Historic Newspapers: Newspapers from the 1700s

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Feb. 9 1758; Dec. 11, 1760; March 3, 1763; April 17, 1770; and Feb. 9, 1773. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

Background: Step into the epicenter of the British Empire with this extraordinary five-issue collection…

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Nov. 16, 1758; May 3, 1760; April 20, 1765; May 31, 1768; and Oct. 27, 1770. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

Background: Step into the epicenter of the British Empire with this extraordinary five-issue collection…

* Pre and post American Revolutionary War era
* Great, unique gift idea for that history buff

(5) An interesting & unique lot of five British newspapers, containing all different titles from the 18th century. They span the 1760's thru the 1790's and include at least one from each decade. Some have red ink stamps (partial or otherwise, see images). Certainly a one-of-a-kind grouping.
Titles and dates in this lot include: The London Chronicle, March 2, 1762; The London Gazette, Oct. 13, 1770; The…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 16, 1701

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Unique gift idea for that history buff
* 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 complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches and printed…

Much on George Whitefield... Methodism...

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 18th century American publication

Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 23, 1700

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* From the turn of the 18th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

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 complete as a single sheet, measuring 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches and…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1798  Inside has an interesting letter which begins: "I was an eye-witness of the death of Marie Antoinette. The accounts given of that melancholy event are generally true. She was dressed in a white dimity jacket & petticoat..." with much more detail including: "...Her head was shown to the people, of whom I think 20,000 were assembled; it was then thrown into the basket with her body..." (see).
Near the back are news reports including over half a page…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1798  Inside has a number of naval reports of encounters with the French & others. Included is a report beginning: "On this morning of the 7th inst. I fell in with and captured an American snow, which had been taken by a French privateer on the 4th, and, in consequence of the information given me by the American master, went in pursuit of the enemy..." with more.
But the prime content in this issue is the of Sir Horatio Nelson's victory over French at the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 16, 1776  The back page has a letter from a man on board a ship at New York dated Sept. 25, 1776. It begins; "Our army has met with great success; we just arrived from Halifax when they made their landing on Long Island & saw the battles fought between our troops and the rebels..." with more detail (see). But it is a later sentence in this letter--brief as it is--which reports a incident known to every student in America: "On the 22d we hung a man who was…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 31, 1776 and January 2, 1777  These two issues contain an excellent report on the battle for New York and the eventual evacuation of the city by George Washington.
Beginning in the Dec. 31 issue and taking over 2 complete pages is the beginning of the report which continues on the front page of the January 2, 1777 issue along with the listing of the "Return of commissioned & non-commissioned officers, rank & file, killed, wounded & missing...of General…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790  

* President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington. 
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Account of the Moravian Settlement at Bethlehem in…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1775  

* Battle of Bunker Hill diagram - print
* John Hancock & George Washington

A nice issue with much historic content from the beginning months of the Revolutionary War.
Perhaps the best content is the very nice half page illustration of the "Redoubt & Intrenchment on the Heights of Charles Town, Commonly called Bunker Hill, Opposite Boston, attacked & Carried by his Majesty's Troops, June 17, 1775" with some text on the illustration as…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

ACT OF PARLIAMENT, London, England, 1759  Nice full title page has an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms. Inside has an act: "...for taking off the prohibition of the exportation of corn, malt, meal, flour, bread, biscuit, and starch."
A decorative document given the displayable title page.
Four pages, 11 by 7 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 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 years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

THE OLD WHIG, OR THE CONSISTENT PROTESTANT, London, September 30, 1736  This is a very rare title, and early as well for a folio-size newspaper (measures 9 1/2 by 14 1/4 in.). 
This title only published for 4 years. A few essays plus news of the day including an article on the arts within the Salon of Herculus. Also is the reporting of the Majesty's Proclamation for the persons concerned in the barbarous murder of Capt. John Porteous. Also an early report of a walking match.
Complete in four…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

* Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

* 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 holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated June 15, 1758; May 3, 1760; Nov. 23, 1762; Dec. 1, 1768; and Feb. 23, 1773. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 25, 1727  When it comes to notable deaths of the world, they don't get too much better than this.
Page 2 has a simple, yet powerful report noting simply: "Died, Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest Mathematician that the World ever knew."
Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and among the most influential scientists. 
Terri…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society, the country's largest repository of pre-1876 printed Americana.
The reporting of this signal event…

THE DAILY GAZETTEER, London, England, July 8, 1746 

* Era of the Jacobite Rebellion
* Rare 18th century publication
* The capture of Roderick MacNeil of Barra

Various European reports throughout with advertisements on the back page. The front page has some items relating to the Jacobite Rebellion - including, under "Scotland", the capture of Roderick MacNeil of Barra.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 9 1/2 by 14 1/4 inches, trimmed at the margins but not affecting any letters or…

THE EXAMINER, London, Oct. 12, 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, a little close cut along the bottom margin of the backside, nice condition.

background: The October…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799  Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four years of age..." [re: John Adams].
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE HYP-DOCTOR, London, Oct. 9, 1733  

* Very rare 18th century publication

The title is an archaic phrase for a "hodgepodge of nonsense". This curious satirical paper published from 1730-1741, a pro-Walpole (first Prime Minister of Great Britain) newspaper created to oppose another British title "The Craftsman". It was published by John "Orator" Henley, a clergyman know for showmanship and eccentricity.
The focus is noted in the masthead: "A Letter From a Dissenter to the Craftsman, Occsion'd by…

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 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.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE POST-BOY, London, Dec. 19, 1713

* Nice masthead engravings
* Unique gift idea 

This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices. A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 5, 1763  

* Colonial America reporting

Over half of the first column on the front page has news headed: "America" with datelines of New York and Boston, both of which report various maritime items.
Page 5 has a few short reports headed "America" from New York and Philadelphia.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, some rubbing to front page folds cause a small hole, good condition.

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776 

* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also…

THE POST-BOY, London, Nov. 4, 1718  This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices.
A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead, which includes engravings of a post boy (messenger on…

THE POST-BOY, London, Oct. 11, 1718  This was one of the prominent early newspapers published in London during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.
It began publication in 1695, & was a single-sheet folio newspaper, printed on both sides, carrying a mix of foreign news (especially European wars, treaties, and royal affairs), English news, advertisements, & legal notices.
A prime & displayable feature is the ornate, decorative masthead, which includes engravings of a post boy (messenger on…

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783  

"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

MERCURIUS [MERCURY], Hamburg, Germany, March 28, 1769  

* Pre Revolutionary War era
* Nice masthead engraving
* Miniature publication 

This is a wonderful little newspaper with over one third of the front page of this German language newspaper is taken up with a very ornate & decorative masthead. The month & date are in the dateline and the year: "1769" is in the masthead surrounded by decorative embellishments, as is the issue number. 
Eight pages, 3 3/4 by 6 3/4 inches, minor light…

THE LONDON EVENING POST, Feb. 20, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue.
A very nice issue from the middle of the Revolutionary War. Complete with 4 pages, minor margin wear, a few…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779

* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise upon the back settlements & the interior of the country...That the Congress…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1782  

* Lord Charles Cornwallis
* General George Washington
* Surrender at Yorktown - Virginia

This issue contains the very historic report of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. 
An inside page has a nice report headed: "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton" which begins: "...I had the honour to acquaint your Lordship with my fears respecting the fate of the army in Virginia. It now gives me the deepest concern to inform you…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1748  

* Great 18th century ship illustration

Certainly a prime feature 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" numerically identifies 148 parts noted on the plates as well as 17 other features which are listed alphabetically. A terrific plate for display for any…

Interesting French criminal broadside announcing the acquittal of a trial against Etienne Michaud.  Headed in large type at the top (translated): JUDGMENT OF THE CRIMINAL COURT of the Department of Rhone, Who Declares Etienne Michaud Acquitted of The Charge Against Him." followed by details of the result of the trial.
There is a "dateline" at the middle: "Du 17 Floreal, l'an second de la Republique francaise une & indivisible." above which has been penciled "May 6, 1794" being the second year…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 12, 1788  

* Slavery on the Island of Jamaica 
* Revisions to current slave laws 
* Still legal but with certain exceptions
* Early movement towards eventual abolition 

Page 6 has a historically significant report from Jamaica beginning: "Our slave laws have been revised & consolidated & several regulations made in favour of the negroes...".
Among them are: "Every possessor of a slave is prohibited for turning him away when incapacitated by…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 16, 1772  Page 6 has a report headed: "America" with a Charleston dateline which reports on a ship: "...had on board three companies of the Royal Irish Regiment of foot in the Spanish service...was one of several transports ordered to carry back the troops sent to Spanish America on the apprehension of a rupture between Great Britain and Spain..." plus two other items.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, very nice condition.

background: In the 18th…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 17, 1770  Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report headed: "The History of Dueling", being a review of a book.
The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter From New York" concerning several men chosen as commissioners: "...for settling the boundary line between the Colonies of New York and New Jersey, met at Hartford..." with a bit more.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, very nice condition.

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1777

* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders

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 obliged to surrender…

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, July 18, 1768   All of pages 1, 2 & 3 are taken up with a detailed report of the island of Corsica, the latter page including a biography of Pascal Paoli which carries over to take close to half of page 4.
Near the back under "America" are reports from Charleston and Annapolis, as well as "A Message from the Governor" of Maryland which includes: "The King, our most gracious sovereign, having been informed that a circular letter...was in February last sent by the Speaker of…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England October, 1775  

* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Continental Congress rejects the offer 
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War

Over 2 pages area taken up with the document--signed in type by John Hancock--in which the Continental Congress rejects the conciliation plan of Lord North. The document is headed: "CONTINENTAL CONGRESS". See for portions. This is followed by a number of letters from notables of the Revolutionary War including…