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.
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #704245
November 02, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 2, 1791
* First Bank of the United States creation
Page 3 has a nice report on the opening of the 2nd Congress of the United States, and this is followed by a significant report headed: "National Bank" with details concerning its creation and organization, including the various men chosen as its directors, and noting that: "Thomas W... See More
Broadside "Extra" from Baltimore...
Item #704244
October 15, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE, EXTRA, Oct. 15, 1798
* Rare broadside extra
Although there were issues of this title in Phila., Boston & Baltimore, this is from Baltimore as the other two did not exist as of this date.
This is a broadside extra, a small single sheet printed on the front only. Such broadsides were typically printed to put urgent or important news into the hands of the reader as ... See More
The military posts at the Western front...
Item #704243
April 01, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 1, 1795
* Creation of military posts westward
Page 3 has: "Western Posts" being eight in number, with the list and some text concerning them: Dutchman's Point, Point Au Fer, on Lake Ontario, Oswego, at Niagara, Fort Miami, Detroit, Fort Michilimackinack, Natchez along the Mississippi.
Four pages, somewhat ir... See More
Washington responds to concerns over the Jay Treaty...
Item #704242
August 19, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 19, 1795
* President George Washington
* Concerns over the Jay Treaty
Page 3 has the: "Answer" of the President to the concerns of the Selectmen of Boston over the controversial Jay Treaty, signed in type: George Washington.
Page 3 also has a report of a: "Negro Insurrection" in North Carolina.
... See More
Much news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #704210
September 28, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military ser... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #704194
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 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 news... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #704193
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1791 * First Bank of the United States creation
Certainly the most notable content is at the back where is found a significant report headed: Congress of the United States" with the text of the creation of the Bank of the United States.
It is titled: "An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of ... See More
Shipping report signed by Alexander Hamilton...
Item #704185
February 15, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 15, 1794 Page 2 has a report headed: "American Tonnage" being a chart, by country, of the actual tonnage shipped in 1792. The chart is signed by: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
Four pages, some minor foxing, good condition.
(3) 1793 George Washington documents...
Item #704184
November 02, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 2, 1793
* (3) George Washington documents
Page 2 has an address of the people of Alexandria, Virginia, to the President supporting him in his Proclamation of Neutrality over the conflict between England & France. This is followed by the answer of the President, signed in type: G. Washington.
Then page 2 also has two more document, relating to Fra... See More
The Queen creates a formal postal system between England & the American colonies...
Item #704168
August 29, 1710
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 29, 1710
* Establishment of post offices in American colonies
* Anne, Queen of Great Britain
The back page contains considerable detail on what is likely a very significant event in the creation of a formal postal system between England and the American colonies.
The report includes: "Whereas Her Majesty has been pleased to direct, that a month... See More
Alexander Hamilton, Anthony Wayne, John Jay, and Henry Knox...
Item #704138
December 11, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 11, 1793 Page 2 has a letter signed in type: Anthony Wayne concerning an encounter with the Indians. Some paragraphs begin: "It would appear that the savages mean to bend their attention to our convoys..." and "The savages killed & carried off about 70 horses..." and "There are nearly 1000 volunteers in the vicinity..." and m... See More
Thanks to George Washington... Intercepted news from Silas Deane...
Item #704132
December 05, 1781
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR THE NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, Dec. 5, 1781 Much of a front page column is "Contents of a Rebel Mail, Lately Intercepted in Europe" being a continuation of Silas Deane's letter to his brother. There is much content on America's relationship with France and Spain as it relates to the war. It carries over to take an entire column ... See More
Mention of Ben Franklin... Slave trade... Establishing a penal colony in Australia...
Item #704117
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1788 * Early chess - Benjamin Franklin mention
* Penal Colony, Botany Bay, Australia
Two pages have considerable detail regarding the game of chess which includes a mention of Benjamin Franklin. Near the back under the "Domestic Occurrences" heading is a report reading: "By the last accounts received from the fleet from B... See More
Washington script signature... Light house on Sequin Island...
Item #704070
April 25, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 25, 1795
* President George Washington act of Congress
* Seguin Island Maine Lighthouse proposed
The top of third column on the ftpg. has: "Laws Of The United States" "Published By Authority" "Third Congress of the United States". Hereafter is the text of: "An act to regulate the compensation of Clerks...", sig... See More
Washington and Napoleon Buonaparte...
Item #704062
April 05, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 5, 1797 At the bottom of the front page is an Act of Congress which is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
This was one of just a few newspapers which used the script type for documents signed by politicians, making such issues very displayable.
Amongst the various items on page 2 are: "Mr. Monroe's Speech" and two documen... See More
Act of Congress signed by Washington...
Item #704055
July 14, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 14, 1790 Over half of the front page is taken up with: "An ACT for Regulating the Military Establishment of the United States" signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.
Page 3 has a report headed: "The Ship New Constitution" which includes: "Well built, and g... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress.... Votes for John Hancock...
Item #704051
April 04, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1792 The front page begins with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Th. Jefferson.
Page 3 has over half a column of election results in Massachusetts, by city, for governor, number showing large majorities for John Hancock.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a few light damp sta... See More
Act of Congress signed by Washington...
Item #704046
May 10, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 10, 1794
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
The front page begins with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President; Go. Washington. It takes over half the column.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, wide margins, some foxing and minor tears at the margins, nice condition.... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #704045
April 26, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1794 A great display issue as the front page features not one but three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type by the Vice President: John Adams.
The first of the Acts is: "...to authorize the President of the United States in certain cases to alter the place for holding a session of Congress... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #704040
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated March 9, 1758, June 10, 1760, MArch 3, 1763, Feb. 20, 1768, and May 28, 1772. 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 condi... See More
The King's Proclamation to encourage naval recruitment...
Item #704038
March 20, 1755
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, arch 20, 1755 Half of the front page is taken up with: "By the King, A PROCLAMATION, For continuing the encouragements to seamen who shall enter themselves on Board His Majesty's ships of war; for increasing the bounty to all such seamen..." with more.
Four pages, 10 by 12 3/4 inches, repair at the blank spine, nice condition.
Alexander Hamilton... The President's travels...
Item #704013
November 20, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 20, 1799
* 18th century American publication
This issue was printed less than a month before the death of George Washington.
The front page and page 2 have the "Speech" of Governor Tichenor of Vermont. Page 2 has a report of the President arriving in Philadelphia. Page 3 includes: "Piracy And Murder".
The ... See More
Major General Alexander Hamilton...
Item #704011
November 06, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 6, 1799 The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mentioning that: "All officers...who are...absent from their commands are required...to report themselves by letter to Major General ALEXANDER HAMILTON..." with a bit more. This is the Alexander Hamilton who served again in the military during the Quasi War.
... See More
American envoys in France... Adams' birthday...
Item #704010
October 30, 1799
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...".
Four pages, very nice condition.
Adams selects envoys to negotiate with France, plus their instructions...
Item #703979
April 25, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Page 2 begins with a document signed by President John Adams headed: "Full Powers" given to the ambassadors to France to whom he has given power to work out the details with the ongoing XYZ Affair and Quasi-War with France.
Following this document is the ve... See More
Very interesting letter from a "negro" in defense of his race...
Item #703800
March 03, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 3, 1790 On the front page. under "Congress" is the recent business conducted by the House of Representatives. Much is on Madison's second speech in opposition to Hamilton's report on public credit & moving his own proposal for solving the country's fiscal problems.
A page 3 letter to the editor begins: "The critica... See More
Letters to Washington & Franklin... Discussing the census...
Item #703798
February 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 24, 1790
* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin
Half of the front page is taken up with reports from: "Congress - House of Representatives" which includes talk on: "...the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. -- Mr. Madison's motion for a discrimination under consideration...", carrying over to take al... See More
Seven documents signed by George Washington...
Item #703772
December 02, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Dec. 2, 1789
The back page contains six Acts of Congress, each one signed in type by the President & Vice President: George Washington & John Adams.
Also an address from Dartmouth College to the President, to which he responded with a letter signed: George Washington. And there is also a letter signed in type by: John Adams, from when h... See More
Two George Washington signatures in italics...
Item #703744
August 12, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 12, 1789
* President George Washington
* First year of his presidency
* Two signatures in italics
Much of the front page is taken up with: "Sketch of the Political State of America" which has interesting comments from the beginning months of the new federal government, signed: Americanus.
Page 2 has a message from the President... See More
The near-final version of the Bill of Rights, printed just ten days before the final version...
Item #703727
September 23, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, September 23, 1789
* U.S. Senate version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Printed in their entirety on the front page are the twelve proposed Amendments to the Constitution, to be known as the Bill of Rights. But note this version is slightly different from the final version that would appear in the Oc... See More
First state-of-the-union address by George Washington... In American-made clothes...
Item #703726
January 09, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Jan. 9, 1790
* 1st President George Washington
* First State of the Union Address (SOTU)
A very significant issue, as page 3 contains George Washington's very first state-of-the-union address, taking over a full column and signed by him in type: G. Washington.
His address reflects upon the first year of the Presidency, beginning a traditio... See More
The first state-of-the-union address to be read to Congress in Washington...
Item #703666
December 11, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 11, 1799
* President John Adams
* State of the Union Address
* 1st at the U.S. Capitol in D.C.
Page 3 has the full text of President John Adams' state of the union address and is signed in type: JOHN ADAMS.
This was the first state-of-the-union address to be given before the joint session of Congress at the United States ... See More
On quartering troops, a paper currency for the colonies, and more...
Item #703655
June 29, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, June 29, 1767
* Colonial era paper currency
* British troops in America
A fine, colonial newspaper offering a flavor of life in America during the tumultuous period shortly after the Stamp Act, during the hated Quartering Act & Townshend Acts era, and before tensions would boil over with the Boston Massacre of 1770, the Tea party in... See More
Very displayable: four George Washington script signatures...
Item #703614
March 30, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 30, 1796 The front page features not one but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by: Go. Washington, President of the United States. Each is also signed in block type by the Vice President, John Adams.
One of the Acts is: "...for allowing compensation to the members of the Senate & House of Representatives of the United States..."... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #703595
November 12, 1793
AMERICAN HERALD OF LIBERTY, Exeter, New Hampshire, Nov. 12, 1793
* President George Washington
* Rare 18th century publication
* Act of U.S. Congress signed
This title existed for just over 3 years. Brigham notes that only 3 institutions have this date in their holdings.
Page 2 has a document signed by the President: Geo. Washington concerning the recognition of a French deputy fo... See More
Three documents signed by Washington... The Seguin Island lighthouse...
Item #703591
June 18, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 18, 1794 The front page features two Acts of Congress and a letter to Congress, each signed in script type by the President; Go. Washington.
One is for: "...erecting a light-house on the island of Seguin in the district of Maine...". This is a landmark on the coast of Maine to this day.
Four pages, damp stains to the left portion, nice condition.... See More
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson - script type signatures...
Item #703583
April 03, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 3, 1799 The front page contains two lengthy Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by: Th. Jefferson. Nice to have this famous duo together on the front page. Very displayable.
Four pages, various small tears at margins, some minor chipping at margins, somewhat fragile & should be handled carefully.... See More
John Adams Acts... with script signatures...
Item #703581
June 02, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1798 The front page has three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Page 2 has two letters: "To the President of the United States" from the citizens of Cambridge and Haverhill, Mass. The back page has an ad for the sale of various goods: "...By JOHN HANCOCK".
Four pages, never-dimmed mar
... See More
Page 2 has two letters: "To the President of the United States" from the citizens of Cambridge and Haverhill, Mass. The back page has an ad for the sale of various goods: "...By JOHN HANCOCK".
Four pages, never-dimmed mar
The XYZ Affair...
Item #703579
September 03, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Sept. 3, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* President John Adams administration era
The front page and part of the inside pages have much content concerning the ongoing XYZ Affair with France.
Four pages, an archival repair to the bottom of the spine, a few other small & discrete archival mends, good condition.... See More
The XYZ Affair... John Adams...
Item #703578
April 23, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, April 23, 1798 The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with various documents and letters concerning the on-going XYZ Affair with France. One of the lengthy documents is signed in type by the Secretary of State, Timothy Pickering.
Page 3 has sn address to the President from the merchants, underwriters & traders of Phila., followed by his ... See More
The XYZ Affair... Preventing mischief by dogs...
Item #703577
June 11, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 11, 1798 Page 2 has much correspondence & reporting on the XYZ Affair with France. Related to this is a page 3: "Bill to Suspend the Commercial Intercourse Between the United States & France".
Page 3 also has two curious Acts from Connecticut: "An Act, in Addition to & alternation of an Act entitled 'An Act for Preventin... See More
Wealth of reporting on the Shays' Rebellion...
Item #703572
February 09, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 9, 1787 A wealth of reporting on the Shays' Rebellion is found on pages 1, 2 and 3 in several reports.
The front page has a letter signed by the governor of Mass. James Bowdoin, followed by a lengthy letter signed by General B. Lincoln, plus "General Orders " regarding Shays as well. Page 2 also has two letters signed by B. Lincoln... See More
Wealth of reporting on the Shays' Rebellion...
Item #703569
February 02, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 2, 1787 A wealth of reporting on the Shays' Rebellion is found on pages 2 and 3 in several reports.
A few bits include: "Luke Day reached Northampton about twelve last night, and Shays has left his post at Chicopee...They are breaking to pieces...t present, we can march wherever we please...They have killed one of Shays's adjutants ... See More
Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792
* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone
Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United St... See More
Ship bound for America, with details...
Item #703557
November 04, 1710
THE POST BOY, London, Nov. 4, 1710 The back page has an advertisement concerning a boat destined for America, noting in part: "That the New-York Packet Boat, call'd the Bristol, Capt. William Ball, Commander, lying at Bristol, will be ready to sail the 15th of this Month...letters for New York, New England, East & West Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, N
... See More
The Wyoming Valley Massacre...
Item #703556
November 10, 1778
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 10, 1778 Page 4 has: "A PROCLAMATION" from Boston concerning a riot which occurred there, with accompanying text.
Also a report from Philadelphia concerning the Wyoming Massacre which includes: "By accounts from the forks of Susquehanna it appears that colonel Hartley...had been posted at various places up the West Branch, some as high as M... See More
Burgoyne surrenders Saratoga to Horatio Gates...
Item #703554
December 11, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 11, 1777
* Surrender of General John Burgoyne
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War
A page 2 report begins: "The account of the capitulation of General Burgoyne's army was brought to Quebec by some deserters from the Provincials who had entered into the King's service, & whom Gen. Burgoyne, when he found he ... See More
The King declares Americans are free & independent...
Item #703552
December 10, 1782
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 10, 1782
* American independence acknowledged
* By King George III of England (speech)
* Historic event that propelled U.S. freedom
Certainly the most notable content is that found on pages 2 & 3, the very historic speech by the King of England to his Parliament, dated Dec. 5, 1782.
In this notable speech the King declares that the Americans ar... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
Louis XVI, with a print of the guillotine...
Item #703547
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1793 This issue contains the: "Minutes of the Proceedings of the National Convention of France" which takes 4 pages with considerable detail on the trial of Louis XVI with a subhead: "The Final Judgment of Louis XVI" which has text which includes: "...Is Louis guilty?...I hereby declare that the National Convention has fou... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- The Continuation of a Genre… The American West Still Keeps Giving…
- Prior to the November 22,1963 assassination of JFK… History does repeat itself!
- Americana at it’s best… The annual Egg Roll on the lawn of The White House…
- Words spoken softly would prove to be extraordinarily prophetic…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
