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.
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #705439
April 03, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, April 3, 1798 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Beginning on page 1 and carrying over to page 2 are the latest reports from Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
Have peace terms been agreed to? Loyalists to fight on...
Item #705434
October 10, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 10, 1782 Page 5 has: "A letter received yesterday from Paris says...that peace is or near being concluded between England and the Americans, not to the advantage of the Court of France & what gives some ground to suppose the report true, is, that Dr. Franklin has just received some dispatches from America, the contents of which he has kept a secre... See More
Angry Boston freeholders... Destroy Fort Pitt...
Item #705431
December 19, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Dec. 19, 1772 The second page has the follow-up petition from the Freeholders of Boston expressing once again their concern about the salaries of the judges of the Superior Court, as well as a request for a special meeting of the General Assembly to discuss this important and alarming matter.
A reply from the Governor says their reasons are insufficient and they have n... See More
Washington's historic farewell orders to the military...
Item #705429
December 27, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 27, 1783 Certainly the most notable content is a full text printing on page 4 of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rocky Hill, near Princetown, Nov. 2, 1783."
It reads in part: "A contemplation of the compleat attainment (at a period e... See More
Peace with dishonor is not acceptable...
Item #705425
August 06, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 6, 1782 Page 4 has an interesting report which explains how the British soldiers fighting in America are paid.
Page 5 has news headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Annapolis mentioning in part: "...in an excursion he made to Amelia twp. last week fell in with a part of Rebel Militia on their march from the Congress to ... See More
An independent America, or a compromise with England?
Item #705424
June 13, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 13, 1782 Page 4 has a report noting in part: "...There remained at present only one thing to be done in order to restore unity & harmony to the empire, and that was to move for the independence of America, upon the same principle that the independence of Ireland was acknowledged: when America should have a legislature of her own, independent... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #705418
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775 If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a labe
... See More
Nice George Washington issue...
Item #705417
July 30, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1794 The first column of the front page includes two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this a nice issue for display.
This title was one of only very few which printed Presidential documents with a script-type signature.
Four pages, various foxing, quite irregular at the right margin from chipping but ... See More
Fleshing out the details in the treaty with America...
Item #705415
April 17, 1783
DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, April 17, 1783 Page 2 has some reports from the House of Commons relating to the treaty with America, particularly the trade portion. The back page has some talk concerning relations with America as well.
Four pages, nice condition.
Maryland ratifies the federal Constitution...
Item #705408
May 29, 1788
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 29, 1788 Of the 8 inside page columns nearly half of them are taken up with the announcement & celebration of the federal Constitution by Maryland. A report datelined from Annapolis has near the beginning: "....the day appointed by the honourable convention of this state for the ratification of the federal government...too... See More
Finding a Northwest Passage... Protecting the Carolinas...
Item #705390
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1745 Over 1 1/2 pages are taken up with: "The Case of Carolina Consider'd, with Regard to its Danger of being Invaded, for want of Regular Forces...". This is a great article on the defense of the colonies.Three-quarters of a page are taken up with: "A List of Privateers".
Among other articles are: "Speech on the ... See More
Thomas Paine expelled from the National Convention of France...
Item #705385
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1794 The most noteworthy content is a lengthy article on: "Proceedings of the National Convention in France" which includes: "...Thomas Paine, with all the other foreigners, was expelled from the Convention by a Decree...".Also within are: "Vindication of the Principles of Free-Masonry" "Remarks on... See More
Mutiny on the Bounty... Captain William Bligh...
Item #705383
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1790 Near the back is one of the more historic naval report of the 18th century, since romanticized by the famous movie, giving a fine account of the mutiny on board the ship Bounty.The report is headed: "Several Memorable Events have lately happened at Sea, which for their Singularity & Importance are worthy to be recorded." which b... See More
A short-lived, 18th century title...
Item #705365
April 28, 1753
THE ADVENTURER, London, England, April 28, 1753 An uncommon essay-format bi-weekly newspaper addressed specifically to men, containing six pages & lasting only for 17 months from 1752 to 1753. It was the continuation of Johnson's "The Rambler", a newspaper written in "elevated prose" with the subject matter primarily being morality, literature, society, politics, ... See More
Two accounts of Bunker Hill, Washington becomes commander-in-chief, so much more. In a Virginia newspaper...
Item #705357
July 14, 1775
VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 14, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill (2 accounts) - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
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. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title... See More
Washington's Proclamation, with the Indian Treaty... Trumbull's famous portrait of Washington...
Item #705353
September 18, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1790 Page 2 has a patriotic engraving of a heraldic eagle above a: "Proclamation" issued by the President warning citizens not to violate an 1785 treaty with the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Indians, signed in type: G. Washington.
Following this text are the full Articles of the treaty taking an entire column.
Page 3 has: ... See More
Adams addresses Congress concerning troubles with France...
Item #705328
March 19, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 19, 1798 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 9 illustrated ship ads. Page 3 has a lengthy message to Congress concerning the growing troubles with France, signed in type by... See More
Only ten issues published with this title...
Item #705299
November 24, 1796
THE COURIER & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, November 24, 1796 Certainly one of the less common 18th century American titles. This was the continuation of "The Federal Orrery" newspaper, changing the title to that noted with the Nov. 3, 1796 issue, and Brigham notes that the newspaper discontinued with the Dec. 8, 1796 issue.
Being a semi-weekly this would mean only about ten iss... See More
Fear that the new government in America will fail...
Item #705297
February 13, 1784
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1784 Page 4 has an interesting letter from Philadelphia to a friend in Glasgow noting in part: "Our government...is not yet well established; and I am really afraid that this country will experience some dreadful political convulsion before this desirable establishment takes place...different bodies...of the different colonies, and jealousy o... See More
Criticizing Burgoyne for his failure in America...
Item #705295
October 02, 1779
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779 Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is best remembered as the commanding general at Saratoga who gave up that strategic post to American General Gates... See More
Surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga...
Item #705290
December 08, 1777
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1777 Certainly the most significant content is the page 2 report on the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, a very much-needed victory for the American cause. Some of the reporting includes: "...arrived in town express...we are sorry to say that Government have received the melancholy accounts that General Burgoyne and his army have been... See More
Finding a Northwest Passage... Protecting the Carolinas...
Item #705256
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1745 Over 1 1/2 pages are taken up with: "The case of Carolina Consider'd, with Regard to its Danger of being Invaded, for want of Regular Forces...". This is a great article on the defense of the colonies. Three-quarters of a page are taken up with: "A List of Privateers".Among other articles are: "Speech on the R... See More
Hebrew customs...
Item #705255
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1739 One of the articles is headed: "Continuation of the Dissertation begun in our Last Whether the Hebrews Borrow'd any Customs from the Heathens" which takes over 1 1/2 pages.Another article has the: "Manifesto of the Catholick Majesty..."concerning a payment to the South Sea Tea Company.
Near the back is the:... See More
Timely report of the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart...
Item #705254
December 01, 1791
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1791 Presented inconspicuously among other death reports is a brief yet very notable report on the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, ending with a prophetic comment: "At Vienna, Wolfgang Mozart, the celebrated German composer. By his death the musical world will sustain an irreparable loss."
He died on December 5, m... See More
Map of Germany... The Mississippi River...
Item #705250
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1761 An article: "Thoughts on the Present Posture of Affairs" includes some discussion concerning America, and includes: "...Hence it is evident that as North America was the bone of contention, Great Britain must not be induced to part with any of her conquests on that continent; because that would be a means to renew the war...&... See More
A conversion of a Jew... "Of a small Venomous Serpent..."
Item #705248
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
Rare title with the original outer wrappers...
Item #705246
August 01, 1797
THE MONTHLY REVIEW ENLARGED, London, August, 1797 This very uncommon title still has the blue/green outer wrappers. These wrappers are in remarkably nice condition as more typically they are quite worn.
The front wrapper includes the title/index page. Among the articles are: "Fair Statement of Grievances in the Navy" "Narrative of the Proceedings of Sir Jervis's Fleet&quo... See More
Very early, short-lived, colonial newspaper...
Item #705186
September 06, 1753
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Sept. 6, 1753
* Rare Colonial New York
* Short lived publication
This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very earl... See More
Lengthy Act of Congress...
Item #705167
May 12, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 12, 1790
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Taking all of the front page & concluding on page 2 is a lengthy Act of Congress: "...for the Punishment of Certain Crimes against the United States", signed in type by: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson. The Act is headed with a nice ... See More
A large & decorative masthead... How to avoid taxation...
Item #705165
December 30, 1722
THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, Dec. 30, 1723
* Great masthead engraving
* Very rare publication
A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence being the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspaper... See More
Stopping the spread of Yellow Fever in 1798... A broadside "supplement"...
Item #705150
October 13, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 13, 1798
* Yellow fever epidemic in the East
The front page has: "A PROCLAMATION" by the mayor of Baltimore concerning the on-going Yellow Fever epidemic in the East and his efforts to prevent its spread noting: "...hereby forbidding the entrance into the city of Baltimore, or within 3 miles thereof, of all per... See More
Front page Act of Congress by George Washington...
Item #705137
May 08, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 8, 1790
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Half of the front page is taken up with: "An ACT for Regulating the Military Establishment of the United States" signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington as President. The act is headed with a nice... See More
Building a lighthouse on Cape Henry... Treasury Dept. document on the historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #705134
September 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 29, 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)
* Funding Act of 1790
The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790
... See More
* Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)
* Funding Act of 1790
The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790
Proclamation by Washington & Jefferson... Judaica related ad...
Item #705132
March 23, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 23, 1791
* President George Washington
* Thomas Jefferson - Indians
The entire front page is taken up with a continuation of the: "New Revenue Law". Page 3 mentions the President setting off for a tour of the South intending to visit the Carolinas & Georgia. Page 3 also has: "A Proclamation" concerning tra... See More
From during Washington's administration...
Item #705120
May 31, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 31, 1797
* During George Washington's administration
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.
AI notes: The Herald; A Gazette for the Country was an America... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #705078
November 18, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 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... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #705067
February 02, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 2, 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 several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice headed: "Treasury Dep... See More
A descriptive letter from Fort Wayne...
Item #705064
April 22, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 22, 1795
* Nice 18th century American publication
* From George Washington's administration era
Page 3 has a: "...letter from an officer in the Western Army to his father, dated Fort Wayne..." which has nice content concerning the area and relations with the Indians there.
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
Map of Maastricht, The Netherlands... Battle of Val Lauffeld)...
Item #705041
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1747 (with map)* Battle of Lauffeld (also Maastricht, or Val)
* Map of Maastricht, The Netherlands
* Coal mine fires
A nice feature is a foldout map titled: "A Plan of Maestricht, with the Adjacent Villages where the Battle was fought June 21...", which is in The Netherlands. The map shows considerable details - folding out to measure ... See More
George Rogers Clark's Illinois campaign...
Item #705031
January 12, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1779
* Rare American Revolutionary War title
* George Rogers Clark - Western frontier
The front page has most of a column taken up with a letter beginning: "I have lately met with...Mr. Deane's address to the public and one or two pieces relative rto it, for I cannot call them refutations, under the signat... See More
One of the more decorative mastheads of the 18th century...
Item #704984
December 03, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 3, 1795
* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America
If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding... See More
Great map of the western hemisphere...
Item #704974
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1773 Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice foldout map that accompanies the lengthy article: "Epitome of Lieut. Cooke's Voyage Round the World", showing most of North America, all of South America down to Cape Horn, and even portions of West Africa, Spain, France & England. Notice the shape of Florida & Cal... See More
Three Washington documents & one by Hamilton...
Item #704965
September 08, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 8, 1790
* President George Washington
* Alexander Hamilton notice
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 Pr... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704964
March 19, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 19, 1791
* (3) U.S. presidents sign act of Congress
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... See More
A rare title which seldom comes into hands of collectors...
Item #704925
May 29, 1733
THE HYP-DOCTOR, London, May 29, 1733
* Very rare 18th century publication
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,... 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
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
Given that Philadelphia 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-... See More
Describing construction of the First National Bank...
Item #704919
August 26, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, August 26, 1795
* First Bank of the United States
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.
Four pages, small wear hole at a fold juncture not close to the mentioned cont... See More
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
* Rare publication
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.... 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
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