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 is elected President of the United States...
Item #713617
February 20, 1793
NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793
* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory
By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792. Page 3 has a re... See More
Closing items on the Revolutionary War... Judaica content...
Item #713571
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1783 Eighteen pages are taken up with "Summary of Proceedings in the 3rd Session of the Present Parliament" which include discussion on concluding events with the war in America, including: "...With respect to America, parliament had left little for ministers to do in negociating a peace with that country..." and further on i... See More
Only published for four years...
Item #712996
April 21, 1736
THE OLD WHIG, OR THE CONSISTENT PROTESTANT, London, April 21, 1736
* Very rare publication
* Early 18th century British original
This is a very rare title, publishing for only 4 years with various news reports from Europe. There is a brief item on the back page noting: "...advice by a letter from South Carolina of the death of the Rev. Mr. John Fullerton, lately missionary at Ch... See More
Building the historic Cape Henry, Virginia, lighthouse... Vermont separates from New York...
Item #712389
October 09, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, October 9, 1790
* "Great Compromise" era in America
* State of Vermont becoming independent
* Creating the "Cape May Lighthouse"
A brief item on page 3 notes: "The Commissioners of New York and Vermont have amicably adjusted the important business of their mission; the result is that Vermont is dismembered ... See More
Signed by Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Hamilton... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #712388
August 25, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 25, 1790 Page 2 has an item from the National Assembly of France which begins: "M. Mirabeau rose, & made a funeral panegyric on Dr. Franklin. 'Franklin is dead--the man who emancipated America--the Sage who was the ornament of the two worlds..." with more.
Page 3 contains "An Act Authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to finish the Light Hou
Much on George Washington...
Item #712380
July 28, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 28, 1790
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Page 2 contains an "Address of the Providence Assoc. of Merchants to the President..." with "The President's Answer" signed by him in type: George Washington.
Page 2 also has a letter from the governor of Georgia to Alexander M'Gillivrar... See More
The Copyright Act...
Item #712366
June 05, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 5, 1790 A very significant issue for anyone in the publishing field, as page two has virtually an entire column taken up with the printing of: "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning, by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors & Proprietors of such Copies, during the times therein mentioned." which was the copyright act, signe... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address... Original bindings with wrappers...
Item #711770
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1792 * Washington's State of the Union Address
* John Wesley's trip to Savannah, Georgia
* In original blue outer wrappers (very rare)
Included under: "American Intelligence" is: "The President's Address to both Houses of the Federal legislature..." which is the full text of Washington's annual state-o... See More
Rare title with a Paul Revere engraving, still with original wrappers...
Item #711660
July 01, 1774
ROYAL AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, July, 1774
* Exceedingly rare periodical just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War
* Masthead engraving by Paul Revere with outer wrappers (rare)
The quite famous and extremely rare magazine published by Isaiah Thomas. This is the first of the title we have offered in many years.
As noted in Wikipedia, it was a short-lived monthly published in Bo
... See More
Very uncommon 18th century title... Peace between France & Prussia...
Item #711189
January 28, 1795
THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jan. 28, 1795 This is a quite scarce 18th century American title as it existed only until 1799 and rarely comes on the market. We suspect the circulation was somewhat limited.
The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with: "Congressional Debates -- House of Representatives". Page 3 has a report from Paris: "PEACE!!!" announcing: "... See More
This title existed for just one year...
Item #711121
October 24, 1794
THE BALTIMORE DAILY INTELLIGENCER, Maryland, Oct. 24, 1794
* Rare 18th century American publication
One of the less common American titles from the 18th century as it existed for just one year, from October. 28, 1793 thru October. 29, 1794.
Pages 1 & 4 are filled with ads, with news items inside. Included is a lengthy letter signed by: John Jay, concerning what would b... See More
A Ben Franklin newspaper with the earliest mention of G. Washington we have found in an American newspaper? Death of Ben Franklin's brother...
Item #710763
February 12, 1756
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756
* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer
A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at th... See More
News reports from "America"
Item #710442
December 30, 1786
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 30, 1786 Page 2 has nearly a full column headed: "America" which begins with a new astronomy-related theory relating to the Aurora Borealis. This is followed by various reports from Boston.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition. Red tax stamp at the bottom of page 2.
Over a full page of news from America...
Item #710441
December 28, 1786
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 28, 1786 The front page is mostly taken up with an article: "Elements of the Science of Ethics on the Principles of Natural Philosophy" which references the Cherokee Indians.
Pages 3 & 4 contain over a full page of news reports headed: "American News" with much concerning the Shays' Rebellion, plus trouble with Indians, a... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspa... See More
Sam Adams and Thomas Jefferson...
Item #709996
July 15, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 15, 1795 Fully half of the front page is taken up with three Acts of the Mass. legislature, each signed in type by the governor, Samuel Adams.
The front page also has lengthy letter concerning the Jay Treaty signed in type by: Thomas Jefferson.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Three great plates on the Seven Years' War...
Item #709995
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1759 Of prime interest are the 3 full page plates on the Seven Years' War, the first titled: "A Map of the Part of Westphalia in which the French Army Were Defeated , Aug. 1, 1759" which shows much details (see), the plate titled: "Line of Battle of the Allied Army Before the Engagement on the First of August, 1759", plus ... See More
Honor bestowed upon President John Adams...
Item #709994
August 30, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 30, 1797 Page 2 has a "Tribute of Respect" from the American Academy of Arts & Sciences written: "To John Adams, L.L.D., President of the United States of America" concerning an honor given to him. This is followed by: "The President's Answer", signed in script type: John Adams.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the blank s... See More
Counting the slaves... The infant Navy...
Item #709993
August 08, 1798
(2) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 15 and 28, 1798 A notable pair of issues. The entire front page & a bit of pg. 2 of the Aug. 15 issue are taken up with: "An Act to provide for the Valuation of Lands & dwelling houses & the Enumeration of Slaves within the United States". It concludes by taking up most of the ftpg. of the Aug. 18 issue where it is signed in sc... See More
President John Adams signs in script type...
Item #709989
July 08, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 8, 1797 The last column of the front page is taken up with two Acts of Congress, each signed in in type by the President, John Adams, one in script type & the other in block type. Page 2 begins with a third Act signed in script type by John Adams.
Four pages, nice condition.
Two European maps...
Item #709987
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1758 The prime features of this issue are the two maps, one being a full page plate titled: "A Map of the Rhine Between Wesel & Duseldorp..." (see), and the other a foldout map measuring 8 by 10 1/2 inches titled "A Complete Chart of the Coast of France from Ostend, to Cape Finisterra, including the Opposite Coast of the British Chan... See More
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson...
Item #709984
March 14, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1798 The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, one for defraying expenses for a treaty with Indians.
Also on the front page is a Mass. Act signed in script type by the governor: Increase Sumner.
Page 2 has an: "Important Message&quo... See More
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson...
Item #709983
March 14, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1798 The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson, one for defraying expenses for a treaty with Indians.
Also on the front page is a Mass. Act signed in script type by the governor: Increase Sumner.
Page 2 has an: Important Message" sig... See More
Oglethorpe in Georgia... Gentleman's Magazine's 1st fold-out plate...
Item #709931
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1739 One of the better articles in this issue contains two letters datelined "Frederica in Georgia, Oct. 8, 1738" and "Savannah in Georgia, Oct. 22, 1738" which includes: "General Oglethorpe set out of Frederica on the 8th of October...He was received by the magistrates at the Waterside & saluted by the cann
... See More
With American content...
Item #709929
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1750 Among the articles within: "Whence Differences in the same Climate--Sea Lions" includes two illustrations of sea lions. Another article is titled: "Of the Crocodile" followed by: "Flourishing Settlement in Nova Scotia--Plants There" which is accompanied by a full page plate of various plants: &qu
... See More
Taking possession of Fort Illinois on the Mississippi...
Item #709927
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1765 Near the back is a brief report from the governor of the Philippine Islands plus another item which reads: "Letter from Mobile of the 10th of March last advise that Major Loftus was returned from taking possession of Fort Illinois & two other considerable posts on the river Mississippi where the Indians remained very quiet & des
... See More
Bunker Hill... Post-Revolutionary War engraving...
Item #709926
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1790 Certainly the prime piece is the very nice, full page engraved plate captioned: "View of Bunker's Hill" which is accompanied by a brief article which includes: "...very accurate & pretty drawing of Bunker's Hill, within the encampments of the Generals Howe and Clinton, and Charles Town, as it appeared after being... See More
Uniforms of the United States Navy described... The Constellation is launched...
Item #709925
September 01, 1797
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, September, 1797 The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day.
Near the back is is more than a full page taken up with: "Uniform For the Navy of the United States of America" which includes quite detailed descriptions for the various ranks as seen in the photo... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #709924
November 01, 1792
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, November, 1792 Certainly the most notable content is President Washington's state-of-the-union address, found in its entirety at the back of the issue.
Headed: "THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH" it is prefaced with a paragraph reading in part: "...the national legislature assembled...at Philadelphia...the President of the United States.... See More
Plan to create a nobility for the United States...
Item #709922
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, May, 1792 This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792.Content includes: "Account of the Rise of the Mississippi Scheme" "Account of the Des... See More
Tyburn, England in 1783... 'God's Tribunal' - off to the Executioner...
Item #709900
November 06, 1783
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 6, 1783
* Tyburn gallows - executions
* Newgate Prison to the "Triple Tree"
As stated in Wikipedia: "Tyburn was a village in... present-day London... For many centuries, the name Tyburn was synonymous with capital punishment, it having been the principal place for execution of London criminals and convicted traitors, including many religiou... See More
Rare 18th century British title with the original outer wrappers...
Item #709896
August 01, 1798
THE MONTHLY REVIEW ENLARGED, London, August, 1798 This very uncommon title still has the blue/green outer wrappers. These wrappers are worn at the edges with some loss at the spine (see).
The front wrapper includes the title/index page. Among the articles included are: "Emigration to America Considered" "Wallace's Essay on the Manufactures of Ireland" "Mrs... See More
Benedict Arnold on the Battle of Quebec... Ethan Allen in irons...
Item #709894
February 22, 1776
NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, (Cambridge), Feb. 22, 1776
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
* Battle of Quebec - Canada
* General Benedict Arnold
The top of the first column begins with a report from Cork that: "...there has been commotions amongst the soldiers who are to embark for America; that a great numbers of them have deserted & that ... See More
A family fends off two attacks by Indians...
Item #709853
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1792 Near the back is three-quarters of a page of news headed: "America" mostly taken up with a very detailed and exciting account of a family attacked by Indians, noting how the mother and children were able to fend off the invaders not once but twice. A few other bits as well.Included are all 3 plates called for, one of which shows bot... See More
A family fends off two attacks by Indians...
Item #709852
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1792 Near the back is three-quarters of a page of news headed: "America" mostly taken up with a very detailed and exciting account of a family attacked by Indians, noting how the mother and children were able to fend off the invaders not once but twice. A few other bits as well.Included are all 3 plates called for, one of which shows bot... See More
Nice plates, including two of Aix La Chapelle...
Item #709849
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1748 Among the articles are: "Description of Aix la Chapelle & history of the Protestant Religion There" "New Astronomical Observations" "Of the Late Lunar Eclipse" "Of Saturn & Its Rings" (with full page plate) "Description of the City of Lima, from Betagh's Voyage Round the World...&qu
... See More
Siege of Havana, Cuba, with a foldout map...
Item #709847
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1762 * Siege of Havana, Cuba w/ foldout map
* British occupation - Seven Years' War
The prime content would certainly be the account of the battle of Havana, Cuba, headed: "Account of the Taking of the Havannah" which is nearly a full page account.
This is followed by the: "Articles of Capitulation agreed upon between Sir... See More
Relocating Loyalists... Wishing for the life from before independence...
Item #709619
January 10, 1784
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 10, 1784 Page 2 has a report from New York noting in part: "...a considerable number of soldiers, whose regiments had been disbanded by authority, have settled in the territories of the United States rather than go to Nova Scotia where they would have been sent at government expense. Several of these soldiers too had received arrears of pay...". ... See More
The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...
Item #709556
October 01, 1787
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787
* Historic United States Constitution
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs
Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declara... See More
Society of Cincinnati is formed... British evacuate New York City...
Item #709553
January 03, 1784
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1784 Page 3 contains a very nice report which includes: "...brings over the insignia of the Cincinnatus's Society. This association, whose regulations are soon to be published, was formed by American Officers as a monument of their fraternity & union in the good cause..." going on to note other details.
The Society of the Cincinn... See More
John Adams' letter to the Masons...
Item #709047
June 30, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 30, 1798 Page 2 has an address of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Boston to the President, with his: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams. Also the President's letter to the people of Braintree, Mass., also signed: John Adams.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
Pickering's report... the X Y,Z Affair...
Item #709046
February 06, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, February 6, 1799 Included with this issue is a 4 page supplement which contains what appears to be the entire text of Timothy Pickering's report to Congress and the President on the relations between the United States and France, what would be known as the X, Y, Z affair.
The front page of the "regular" 4 page issue has related content as well.
Eight pages, very nice,... See More
Full name, George Washington, in script type...
Item #709006
August 04, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790 Almost a full page 2 column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, some l... See More
George Washington, Paul Revere...
Item #709004
March 08, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 8, 1797 Page 2 has an "Address To George Washington" from the "Senators representing Massachusetts in Congress" concerning his retirement from public life, followed by his humble and gracious reply, signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 3 has a notice about the quarterly meeting of the "Grand Lodge" signed in type: Paul Revere, G... See More
Three "signatures" by Washington on his last day in office...
Item #708996
April 22, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 22, 1797 The front page contains not one but three Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The Acts are regarding duties on distilled spirits, one for placing buoys in Boston harbor, and one for setting the time for the next meeting of Congress.
All three of these Acts of Congress were approved and signed into law... See More
Washington & others declared French citizens...
Item #708966
November 21, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 21, 1792 A page 2 report states that: "The following persons have been declared FRENCH CITIZENS by the National Assembly of France...George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Paine, Dr. Priestly..." and several others.
Another item says: "Virginia has again instructed its Senators in Congress to use their influence to have the doors of that house opened...... See More
Washington enacts an embargo...
Item #707902
May 22, 1794
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 22, 1794
* The prelude to peace
* Diplomatic Brinkmanship
Page 5, under: "America", is a printing of a Resolution from Congress enacting an embargo: "...on all ships and vessels in the ports of the United Starters...bound to any foreign port or place for the term of 30 days...", signed in type by the President; George Washington.... See More
Some terms of the peace treaty are announced...
Item #707415
December 26, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 26, 1782 The back page has a very historic report presenting some of the terms of the peace treaty with a letter from Paris prefaced with: "While the Provisional articles are kept so profound a secret in London, the substance of them is well known & publicly talked of here: 'On the Part of Great Britain' That Great Britain irrevocably reco... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #707388
February 01, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 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 for: "Proposals For C... See More
American government is broke... Huddy/Asgill Affair...
Item #707375
September 26, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 26, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 2 has news headed "America" mentions: "...lately sent to wheedle the Eastern provinces into a submission to the intolerable extractions of the Congress for the further support of their tyranny, are returned empty handed." Also a letter from New York: &... See More
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