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.
Trouble with Indians...
Item #688802
May 22, 1792
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 22, 1792 The front page is filled with ads including six illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has two reports concerning problems with the Indians.
Among the back page ads is an illus. one for John McAllister whips and canes.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, several creases, 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.
From during Washington's administration...
Item #688768
August 24, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 24, 1796
* President George Washington era original
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.
Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1700...
Item #688762
February 13, 1700
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 13, 1700
* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* At the turn of the 18th century
This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is ... See More
A layout for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688744
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Plan (print) for a colonial town... Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Item #688743
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #688742
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
... See More
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares&
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #688741
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is due to him as a man. The successful experiments of this philosopher have given us probable ... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #688690
August 19, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, Aug. 10, 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
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
See the displayable front page from the 18th century...
Item #688601
June 08, 1721
THE POST-BOY, London, June 8, 1721
* Nice masthead engravings
One of my favorite 18th century newspapers with the two nice engravings in the masthead, plus the very decorative first letter in the text (see). Various European reports.
Single sheet, 8 1/2 by 14 1/8 inches, very nice, displayable condition.
Fine content on the strained relationship between England and the American colonies...
Item #688589
March 03, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 3, 1775
* Very rare colonial Williamsburg
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
Most of the front page is taken up with a detailed account he... 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
Letters from Charleston, Jamaica, and Nova Scotia...
Item #688535
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1749 Over half a pg. has a: "Copy of a Letter from one of the Settlers in Nova Scotia dated Chebucto Harbour, July 28, 1749". Over half a pg. has: "Extracts of Some Letters from Carolina" datelined "Charles-Town" (Charleston) with news from that colony. There is also: "The Humble Address & Representati
... See More
Battle of Oswego (the French account)...
Item #688533
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1756 * Battle of Fort Oswego, New York
* French and Indian War
* Louis-Joseph de Montcalm
The primary content includes: "The French Account of the Taking of Oswego" which has over a full page of text with some great, detailed reporting of the battle. Historically very significant with a few points reading: "...on the 14th a b... 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
Discussions in Congress... Fraunces Tavern connection...
Item #688481
June 16, 1789
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, June 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* Steward for his house advertisement
Page 2 has almost a full column of reporting of: "Congressional Intelligence" almost entirely taken up with: "...the amendments proposed by the senate to the bill for imposing duties on goods, wares, and merchandize imported into the United States."
On... 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
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #688478
June 13, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 13, 1796 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 that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...t... 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 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 during the late insurrection...", referring to the Whiskey ... See More
Land for sale along the Potomac River...
Item #688468
April 28, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, April 30, 1796 The front page is filled with ads including 21 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.
Four pages, great condition.
Handsome newspaper from 1794...
Item #688438
February 03, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 3, 1794
* Rare 18th century American publication
Page 2 has over a column taken up with "Federal Legislature--Debate on Mr. Madison's Resolutions, continued". Pages 1 and 3 are taken up with ads and notices.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.... 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
1791 Daniel Mendoza... Jewish boxing...
Item #688362
June 03, 1791
THE WORLD, London, June 3, 1791
* Daniel Mendoza vs. William Ward
* Jewish boxer - boxing challenge
Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" "Ward and Mendoza" which is a report on the planned match between these two boxers, but it was stopped before it happened by the local magistrates. This was also very early in the charging of admission to attend and nice to have... 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
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
Horatio Nelson granted a title of baron for his victory on the Nile...
Item #688264
December 14, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 14, 1798
* "Baron" Lord Horatio Nelson
* President John Adams
Page 2 begins with an: "Address To the President of the United States" from the state of Vermont concerning the troubling relationship with France, followed by his: "Answer" signed: John Adams.
Page 2 also has some follow-up on the B... See More
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #688263
April 15, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, April 15, 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.
The front page is entirely taken up with ads including one for a man wh... See More
Over 293 years old...
Item #688180
October 07, 1729
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 7, 1729
* 18th Century original
* Over 291 years old
This newspaper is 293 years old. Various news from London and other parts of Europe, with interesting advertisements as well.
This title is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the world which began in 1665 and is still in existence today. Complete as a single sheet, measuring ab
... See More
* 18th Century original
* Over 291 years old
This newspaper is 293 years old. Various news from London and other parts of Europe, with interesting advertisements as well.
This title is the oldest continuously published daily newspaper in the world which began in 1665 and is still in existence today. Complete as a single sheet, measuring ab
See the displayable front page from the 18th century...
Item #688178
June 18, 1720
THE POST-BOY, London, June 18, 1720
* Nice masthead engravings
One of my favorite 18th century newspapers with the two nice engravings in the masthead, plus the very decorative first letter in the text (see). Various European reports.
Single sheet, 8 1/2 by 14 1/8 inches, very nice, displayable condition.
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
Revisiting Revere's 'midnight ride' to Lexington & Concord...
Item #687497
December 05, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 5, 1795
* re. Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
* Battles of Lexington and Concord
* American Revolutionary War revisited
Period accounts of Paul Revere's legendary ride on the eve of the battle of Lexington and Concord are exceeding rare. The few we discovered over the past 46 years are exceedingly brief.
As Paul Revere was running for the vacated post ... See More
George Washington, John Adams, John Hancock, Sam Adams, Ben Franklin...
Item #687495
June 03, 1790
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 3, 1790 Over half of the front page is taken up with the continuation of: "An Act for the Punishment of Certain Crimes Against the United States" and is signed in type by the President: George Washington, and the Vice President: John Adams.
It's always desirable to have a signature in type by President Washington ... 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
During George Washington's administration...
Item #687490
September 15, 1791
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 15, 1791
* Nice 18th century American publication
* President George Washington era
Here is a great "generic" issue of this famous newspaper from the first term of Washington's administration. Various news and ads of the day.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, very nice 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
Handsome Massachusetts-Bay lottery ticket, 1779...
Item #687480
January 18, 1779
Partly-printed "Massachusetts State Lottery, Class the First" bond dated at the top: January 18, 1779. The text notes the state promises "…to pay the Possessor of this note the sum of fifteen pounds by the first day of January, 1783…".
Nice vignette of a pine tree encircled by a rattlesnake engraved by Nathaniel Hurd. This bond was issued to pay the winners in th... See More
Rare title with pro-Loyalist leanings... Protests by unpaid war veterans...
Item #687446
July 02, 1783
THE ROYAL GAZETTE, New York, July 2, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington
This is a case where the rarity of the title surpasses the content within. This was a Tory newspaper by the infamous James Rivington who was supportive of the British cause.
Rivington's initially impartial stance shifted as the revolution loomed and public opini... 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
Patriotic address to the French Canadians... The Cherry Valley Massacre...
Item #687424
December 31, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, Dec. 31, 1778
* Cherry Valley Massacre - New York
* Rare Revolutionary War publication
Titles from New Jersey are very uncommon, particularly from the 18th century. Of greater significance is that this was the very first newspaper in New Jersey and this issue is from the year it began. This is the volume 1, number 56 issue.
Close to half of the front... See More
Putnam's account of the Battle of Horse Neck...
Item #687423
April 22, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, April 22, 1779 A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
This issue is volume 1, number 6.
The front page begins with a letter concerning depreciation of Continental money, taking over two-thirds of the front page.
Page 2 has a note from an... 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 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 frigates Hancock and Fox, and lately returned from a six mon... See More
Great wealth of Revolutionary War content...
Item #687420
July 29, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, July 29, 1775
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
Page 2 has an interesting report from London which includes: "My Lords, whatever has been done by the Americans, I must deem the more consequence of our unjust demands. They have come to you with fair argument, you have refused to hear them, they make the most... See More
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