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.
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... Citizen Genet...
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
A 1776 skirmish in South Carolina...
Item #704264
October 03, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Oct. 3, 1776
* Great year to collect (1776)
* American revolutionary War
* Cherokee village of Tamassee
* Major Andrew Williamson
Any newspaper dated 1776 is quite desirable, but even more so issues printed in Philadelphia.
Page 2 has a report which includes: "There is not a maritime nation in Europe but which privately c... 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
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
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
Alexander Hamilton, Anthony Wayne, John Jay, Henry Knox, and Citizen Genet......
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
Items on the Revolutionary War in this handsome newspaper...
Item #704133
August 27, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 1778
* Rare American Revolutionary War title
This title has one of the more ornate mastheads of the Revolutionary War, the lettering so frilly that it is almost difficult to read.
Page 2 has some reports from London noting the king has called in Lt. General Burgoyne, likely to explain his loss at Saratoga.... 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
* 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
England recognizes America as free and independent? Battle of Eutaw Springs...
Item #704127
May 06, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, May 6, 1782
* England recognizes America free w/ independence ?
* Battle of Eutaw Springs - South Carolina
* American Revolutionary War original
* Nice patriotic masthead engraving for display
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Han... See More
The Dutch recognize the independence of America...
Item #704126
March 03, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 3, 1783
* Revolutionary War ending events
* American Independence
* Nice masthead for display
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, patr... See More
Jean-Pierre Blanchard and a parachute jump...
Item #704077
June 26, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 26, 1793 The front page features 16 nice illustrated ship ads. The top of page 3 features a letter signed in script type by J. Blanchard. Jean-Pierre Blanchard was an early pioneer in balloon flights. He gives in to a request from a woman to do another parachute experiment.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #704074
November 14, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792 Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph hea... 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
Three Washington script signatures on the front page...
Item #704067
April 09, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 9, 1796 Over half of the front page is taken up with three documents of the federal government with each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and two of them in block type by John Adams.
This was one of just a couple of newspapers which used the script type for presidential signatures, making such issues very displayable when on the front... See More
George Washington "signature" on the front page...
Item #704065
April 19, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 19, 1797 The front page contains an Act of Congress, taking close to a full column of text, being: "An Act for Raising a Further sum of Money by additional Duties on certain Articles imported; & for other purposes." which is signed in script type: Go. Washington.
This was one of just a few newspapers that used the script type for signatures of... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by President Washington...
Item #704058
May 06, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 6, 1795 The entire column 2 of the front page is taken up with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. One is for "...authorizing the exportation of arms, cannon and military stores in certain cases."
Four pages, light damp staining and a bit of foxing, otherwise good.
Washington signs America's first Copyright Act...
Item #704053
July 17, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 17, 1790 A nice & very historic issue for display, as fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress titled: "An Act for the Encouragement of Learning by securing the Copies of Maps, Charts and Books to the Authors & Proprietors of such Copies during the Times therein mentioned."
This is a terrific issue for anyone interes... See More
George Washington on the front page...
Item #704052
July 07, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
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 f... See More
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
* United States - U.S. Congress
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
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 b... 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
* President George Washington
* Act of United States Congress
* re. census of South Carolina
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 Carolin... 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 P
* Alexander Hamilton during Quasi-War
age 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..... See More
Buonaparte has lost the confidence of his army...
Item #704005
September 11, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 11, 1799 Inside has much on the war in Europe including: "Army of Italy" "Army of the Danube" and other datelines from Vienna, Zurich, London, etc.
Page 3 has: "Latest News of Buonaparte in Egypt" which includes: "...Buonaparte has lost the confidence of his army, who are very discontented..."... See More
The ship Constellation, and more...
Item #704004
September 04, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 4, 1799 A very ornate masthead. Page 2 has much news from Europe including: "Official - Operations of Buonaparte" at Tripoli in Syria.
Page 3 includes news headed: "Tennessee" with the report of a duel; "Western Territory--Cincinnati" concerning trouble with Indians; a letter from Capt. Truxton wh... 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
* President George Washington
* Farewell Address (retirement)
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&... 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
* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
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 ... 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
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