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 script signature... Henry Knox, Paul Revere, & Sam Adams...
Item #703604
January 17, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 17, 1795 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 concerning a report by the Secretary of War on the protection of the frontier... 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
6 front page script signatures of John Adams...
Item #703584
February 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 24, 1798 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 act begins on the front page and concludes on page 2 with th... See More
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson - script type signatures...
Item #703583
April 03, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 3, 1799
* President John Adams
* VP Thomas Jefferson
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,... 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
Much reporting on the Shays' Rebellion...
Item #703573
February 20, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 20, 1787 A wealth of reporting on the Shays' Rebellion is found on pages 1, 2 and 3 in several reports.
Half of the front page is taken up with three letter concerning the Shays' rebelling, one being an: "Extract of a letter from a gentleman in the State's army...", then two letters datelined from Pittsfield, which were was... 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
The 1778 Wyoming Valley Massacre...
Item #703556
November 10, 1778
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 10, 1778
* Revolutionary War
* From the enemy
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 ... 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
America alters its Constitution peacefully...
Item #703545
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page.Included are several letters signed in type by John Adams, Samuel Adams, James Madison & others. Also: "Description of a Visit to Mount Etna" among other articles. Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with ... See More
With the desired Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #703537
July 19, 1753
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this news... See More
Anger at Burgoyne for surrendering at Saratoga... Paine talks of "Common Sense"...
Item #703514
September 14, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1779
One-third of the front page and most of a column on page 2 are taken up with a wonderful letter "To Lt. General Burgoyne".
Portions include: "...Hear then, General Burgoyne, what the people know & learn what they expect. They know that you solicited the command of any army; they are well apprized that never was an army bett... See More
The King declares Americans are free & independent...
Item #703511
March 01, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Feb. 24, 1783
* Provisional Articles of Peace
* Ending the Revolutionary War
* America declared independent
* King George III of England
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 unit... See More
Criticizing Thomas Paine's writings...
Item #703477
January 23, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1779
* Thomas Paine - re. Common Sense criticism
* American Revolutionary War era Philadelphia
Two-thirds of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with an interesting, critical article on Thomas Paine's works. It is headed: "To The Respectable Public of America, On the Veracity of Common Sens... See More
Lengthy list of naval captures during the Revolutionary War...
Item #703444
February 06, 1779
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 6, 1779
* James Gambier, 1st Baron Gambier
* Royal Navy encounters w/ U.S. ships
* American Revolutionary War era from enemy
The first 3 1/2 pages are taken up with a very lengthy: "List of Captures and Recaptures Made by the American Squadron, of which Accounts have been received by Rear-Admiral Gambier...".
Eight pages, 7 1/4 by 11 1/2 ... See More
Benedict Arnold, the British in Maryland, and so much more...
Item #703440
November 12, 1777
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 12, 1777 Pages 2 and 3 have much reporting on the Revolutionary War under the heading: "American Intelligence".
Some bits include a letter from Wilmington: "The enemy have landed about 2000 men & are within four miles of the head of the Elk..." with more on his. Then a "Proclamation" by the governor of Mar... See More
The definitive issue on Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga...
Item #703438
December 12, 1777
THE GAZETTEER & NEW DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Dec. 12, 1777 This is the definitive issue on the historic surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, the event which when learned in Europe encouraged further support for the American cause among the French & others.
Over half of the front page and part of page 2 are taken up a very lengthy and detailed letter signed in type: J. Burgoyne, this ... See More
Unrest among the nations along the Mississippi River... Ben Franklin...
Item #703437
November 04, 1791
THE WORLD, London, Nov. 4, 1791 Page 2 has a brief item: "Greater jealousies than ever subsist between the French, Spanish, and American Colonies on the banks of the Mississippi; each party complains of the encroachments of the other, although each has more ground than they can possibly occupy."
The top of page 3 has an: "Anecdote of Dr. Franklin".
Four pages, a few min... See More
A naval encounter during the Revolutionary War...
Item #703431
November 30, 1779
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Nov. 30, 1779
* Revolutionary War era
* Captain St. John Chinnery
* 6th-rare frigate Daphne
The front page begins with a letter from Captain Chinnery of the ship Daphne to the commander in chief of the British forces in North America, dated at Sandy Hook, New Jersey.
Four pages, 7 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, very nice ... See More
The historic meeting of General Howe with Franklin, Adams, and Rutledge...
Item #703429
December 07, 1776
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 7, 1776 A bit of the front page & most of page 2 are taken up with the conclusion of: "The A Proposed Plan or Frame of Government for the Commonwealth or State of Pennsylvania, Lately received from America". Page 3 has various items concerning the war.
Over half of page 7 is taken up with: "Advices from America" with reports ... See More
The Boston Massacre: the definitive report in a London newspaper...
Item #703367
April 24, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770
* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting
This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its excellent account of this, one of the most famous events of the 18th century, and a... See More
The Boston Port Act, in a London newspaper...
Item #703363
April 02, 1774
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1774
* Boston Port Act passed in a British publication
* Boston Tea Party colonists punishment for destroyed tea
The front page has a report that Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts, requests to return to England, with Thomas Gage appointed as his replacement.
But of great significance is the page 2, 3 & 4 printing of the Boston Por... See More
The Articles of Confederation...
Item #703335
April 29, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778
* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War
This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include ... See More
Edmund Burke's conciliatory plan...
Item #703310
May 13, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 13, 1775
* Edmund Burke - Anglo-Irish statesman speech
* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War
All of pages 1 and 2 are taken up with continued discussion in the House of Lords: "Authentic Debates on the New-England Fishery Bill". This was one of the notable Restraining Acts... See More
Reference to Lexington & Concord... The Restraining Act of 1775...
Item #703309
June 13, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 13, 1775
* re. Battles of Lexington & Concord
* American Revolutionary War beginning
* Retraining Acts of 1775
* Colonial trade restrictions
The entire front page, all of page 2, and over half of page 3 are taken up with: "An Act to restrain the trade and commerce of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virgi... See More
Early talk on an independent America...
Item #703295
March 08, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 8, 1775 This is the newspaper that ten years previous was owned and printed by Ben Franklin, his name appearing in the imprint up through 1765.
This issue has various items that reflect the growing tensions between England and America. Part of a very lengthy page 2 letter includes: "...That we aim at an independently, replete with the... See More
Thomas Paine's the "American Crisis" essay number 10...
Item #703278
March 11, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782 Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas Paine's essay #10 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by Paine during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1776 P... See More
A very rare American newspaper that existed for just seven issues...
Item #703276
June 25, 1776
THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776
* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have
This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776... See More
Letter from Francis 'Swamp Fox' Marion...
Item #703275
October 31, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Oct. 31, 1782 The front page begins with a document from the United States Congress concerning work towards creating an agreeable peace with England, signed: Charles Thomson, Secretary. The front page also has a letter from General Marion concerning his military actions, signed: Francis Marion. Then a lengthy report concerning the death of Charles Lee.
Page... See More
Wealth of discussion in Parliament on the worthiness of the Revolutionary War...
Item #703269
January 25, 1776
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE O ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, Jan. 25, 1776 The entire front page and almost half of page 2 are taken up with reports from the House of Commons, much of the discussion relating to the war with the American colonies. One bit notes in part: "...England was never engaged in a contest of such importance to our most valuable concerns and possessions. We... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed i... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue... Massachusetts ratifies the Constitution, in a Boston newspaper...
Item #703264
March 01, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronic... See More
Death of John Hancock...
Item #703236
November 16, 1793
THE ORACLE, London, England, Nov. 16, 1793
* John Hancock death (1st report)
* American revolution patriot
* Declaration of Independence fame
The top of page 3 is headed: "American States" with a report from Boston noting: "On Tuesday morning, about eight o'clock, departed this life his Excellency John Hancock, Governor and Commander in Chief of this Commonwealth, ... See More
Was Napoleon murdered? Victory in the Quasi-War...
Item #703226
March 20, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, March 20, 1799 Page 3 has a report from the Quasi-War with France: Truxton's Victory" as well as an: "Extract of a letter from Captain Stephen Decatur..." dated at the "Gulph of Florida".
Page 3 also has a curious item noting in part: "...Mr. Liston has news from Jamaica, late date from Europe, which gives a confirmation of the murd... See More
Alexander Hamilton responds to criticism on the salary of the President...
Item #703221
November 30, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, November 26 and 30, 1795 A nice pair of issues as the first has the entire front page (and a bit of page 2) taken up with: "Explanation--By Mr. Hamilton, on the subject of a late attack upon the President of the United States and the former and present Secretary of the Treasury, in relation to the compensation of the President".
This lengthy report c... See More
John Hancock signs an Act of the Mass. legislature...
Item #703218
August 07, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Aug. 7, 1783
* Governor John Hancock signed act
* State legislature of Massachusetts
Almost the entire issue is taken up with a lengthy Act of the state of Massachusetts, titled: "AN ACT, Laying Duties of Impost and Excise on Certain Goods, Wares and Merchandise therein described...". It is signed at its conclusion on page 4: John Hancock.... See More
Travels of the "Chief"... USS Washington to be bought by the government...
Item #703214
November 19, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Nov. 19, 1798 Page 3 has a report from Baltimore concerning the travels of George Washington with a curious beginning: "This morning arrived in tow, the Chief who unites all hearts... escorted in by captains Hollingworth's & Bentalou's troops...had the gratification of being reviews bye him...to the satisfaction of a large concourse of spec... See More
On the Edmund Randolph resignation...
Item #703213
January 12, 1796
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Jan. 12, 1796 Half of page 2 is taken up with letters & reports concerning Edmund Randolph's resignation as Secretary of State, two letters signed in type by: Go. Washington.
As a bit of background, Wikipedia offers:
"A scandal involving an intercepted French message led to Randolph's resignation from Washington's cabinet in August
... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress, on the front page...
Item #703212
April 17, 1790
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 17, 1790
* First three United States Presidents
* Act of U.S. Congress signed in type
The front page features an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type by John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Also much reporting from Congress.
Page 3 has a report headed: "Assumption of State Debts".&... See More
Washington's Farewell Address...
Item #703206
September 21, 1796
UNITED STATES CHRONICLE, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 29, 1796 If there was a list of the most historic utterances of the post-Revolutionary War era, this issue would have to rank the top.
All of pages 1 and 2, and nearly a column of page 3 are taken up with an address: "To The People of the United States: Friends and Fellow Citizens", more commonly known as Washington's Fa... See More
President George Washington responds...
Item #703204
September 28, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 28, 1795 This issue features a nice, ornate masthead engraving.
Page 2 begins with a discussion on the controversial Jay's Treaty with England. Also: "Indian Negotiations", but the feature report is a letter signed in type by the President: G. Washington, headed: "Answer Of the President to the Chairman of th... See More
Governing the U.S. Navy... Admiral Nelson...
Item #703200
October 21, 1799
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 21, 1799
* Lord Horatio Nelson
* President John Adams
The front page has over 2 columns on the continued: "Act for the Government of the Navy of the United States", signed in type by the President: John Adams, & headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 is mostly taken up with reports from Europe including 2 letters sig... See More
Much on the XYZ Affair...
Item #703198
June 25, 1798
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Tremendous coverage of the on-going XYZ Affair with over half of the front page, and all of pages 2 & 3 containing various reports & documents relating to this event.
The XYZ Affair was a political and diplomatic episode in 1797 and 1798, early in the presidency of John Adams, i... See More
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