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.
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
* American Revolutionary War
* General George Washington
* Foreign diplomat Silas Deane
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... See More
The Dutch recognize the independence of America...
Item #704126
March 03, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 3, 1783 Perhaps the best 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.
Page 2 b... 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
* President George Washington
* Signatures in typed script
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 condi... 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
George Washington... Benjamin Franklin...
Item #704054
July 03, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 3, 1790 Over a full column on page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress which is headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
Page 2 also has much reporting from Congress.
Page 3 includes: "Dr. Franklin--Leaves, in his W... See More
George Washington on the front page...
Item #704052
July 07, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 7, 1790 Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress concerning a cession of land in North Carolina, signed in script type by: George Washington, and in block type by Thomas Jefferson & John Adams.
Four pages, some stains at the top quadrant, a bit irregular at the spine from disbinding, otherwise good condition.
Washington signs an Act of Congress.... Votes for John Hancock...
Item #704051
April 04, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1792
* President George Washington & more
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 pa... See More
John Adams' script signatures...
Item #704048
June 09, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 9, 1798 The front page has a poem titled: "Adams And Liberty - The Boston Patriotic Song, Written by Thomas Paine, A. M." (likely Robert Treat Paine, sources differ)
The front page has 3 Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and in block type by the Vice President: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, wide, untrimme... 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
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
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 Sta... See More
A Washington Act of Congress begins the front page...
Item #704043
November 26, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 26, 1791 The front page begins with a half-column Act of Congress headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle. It is: "An Act Granting Farther Time for Making Returns of the Enumeration of the Inhabitants in the District of South Carolina", signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 3 has an article headed: M. La Fayette"... See More
Acknowledging Washington's third annual address...
Item #704042
November 12, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 12, 1791
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
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 i
... See More
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
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 i
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.
Major General Alexander Hamilton...
Item #704011
November 06, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 6, 1799
* General Alexander Hamilton
* At Trenton, New Jersey
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 Ha... See More
The naval hero Horatio Nelson...
Item #704008
October 23, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 23, 1799
* Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson
* Stationed in the Mediterranean
* During War of the Second Coalition
Page 2 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,... See More
Major General Alexander Hamilton...
Item #704007
October 16, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 16, 1799 The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mention 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.
F... See More
Major General Alexander Hamilton...
Item #704006
October 09, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 9, 1799 Page 3 has a report concerning the construction of a light house at Shell Castle and at Cape Hatteras. Also reports from New York, Pittsfield, Worcester, Boston and Lexington.
The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mentioning that: "All officers...who are...absent from their commands are required...to... 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
Washington's Farewell Address...
Item #703934
November 14, 1796
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 14, 1796 Taking a full column on the front page, all of pages 2, and a bit of page 3 is an historic report headed "AMERICA - The President's Speech To the United States off America", more commonly known as Washington's Farewell Address.
The nation's first President announces his retirement from politics and explains why he ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by Washington, Adams, and Jefferson...
Item #703809
April 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790 Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with two Acts of Congress, one for: "...a cession of the Claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of Western Territory" with aims of becomin... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703801
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790 The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was the Census Act, creating the very first national census, an e... 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
* Letter No. IV by "Rusticus"
* "Africanus" a free black - Negro
* African Americans - integration ?
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 &... 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
North Carolina ratified the Constitution... New lighthouses...
Item #703785
January 06, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, January 6, 1790 Page 3 has a report of a tour through South Carolina with mention of Columbia & Cape Fear, including: "A light house is now building on Cape Fear which it is expected will be finished in about eight months. A new one is shortly to be erected on Cape Henry, in Virginia...Another is designed for Cape May, in New Jersey, and it is... See More
Seven documents signed by George Washington...
Item #703772
December 02, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Dec. 2, 1789
* President George Washington
* John Adams - U.S. Congress
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 ... See More
Renaming a Cabinet position to Department of State... Using Webster...
Item #703748
August 26, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 26, 1789 Over a full column on the front page is taken up with a "Sketch of Proceedings of Congress" from the very first year of the federal government, continuing to take all of page 2 & some of page 3.
Included is a chart of: "...The salaries proposed in the bill are as follow:..." for the various officers of the executi... See More
1789 creation of the Department of War...
Item #703746
August 19, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789
* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing
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 ... 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
Life in America eight years before the outbreak of war...
Item #703663
August 24, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 24, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British title
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 pa... See More
British officers revolt in New Jersey... News from Pensacola...
Item #703661
August 03, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 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.
The front page has nearly a f... 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
The most influential speech in support of the Constitution...
Item #703647
November 22, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 22, 1787 As soon as the Constitution was presented to the public it was met with an onslaught of criticism that its defenders would need to counter. It initially fell to the Constitution's champions based in Pennsylvania, where the Constitutional Convention was held, to devise a response. None proved more influential than the speech delivered on Octobe... See More
George Washington script signature...
Item #703608
February 27, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796 Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has... See More
Building & dedicating Fort Fayette in Pennsylvania... The Second Militia Act...
Item #703606
June 02, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1792 Most of the front page is taken up with A cot of Congress now known as the Second Militia Act, signed in script type by the President, Go. Washington on May 8, 1792.
It is officially entitled: "An ACT More Effectually to Provide for the National Defense by Establishing a Uniform Militia Throughout the United States".
As noted in Wikipedia,... See More
George Washington script signature... Henry Knox, Paul Revere, & Sam Adams...
Item #703604
January 17, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 17, 1795
* President George Washington
* John & Samuel Adams - Paul Revere
A nice feature of the front page is what's on the front page: An Act of Congress for making appropriations for the military, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington & in block type by: John Adams.
Also on the front page is a letter from the President ... See More
Very displayable: four George Washington script signatures...
Item #703599
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
Death of John Paul Jones & a letter by Thomas Paine...
Item #703598
September 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 26, 1792 Most of the front page is taken up with "Mr. Paine's Letters to Lord Onslow" which has two of them, each signed in type: Thomas Paine.
The balance of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "John Paul Jones" which is a bit of a eulogy on him, including in part: "...that intrepid naval commander John Paul Jone... 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
* President George Washington act of Congress
* Seguin Island Maine Lighthouse proposed
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 landm... See More
6 front page script signatures of John Adams...
Item #703584
February 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 24, 1798
* Presidents John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has six "Acts" each signed in script type: John Adams & in block type: TH: Jefferson. One of the acts allowed for compensation "...to the door keeper of the Senate, and his assistant; for their services during the late session of Congress."
A seventh a... See More
The Constellation & Constitution are almost ready... The ingrate Thomas Paine...
Item #703582
June 14, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 14, 1797 A page 2 report notes: "Gen. Smith (of Baltimore)...mentioned that the Constellation frigate, building at that place, would be launched the 4th of July next. The Constitution, building here will be afloat the second week of August--She has upwards of 200 hands constantly at work on her; and such is the forwardness of her masts, sails, rigging, &... See More
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
* President John Adams
* Tensions w/ France
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 an address to the President from the merchant... 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
Much on the Shays' Rebellion...
Item #703575
March 09, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, March 9, 1787 The front page has a "Resolve from the Assembly of New York offering a reward for the apprehending those involved in the Shays' Rebellion. Page 2 begins with an "Order" by the governor of Mass. James Bowdoin, concerning the Legislature: "...congratulat(ing) their brethren in army, on the success that has crowned their v... See More
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