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.
The great Philadelphia State House print...
Item #704435
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1752* Pennsylvania State House
* Philadelphia PA print
* Independence Hall
Despite the 48 pages of text within this issue the prime content is certainly the full page plate captioned: "A View of the State House in Philadelphia" which would later be known as Independence Hall.
This is a print of this famous building 24 years before it... See More
It satirized the vices & follies of the fashionable...
Item #704430
February 01, 1753
THE WORLD, London, England, Feb. 1, 1753
* 18th century original
This is an interesting, six page newspaper that only existed for four years. It's focus was satirizing the vices and follies of the fashionable world rather than reporting the news of the day.
Six pages, 7 by 11 inches, very light damp stain to an upper corner, nice condition.... See More
Early newspaper from 1746 Amsterdam...
Item #704426
July 29, 1746
LES ETATS DE HOLLANDE [The States of Holland], Amsterdam, July 29, 1746
* Rare 18th century title
* Nice masthead
An interesting, little newspaper from this Dutch city, printed in French, featuring an engraving in the middle of the masthead. At the back is the: "Suite Des Nouvelles d' Amsterdam" which would seem to be a supplemental sheet. Eight pages, 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 in... See More
Notable ad for Paine's "Common Sense"... Much on the faltering relationship with America...
Item #704396
January 18, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1776
* Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" ad
* Great year to have (1776)
* American Independence ?
* Revolutionary War original
Wonderful to find a newspaper not just dated 1776, but from Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with reports from Parliament, much concerning the tension with the American colonies... See More
Early ad for Paine's Common Sense... Much on war events in Virginia...
Item #704394
January 13, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 13, 1776 Wonderful to find a newspapers not just dated 1776, but from Philadelphia.
The front page begins with a Resolve from Congress dated January 11, 1776, beginning: "Whereas it appears to this Congress, that several evil disposed persons, in order to obstruct and defeat the efforts of the United Colonies in the defense of their jus... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
Significant Washington letter to the Jewish congregation of Newport...
Item #704389
September 15, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 15, 1790
* President George Washington
* Letter to the Jewish congregation
* Newport, Rhode Island - Jews
* Historic Judaica item - Moses Seixas
The back page contains one of the more significant Judaica items found in an American newspaper.
It presents the full text of the: "Address Of The Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Isl... See More
Broadside edition of this famous title, with good content...
Item #704385
January 08, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Jan. 8, 1782
* Very rare Broadside edition from the Revolutionary War
Apparently a quite unusual broadside edition as the issue is a single sheet with the back page blank. If page 2 had text I would suspect that the back leaf was missing, but the front page text concludes on the front page and the reverse is entirely blank.... See More
George Washington responds to the people of Salem...
Item #704321
June 19, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 19, 1793
* President George Washington letter
* Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts
Page 3 has a reply from the President to an address from the inhabitants of Salem, signed in type G. Washington. In the reply he discusses his late Proclamation declaring neutrality in the present contest between France and other European powers.
Page 3 also ha
... See More
* President George Washington letter
* Citizens of Salem, Massachusetts
Page 3 has a reply from the President to an address from the inhabitants of Salem, signed in type G. Washington. In the reply he discusses his late Proclamation declaring neutrality in the present contest between France and other European powers.
Page 3 also ha
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #704316
January 10, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page... See More
Building the frigate ''United States' is ahead of schedule...
Item #704311
September 14, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1796
* USS United States construction
Page 2 has a report noting: "The United States frigate, building in Southwark under the direction of Mr. Humphreys, is in such a state of forwardness that it is probable she might be launched before the ensuing winter, should occasion require (We wish we could say as much of the Boston frigate).&quo... See More
General Anthony Wayne & the Chippewa Indians...
Item #704302
November 06, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 6, 1793
* "Mad Anthony" Wayne
A page 3 item reports in part: "...from Pittsburgh, we learn that General Wayne had marched from the Miami against the Indians with 3000 regular troops and 1500 volunteers from Kentucky....Still Knee, a chief of the Chippawas, had come into Fort-Pitt, with assurance that his nation had resolved to observe a ... See More
Choosing a location for Congress...
Item #704253
November 23, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1793
* United States Congress
* Choosing a site to build
A page 3 report from Philadelphia notes: "The President of the United States, having summoned the headed of Departments, Chief Justice and other officers of the Government, to meet at Germantown, to advise on the most suitable place for the meeting of Congress; we understand, their deci... See More
Thomas Jefferson responds concerning the Jay Treaty...
Item #704252
February 08, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 8, 1794
* Thomas Jefferson letters
* re. John Jay Treaty
The front page has: "State Papers" which has three letters from Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, relating to the controversial Jay Treaty. Each is signed: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
First session of Parliament on the union of England and Scotland...
Item #704248
October 27, 1707
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, October 27, 1707
* First Parliament of Great Britain
A very historic issue as the front page reports on the very first session of Parliament of the newly-created Parliament of Great Britain which occurred on October 23. The union of England and Scotland was official several months previous by the ratification of the Acts of Union involving both Engl... See More
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
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
Two script signatures signed by George Washington...
Item #704069
January 03, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 3, 1795 The top half of the first column on the front page is taken up with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this issue displayable.
Other political reporting & news reports with many ads as well.
Four pages, good condition.
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
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704059
June 16, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 16, 1790 Nearly half a column on page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress signed in script type by George Washington, and in block type by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, and headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 also has reports from Congress, and an article headed: "Newspapers" being a bit of American history of newspapers. Pa... 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
Acknowledging Washington's third annual address...
Item #704042
November 12, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 12, 1791 Almost half of the front page is taken up with: "Answers Of Both Houses of Congress to The President's Speech", meaning George Washington's 3rd annual state-of-the-union address.
The first column has "The Senate's Answer" which is signed in type: John Adams, Vice President of the United States & President
... See More
The first column has "The Senate's Answer" which is signed in type: John Adams, Vice President of the United States & President
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
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.
The naval hero Horatio Nelson...
Item #704008
October 23, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 23, 1799 Page 3 has two letters signed in type by: Nelson, being the celebrated Horatio Nelson concerning naval actions in Europe.
Page 3 has: "A Proclamation" signed by the governor of Mass., Moses Gill, "For a Day of Public Thanksgiving".
The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mention that:&... See More
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
Creation of the Department of Defense...
Item #703746
August 19, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789 A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War. This was the "Sixth Act of the Legislature of the Union" and is titled: "An ACT to Establish an Executive Department, to be Denominated the DEPARTMENT OF WAR" which ta... 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
Much on the discussions in the new federal government...
Item #703705
June 24, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 24, 1789 Most of the front page is taken up with reports from the House of Representatives of the U.S. under the heading: "Sketch of Proceedings of Congress", providing fascinating insight into the discussions from the earliest months of the federal government. Remember that Washington was just inaugurated less than two months previous. ... 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
Life in America eight years before the outbreak of war...
Item #703663
August 24, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 24, 1767 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 1773 and the resulting Revolutionary War.
Page 2 has a rather detailed... 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
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