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.
First image of a balloon flight in any periodical? "Peter the Wild Boy"...
Item #683345
February 01, 1785
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1785
* Jean-Pierre Blanchard
* 1st English Channel crossing print
* "Peter the Wild Boy"
Perhaps the most notable content is the foldout plate with various images, the largest of which is a terrific engraving of: "The Flight of M. Blanchard and Dr. Jeffries from Dover Castle" to France, as noted at the bottom of the ... See More
Work towards putting the Jay Treaty into effect...
Item #683306
May 23, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 23, 1796 The front page is filled with ads including 22 illustrated ship ads. All of page 2 is taken up with discussion on carrying into effect the Jay Treaty with England.
Three slave related ads appear on page 3. The back page is full of ads as well including three more slave ads.
Four pages, purple-tinted staining does not affect rea... See More
London life, at the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #683252
May 06, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, May 6, 1783 As might be expected the news reports are almost entirely European, just the end of the Revolutionary War. No war-related reports are within.
Four pages, good condition.
Map of the Balkan Peninsula... Turkey, Bulgaria, and more...
Item #683207
SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, 1770 * Map of Turkey, the Balkan Peninsula, and more.
This "Supplement" issue was produced at the end of the year. The prime content is the very nice & very detailed map, labeled in the cartouche as: "A New and Accurate Map of TURKEY IN EUROPE Drawn from the Best Authorities...1770".
This map shows the Balkan ... See More
John Adams script signatures... Trenton the federal capital...
Item #683004
October 19, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 19, 1799
* Two President John Adams script signatures
* Nice ad for King Harry the Eighth Playing Cards
* Trenton, New Jersey serves as Federal Capital
* Moses Gill proclamation and script signature
The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One is a conclusion from a previous issue for regu... See More
Will Loyalist merchants in Charleston be left in the lurch? Land in Canada for the Loyalists...
Item #683002
November 26, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 26, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century original
* From The Enemy
Page 4 is entirely taken up with the petitions of various merchants in Charleston to General Leslie (military commander of British troops in the city) recalling a commercial agreement of two years prior, now suspect given the planned evacuation of the British from Charleston... See More
President Washington makes some appointments...
Item #682847
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, February, 1790 Among the articles are: "On the Use of Cosmeticks" "American Natural History...Of the Birds" & much more.Near the back is a full page plate of music, as well as: "The Gazette" which has the latest news reports from Winchester, Va. New London, and Boston. Also a list of appointments by the President.
... See More
On the Equality of Sexes... References to George Washington...
Item #682845
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1790* 18th century Woman's suffrage ?
* George Washington mention
The first page has: "Description of the Court House in Salem", lacking the plate called for.
Other articles include: "On the Equality of Sexes" "Preliminary of the Constitution of France" and much more.
At the back is: "The Gazette&qu... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #682825
April 03, 1795
FEDERAL INTELLIGENCER & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, April 3, 1795
* President George Washington
Close to half of the back page is taken up with: "An ACT...." of Congress relating to duties on refined sugar, signed in type at its conclusion: Go. Washington, President.
Page 3 has a report on the capture of the ship Amsterdam, with details.
Four pages, very nice condition... See More
General Orders from Pittsburgh...
Item #682809
April 29, 1795
FEDERAL INTELLIGENCER & BALTIMORE DAILY GAZETTE, Maryland, April 29, 1795 Quite rare to find an issue with this title, as it began Oct. 30, 1794 and continued until just Dec. 30, 1795 as such. It previously had life as another title, and existed under yet another title after the latter date, existing just over a year with this title.
Page 3 has from Pittsburgh: "General Order"... See More
Early issue of America's first successful newspaper...
Item #682697
August 23, 1739
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 23, 1739
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
Above the title is "New-England", likely to distinguish this newspaper from the city of Boston in England.
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 pre... See More
The notorious pirate Captain Kidd is executed !
Item #682668
May 26, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 22-26, 1701
* Infamous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & extremely rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and mo
... See More
* Infamous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & extremely rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and mo
Parliament discusses the slave trade...
Item #682633
May 27, 1789
THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, May 27, 1789 Beginning on page 2 and carrying over to page 2 is a report headed: "Slave Trade" from the House of Commons, taking over half a page in total.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition.
Cook's voyage to the Northwest coast, with the rare plate of natives from Oonalashka...
Item #682586
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, (London), December, 1784.* HMS Resolution - Royal Navy
* Captain James Cook
* Third Voyage - Gulf of Alaska
Included also is the "Supplement" issue.
This magazine--much more scarce than the Gentleman's Magazine--published in serial form the account of: "Captain Cook's Voyage to the Northern Hemisphere...", this issue containing reports ... See More
Early Georgia... Map of the English Channel...
Item #682582
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1759
* Article on the weather in Georgia
* Map of Havre De Grace, the English Channel, Isle of Wight
The first article is: "A Description of Havre de Grace" which takes over a full page and is accompanied by a nice foldout map showing part of the English Channel including the Isle of Wight off the coast of Southampton and a
... See More
* Article on the weather in Georgia
* Map of Havre De Grace, the English Channel, Isle of Wight
The first article is: "A Description of Havre de Grace" which takes over a full page and is accompanied by a nice foldout map showing part of the English Channel including the Isle of Wight off the coast of Southampton and a
Louis XVI, with print of the guillotine...
Item #682565
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1793 * King Louis XVI of France execution w/ print (historic)
This issue contains the: "Minutes of the Proceedings of the National Convention of France" which takes 4 pages with considerable detail on the trial of Louis XVI with a subhead: "The Final Judgment of Louis XVI" which has text which includes: "...Is Louis ... See More
Map of the Caribbean island of Tobago...
Item #682559
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT, London, For the Year 1778 * Map of the Caribbean island of Tobago
* American Revolutionary War era
A very nice "Supplement" issue published at the end of the year, & from the Revolutionary War.
Perhaps the best item in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of the Island of TOBAGO, Drawn from an Actual Survey by ... See More
Adams's inauguration: the peaceful transfer of power...
Item #682538
March 13, 1797
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, March 13, 1797
* John Adams inauguration
* Thomas Jefferson
A very historic issue as it reports the true test of the great American republic: the peaceful transfer of power.
Page 2 has a report noting in part: "On Saturday at twelve o'clock...soon after his election, JOHN ADAMS as President of the United States attended in the Chamber of th... See More
Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the earliest feminists...
Item #682416
April 21, 1795
KENTISH GAZETTE, Winchester, England, April 21, 1795
* Mary Wollstonecraft - feminist
This newspaper has one of the more decorative & beautiful mastheads of the era. Note the two very detailed engravings on either side, one being the fabled Canterbury Cathedral. The back page has a brief item mentioned Mary Wollstonecraft, one of the earliest woman's rights advocates, with ment... See More
Terrific 18th century ship illustration...
Item #682414
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1748 * Great 18th century ship illustration
Certainly the feature item in this issue is the terrific, full page illustration of: "A Ship Of War" with considerable detail, and with most of the facing page having the "Explanation to a Ship of War of the third Rate with Rigging, &c., at Anchor".
The "Explanation" n... See More
Nice item on Sir Christopher Wren...
Item #682413
September 08, 1716
THE POST BOY, Sept. 8, 1716
* British architect Christopher Wren
* Rare publication w/ nice masthead
Near the top of the back page is a very significant item on the famous architect Sir Christopher Wren.
The report reads: "Christopher Wren, Esq., is removed from being Clerk of his Majesty's Works, and is succeeded by John Mercer Esq., formerly belonging to Mr. How's Offi... See More
News from America...
Item #682412
March 01, 1787
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1787 Included near the back is nearly a full page of: "American News" beginning with mention that Virginia has created duties on imports, with details. From New York is mention that: "Congress have lately concluded a negociation with the Court of Lisbon in respect of trade..." with some details. A few other items as well.
Included... See More
Day of thanksgiving in Boston... an abacus... music writing machine....
Item #682411
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1748 Interesting articles: "Invention of Writing Music by Playing It" with two small illustrations; "Articles For a General Peace" "Introduction to Heraldry" "A Religious Tax Proposed" "Proclamation Against Commerce with France".There is also content regarding the war in America & p... See More
Uncommon title...
Item #682355
February 15, 1753
THE SCOURGE, London, Feb. 15, 1753
* Rare publication
A very curious and uncommon newspaper from England done in editorial format, popular with other titles at that time as well. It was published "By Oxymel Busby, Esq." as noted in the masthead. This newspaper lasted but 81 issues.
Single column format with 6 pages, 7 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, very nice condition.... See More
Great map showing North America... On taxing America without their consent...
Item #682287
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1776 The prime feature of this issue is the great map showing all of the western hemisphere titled: "A New Projection of the Western Hemisphere of the Earth on a Plane shewing the proportions of its several parts nearly as on a Globe, By J. Hardy, at Eton College." The map is dated at the bottom: "by F. Newbery, Ludgat
... See More
Cabinet positions in Washington's new government include John Jay as first Chief Justice...
Item #682219
November 01, 1789
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1789 Near the back is a report headed: "America" which details the power of the Executive Dept. of the new federal government, including: "The Executive Power, which forms one of the branches of ours new Government...to fill the different departments are appointed as follows: Mr. Jefferson, Secretary of State; General Knox, Secre... See More
The immigrant issue in America in 1787...
Item #682214
May 01, 1787
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1787 Included is a brief section headed: "American News" which references the end of the Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts, and also mention that: "...from Philadelphia...that thirty thousand emigrants have arrived there since the war; that twenty thousand Germans and Dutch occupy a tract of 50 miles; and that grants have been made of... See More
America must remain vigilant...
Item #681751
January 19, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1793 Page 3 has a great letter beginning: "The important struggle now is how America shall preserve her Liberty and Equality! For it is unbecoming her after she has contended with the power of Great Britain & conquered, that she must depend solely on the success of France for their continuance!...".
Four pages, nev... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 If there was one graphic which 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 this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
Naval reports from the French & Indian War in America...
Item #681528
March 22, 1759
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, March 22, 1759 Page 2 has naval reports from the French & Indian War: "The Phila, Capt. Farmer, from New York...was taken the 17th of February by the Sampson privateer of Bayonne..." with more reports mentioning New York and South Carolina.
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches, red tax stamp on the front page, great condition.... See More
Madison proposes Amendments to the Constitution... Early edition of the Bill of Rights...
Item #681502
June 13, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 13, 1789
* Early edition of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* President James Madison
An exceedingly significant issue which has, on page 3, a preliminary draft of the Bill of Rights described as "...the Amendments to the New Constitution, proposed by the Hon. Mr. Maddison [sic]...".... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #681445
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.
At the back is the &q... See More
The new American states struggling with money issues...
Item #681443
June 01, 1787
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1787 Included near the back is nearly half a page headed: "American News" which begins: "The present state of America is rather to be deplored than envied..." concerning its financial situation, including; "...America, like every other rising state, must have much to struggle with before it can arrive at opulence...".
Inc... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #681266
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse.
Also within is a mention of "A Portugal Merchant&... See More
Growing tea in the Carolinas rather than importing it...
Item #681263
March 03, 1764
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 3, 1764 Page 6 has a curious article headed: "Of The Culture of the Tea Plant in Carolina" is an interesting report on attempts to grow tea in the colonies for their own consumption. It is signed: Americanus.
Eight pages, 8 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
Rare mention of John Paul Jones...
Item #681166
October 08, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Oct. 8, 1782
* John Paul Jones
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 3 has a report with rare mention of John Paul Jones: "...letters were received from New York...when every thing remained quiet...It is said to be the squadron under Paul Jones, which sailed from Boston in August last, and not three French frig... See More
America to be declared independent? The Asgill Affair: Lippencot is given up to the Americans...
Item #681164
September 21, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Sept. 21, 1782 The front page has: "Mr. Fox is said to have given the terms upon which he will resume his place in the Cabinet--Two of them are to declare American independent & to withdraw all our forces from every part of the continent. Lord Camden & Lord Thurlow both coincide with this idea...".
And further on: "...an art... See More
Captain Lippencot is acquitted... New York prepares for an attack...
Item #681163
September 07, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Sept. 7, 1782
* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy
Page 3 has a report on the Asgill Affair noting: "...who came from New York...we learn that Capt. Lippencot was acquitted by a general court martial & Capt. Asgill still continues on his parole; and that the Rebels had by some means taken a refugee American Captain o... See More
Washington & the French are advancing upon New York City...
Item #681161
August 27, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Aug. 27, 1782
* 18th century Revolutionary War Era
* From The Enemy - George Washington
The front page has: "...various accounts from America...brought...from Virginia & some more recent arrivals from the Chesapeake, all agreeing that the plan of combined operation between America and France is against New York; and that an attempt is ... See More
Guy Carleton has arrived to negotiate a peace treaty...
Item #681158
August 08, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Aug. 8, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Guy Carleton for peace ?
The front page has a report from Annapolis, Maryland's House of Delegates noting in part: "...announcing the arrival of Sir Guy Carleton at New York as a commissioner for making peace or war in North America...the draft of a bill brought into the British Parliament to ... See More
The Asgill Affair: Asgill has been set free... British to leave New York...
Item #681156
August 03, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Aug. 3, 1782
* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy
Page 3 includes: "Lord Shelburne's scheme for prosecuting the American war is to withdraw the troops from New York, but to keep Charles-Town and to carry on hostilities chiefly at sea. The troops at New York to be sent to he West Indies...Advice received from Bo... See More
Death of John Hancock in his hometown newspaper...
Item #681123
October 09, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 9, 1793
* John Hancock death (1st report)
* Declaration of Independence signer
* 1st Massachusetts Governor
* From his hometown (rare)
Curiously, the ftpg. includes "A Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving By His Excellency John Hancock, Governor..." carrying over to pg. 2 where it is signed by him in type: John Hancock.
Contrast t... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #681106
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short ... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #681105
July 17, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, July 17, 1713
* Rare 18th century publication
This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 7 1/2 by 13 inches... See More
General Clinton's letter on the Loyalists...
Item #681060
April 27, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, April 27, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 3 has reports under the heading: "America" including: "...that the army under the Count de Rochambeau have leveled their works, and quitted their posts at York-Town, Virginia. Also a letter sent too Gov. Franklin, President of the Board of Directors of A... See More
Capture of Ethan Allen...
Item #680937
October 21, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* Revolutionary War
The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of ... See More
Secret societies... Free Masons... Illuminati... numismatics...
Item #680808
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1798 The prominent feature of this issue would be the nearly 9 pages dedicated to the review of a new publication" "Proofs of Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe, carried on in the Secret Meetings of Free Masons, Illuminati, and Reading Societies; collected from good authorities", by John Robison, Profe... See More
A conversion of a Jew... "Of a small Venomous Serpent..."
Item #680791
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1750 Over a page is taken up with: "Of a small Venomous Serpent...." which includes on page 2 a print of it. Another article is: "An Account of the Conversion of Daniel Tnangam Alexander, an Eminent Jew" to the Protestant religion.There is a continued article on: "Lewis XIV Greatest of Monarchs" by M. de Voltair... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, in an American newspaper... Masthead modeled after one of Paul Revere's...
Item #680790
December 14, 1781
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, December 14, 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 consumes all of page 3, prefaced with: "... See More
A conversion of a Jew... "Of a small Venomous Serpent..."
Item #680788
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1750 Over a page is taken up with: "Of a small Venomous Serpent...." which includes on page 2 a print of it. Another article is: "An Account of the Conversion of Daniel Tnangam Alexander, an Eminent Jew" to the Protestant religion.There is a continued article on: "Lewis XIV Greatest of Monarchs" by M. de Voltair... See More
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