French Revolution....
Item #686627
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), September, 1789 Content includes: "American Anecdote" "Dr. Barnaby Relates the Following Anecdote of Dr. Franklin"; an address: "To the President of the United States" by the ministers of the German Reformed church, to which he responded, signed in type: George Washington; "On the Impracticability of a Passage into the P... See More
President Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686595
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... See More
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
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #686556
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.The mos... See More
On the Roberts & Carlisle treason... Discussion on the American war...
Item #686542
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779 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 rebellion against his Majesty's loyal subjects in that country..." and ... See More
Reflecting on the highlights of the Revolutionary War... Map of a naval battle...
Item #686467
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT, London, For the Year 1781 * Summary of the current Revolutionary War
* Battle of Porto Praya - naval encounter
A very nice "Supplement" issue published at the end of the year, and from the Revolutionary War with a wide range of varied content including war reports, news of the day, political reports, literary items, and other tidbits.
A... 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
Ethan Allen & the Green Mountain Boys...
Item #686410
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1781
* Revolutionary War
* From the enemy
* Lengthy reporting
The first article is a "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which takes 6 pages and includes discussions on the Revolutionary War.
One first page item notes: "...That it was now no question about independency and allegiance: Great Britain could n
... See More
* Revolutionary War
* From the enemy
* Lengthy reporting
The first article is a "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which takes 6 pages and includes discussions on the Revolutionary War.
One first page item notes: "...That it was now no question about independency and allegiance: Great Britain could n
War in the South... Chart of killed & disabled...
Item #686374
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
Burgoyne on conquering New England by descending from the north...
Item #686361
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1778 * General John Burgoyne
* New England invasion
* American Revolutionary War
Over four pages are taken up with: "As it has been a Doubt by whom the Expedition by the Lakes was plann'd, the following Thoughts for Conducting the War from the Side of Canada will serve in a great Measure to explain that Mystery", which is sig... See More
On the exchange of prisoners...
Item #686349
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779 Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee.Near the back under "American News&... 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
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 #686167
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, never bound nor trimmed, very 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
George Washington signature in script...
Item #686152
May 14, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 14, 1794
* George Washington document script signed
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 nic... 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
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
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
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
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
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- Our History Unites Us – Celebrating Paul Revere with Henry Wadsworth Longfellow…
- Yesterday & Today… Memorial Day & Tariffs…
- “The Compromise of 1850” – Daniel Webster’s costly plea for unity…
- An historic broadside with a connection to early newspapers… revisiting “The Gerry-Mander”…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
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
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
