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.
George Washington likened to a king... Indian attacks...
Item #704966
May 05, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 5, 1790 The front page has an interesting report with a Dutch dateline but referencing a letter from New York, which notes: "...date as 8th Jan. last, we are informed that on that very day, the Congress of the United States...met for the 2d time since the adoption of the New Constitution, which even North Carolina had lately acceded. On the so... See More
Three Washington documents & one by Hamilton...
Item #704965
September 08, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 8, 1790 The back page has a nice Act of Congress "...for the relief of disabled soldiers and seamen lately in the service of the United States..." headed by an engraving of a heraldic eagle & is signed in type: George Washington.
There are also two addresses to the President, one from the inhabitants of Providence, Rhode Island, an... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704964
March 19, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 19, 1791 On the back page under an engraving of an eagle and shield is: "An Act Providing Compensations for the Officers of the Judicial Courts of the United States, and for Jurors and Witnesses, and for Other Purposes", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson.
The back page also has an ad for: "Ma... See More
A rare title which seldom comes into hands of collectors...
Item #704925
May 29, 1733
THE HYP-DOCTOR, London, May 29, 1733 The title is an archaic phrase for a "hodgepodge of nonsense". This curious paper published from 1730-1741, a pro-Walpole (first Prime Minister of Great Britain) newspaper created to oppose another British title "The Craftsman".
The focus is noted in the masthead: "Sharps the Word, or The Waggs Out-Witted; A Particular Reply to t... See More
Federal news from this temporary seat of government...
Item #704924
April 17, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 17, 1794 Given that Phila. was the temporary capital of the United States while the District of Columbia was under construction, it is nice this issue has reports from Congress during this early year of the federal government.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margin, very nice condition.
Describing construction of the First National Bank...
Item #704919
August 26, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, August 26, 1795 Page 3 has a very notable report, headed: "Description of the Bank of the United States, Now Erecting in Third St., from a Design by Mr. S. Blodget". It would be finished in 1797.
This building, The First National Bank, still stands and is a National Historic Landmark.
Four pages, small wear hole at a ... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #704915
December 22, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 22, 1797 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, very nice condition... See More
Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #704905
March 30, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 30, 1798 The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads, as is page 4 which includes one headed: "Top Be Sold, The Time of a Mulatto Girl" with particulars.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
Georgia colonial currency for the '...support of Continental troops...'
Item #704901
June 08, 1777
Georgia colonial currency date of June 8th, 1777 in the amount of 3 shillings 4 pence. It reads: "Georgia. 1777 This Certificate, for the support of the Continental Troops & other Expences of Government, entities the bearer to Two Thirds Of A Dollar, in Continental Currency..." with 2 signatures. Measures 3 1/2 by 2 3/4 inches, minnow loss to the lower left affects the border o... See More
Interesting title & newspaper...
Item #704887
October 13, 1787
OLLA PODRIDA, Oxford, England, Oct. 13, 1787 Although having a Spanish name (translates to "any miscellaneous collection or assortment") this newspaper is in English. The content is essentially a lengthy editorial on a topic.
Complete in six pages, 7 1/4 by 11 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #704882
May 28, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 28, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, 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 years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", this... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #704881
March 10, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, 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 years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of t... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #704880
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743 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 y... See More
On the funeral of the governor...
Item #704834
November 13, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 13, 1790
* Patriots George Read & William Patterson
Page 3 reports that George Read was unanimously re-elected Senator of Delaware. A second item says: "The Hon. William Patterson, Esq. Senator of the United States, from New Jersey is unanimously elected Governor of that State." Both of these men signed the Constitution of the United Stat... See More
President John Adams writes to the people of Weston, Connecticut...
Item #704763
August 24, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Aug. 24, 1798
* President John Adams
* Fairfield County
Page 3 has an address to the President by the inhabitants of Weston, Connecticut, followed by "The President's Answer' signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, handsome masthead, nice condition.... See More
Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #704740
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789 Included is a lengthy: "...Report of the Secretary of the Treasury..." which takes 4 1/2 pages & signed in type by: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. This report is: "...in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 17th of September, 1789" concerning the indebtedness o... See More
Officers respond to Washington's Farewell Address... British evacuate New York City....
Item #704735
January 02, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Jan. 2, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell Address responses
* Loyalists escaping New York
The front page has a report from New York noting: "General Thomas Mifflin is chosen resident of Congress for the ensuing year, in the room of Elias Boudinot...His Excellency General Washington, by proclamation bearing the date the 4th instant, ... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704731
April 15, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 15, 1795
* President George Washington
* Congressional act signed in script
Half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress titled: "An Act...to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties in goods, wares and merchandize imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels." which is signed
... See More
* President George Washington
* Congressional act signed in script
Half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress titled: "An Act...to provide more effectually for the collection of the duties in goods, wares and merchandize imported into the United States, and on the tonnage of ships or vessels." which is signed
Benjamin Franklin's lightning rod experiment...
Item #704721
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1752
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Inside has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily constructed, for making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this experiment works.
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Inside has an extremely significant article titled: "A Cut and Description of a Machine, easily constructed, for making the Experiment by which Franklin's new Theory of Thunder is demonstrated" with descriptive text showing how this experiment works.
Wishful thinking on the fate of Cornwallis at Yorktown...
Item #704706
January 29, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 29, 1782
* Lord Charles Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown
* Revolutionary War
The front page is mostly taken up with: "An Ordinance Ascertaining What Captures on Water Shall be Lawful". This lengthy text carries over to take close to half of page 2 & is signed in type by: John Hanson, President of Congr... See More
John Jay, Columbia University...
Item #704655
April 26, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 26, 1797 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.
Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #704633
March 29, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 29, 1798
* Rare 18th century American publication
The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads including one for a runaway slave headed: "Ten Dollars Reward" Two more appear on the back page.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a little ink dirtiness to a quadrant of the front page ... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #704631
February 10, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 10, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including three illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pages... See More
George Washington responds...
Item #704627
September 30, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 30, 1795
* President George Washington letter
* Norfolk, Virginia & the Jay Treaty
Page 3 has: "The President's Answer to the Address of the Citizens of Norfolk" which concerns the Jay Treaty. It is signed in type: George Washington.
Four pages, light damp stains, nice condition.... See More
Establishing the rules of cricket... A premier report...
Item #704618
July 28, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 28, 1789
* A historic cornerstone addition for any cricket collection
The article is titled: "Cricket" which contains within a subtitle reading: "Laws of the Game" which takes the majority of the article. There is another smaller subhead reading: "Betts" which mentions wagering on the game.
The prefatory paragraph read... See More
Washington's historic farewell orders to the military...
Item #704612
January 06, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784
* General George Washington
* Farewell address - speech
* Continental Army officers
* Princeton, New Jersey
Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rock... See More
First lottery in America... Electricity experiments...
Item #704602
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, April, 1745 A feature of this issue is a terrific, three page graphic representation of the: "Situation of his Majesty's Fleet & the Combined fleets of France and Spain in the Mediterranean...when Adm. Mathews made the Signal to engage the enemy..." showing the various positions of the ships (see photos). This is highly unus
... See More
Great dislike of the Jay Treaty (designed by Alexander Hamilton) with England...
Item #704597
July 29, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 29, 1795
* 18th century America
* re. John Jay Treaty
Almost all of the front page is taken up with critical articles on the controversial Jay Treaty with England, designed by Alexander Hamilton, headed: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce Between Great Britain and the United States of America". ... See More
Ben Franklin is selected...
Item #704568
March 12, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 12, 1776 Nice to be able to offer an American newspaper from 1776, and better yet from Philadelphia.
The front page features a letter dated February 26, 1776 signed in type by: Benjamin Franklin, which begins: "I am extremely sensible to the honor done and by my fellow citizens, in choosing me their Representative in Assembly...appoint... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams...
Item #704528
April 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 2, 1791
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Two Acts of United States Congress
The front page has reporting on: "The Bank Bill under Consideration".
The back page has two Acts of Congress headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in block type by: George Washington, Thomas Jef... See More
The HMS Bounty prepares for its fateful trip... A slave ship burns...
Item #704521
August 28, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 28, 1787
* Captain William Bligh prepares for voyage
* HMS Bounty - merchant ship - mutiny fame
* Fateful South Pacific Ocean expedition
The back page has an inconspicuous report noting "The ship which has been engaged by the Admiralty to make a voyage to the Society Islands for the bread-fruit which is to be transported to our West India settlement,... See More
Sam Adams issues a Proclamation...
Item #704507
June 29, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, June 29, 1795 Page 2 has a "Proclamation" signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, very handsome masthead, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.
The brutality of Capt. Hugh Pigot...
Item #704503
August 31, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 31, 1796
* Hugh Pigot (Royal Navy officer)
The front page has an interesting article by the notorious Captain Hugh Pigot of the British Navy, concerning cruelty towards
Americans. Within a year his reputation for brutality would provide his men to mutiny, one of the bloodiest in the history of the Royal Navy, causing the death of ... See More
Signed by Washington & Jefferson...
Item #704502
May 08, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 8, 1793
* George Washington
* Thomas Jefferson
* founding fathers
The top of the first column has: "An Act for the Relief of Simeon Thayer" by the U.S. Congress, signed in type by the President: Go. WASHINGTON as well by the Secretary of State: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Early issue of this revered title...
Item #704441
January 01, 1797
THE TIMES, London, England, 1797 Perhaps the most revered newspaper in the world, it began in 1785 under the title "The Daily Universal Register", adopting its modern name on January 1, 1788.
An opportunity for a very nice issue of this iconic title with a decorative red-ink tax stamp at the top.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
London from 1799...
Item #704440
January 01, 1799
THE SUN, London, England, 1799 A fine issue of a typical late 18th century newspaper, the top of the masthead con containing a decorative, red-inked tax stamp. Much news of the day and ads as well.
Four pages, good condition.
The great Philadelphia State House print...
Item #704435
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1752* Pennsylvania State House
* Philadelphia PA print
* Independence Hall
Despite the 48 pages of text within this issue the prime content is certainly the full page plate captioned: "A View of the State House in Philadelphia" which would later be known as Independence Hall.
This is a print of this famous building 24 years before it... See More
It satirized the vices & follies of the fashionable...
Item #704430
February 01, 1753
THE WORLD, London, England, Feb. 1, 1753
* 18th century original
This is an interesting, six page newspaper that only existed for four years. It's focus was satirizing the vices and follies of the fashionable world rather than reporting the news of the day.
Six pages, 7 by 11 inches, very light damp stain to an upper corner, nice condition.... See More
Early newspaper from 1746 Amsterdam...
Item #704426
July 29, 1746
LES ETATS DE HOLLANDE [The States of Holland], Amsterdam, July 29, 1746
* Rare 18th century title
* Nice masthead
An interesting, little newspaper from this Dutch city, printed in French, featuring an engraving in the middle of the masthead. At the back is the: "Suite Des Nouvelles d' Amsterdam" which would seem to be a supplemental sheet. Eight pages, 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 in... See More
Notable ad for Paine's "Common Sense"... Much on the faltering relationship with America...
Item #704396
January 18, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1776
* Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" ad
* Great year to have (1776)
* American Independence ?
* Revolutionary War original
Wonderful to find a newspaper not just dated 1776, but from Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with reports from Parliament, much concerning the tension with the American colonies... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
Significant Washington letter to the Jewish congregation of Newport...
Item #704389
September 15, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 15, 1790
* President George Washington
* Letter to the Jewish congregation
* Newport, Rhode Island - Jews
* Historic Judaica item - Moses Seixas
The back page contains one of the more significant Judaica items found in an American newspaper.
It presents the full text of the: "Address Of The Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Isl... See More
Broadside edition of this famous title, with good content...
Item #704385
January 08, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782
* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War
Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.... See More
George Washington responds to the people of Salem...
Item #704321
June 19, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 19, 1793
* President George Washington letter
* Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts
Page 3 has a reply from the President to an address from the inhabitants of Salem, signed in type G. Washington. In the reply he discusses his late Proclamation declaring neutrality in the present contest between France and other European powers.
Page 3 also ha
... See More
* President George Washington letter
* Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts
Page 3 has a reply from the President to an address from the inhabitants of Salem, signed in type G. Washington. In the reply he discusses his late Proclamation declaring neutrality in the present contest between France and other European powers.
Page 3 also ha
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #704316
January 10, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page... See More
Building the frigate ''United States' is ahead of schedule...
Item #704311
September 14, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1796
* USS United States construction
Page 2 has a report noting: "The United States frigate, building in Southwark under the direction of Mr. Humphreys, is in such a state of forwardness that it is probable she might be launched before the ensuing winter, should occasion require (We wish we could say as much of the Boston frigate).&quo... See More
General Anthony Wayne & the Chippewa Indians...
Item #704302
November 06, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 6, 1793
* "Mad Anthony" Wayne
A page 3 item reports in part: "...from Pittsburgh, we learn that General Wayne had marched from the Miami against the Indians with 3000 regular troops and 1500 volunteers from Kentucky....Still Knee, a chief of the Chippawas, had come into Fort-Pitt, with assurance that his nation had resolved to observe a ... See More
Choosing a location for Congress...
Item #704253
November 23, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1793
* United States Congress
* Choosing a site to build
A page 3 report from Philadelphia notes: "The President of the United States, having summoned the headed of Departments, Chief Justice and other officers of the Government, to meet at Germantown, to advise on the most suitable place for the meeting of Congress; we understand, their deci... See More
Thomas Jefferson responds concerning the Jay Treaty...
Item #704252
February 08, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 8, 1794
* Thomas Jefferson letters
* re. John Jay Treaty
The front page has: "State Papers" which has three letters from Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, relating to the controversial Jay Treaty. Each is signed: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
First session of Parliament on the union of England and Scotland...
Item #704248
October 27, 1707
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, October 27, 1707
* First Parliament of Great Britain
A very historic issue as the front page reports on the very first session of Parliament of the newly-created Parliament of Great Britain which occurred on October 23. The union of England and Scotland was official several months previous by the ratification of the Acts of Union involving both Engl... See More
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