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 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
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
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
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
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
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
On the independence of America...
Item #703516
June 20, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 20, 1782 The front page begins with a letter from the King of France to Count de Rochambeau concerning hopes for peace and events at the close of the Revolutionary War. Also a front page item: "Seasonable Thoughts" noting in part: "The conduct of the British Parliament in offering peace to America upon the terms of reconciliation, wants a... 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
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
* John Burgoyne defeat criticized
* Thomas Paine re. Common Sense
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 ... 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
Much fine war-related content...
Item #703441
November 28, 1778
THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Nov. 28, 1778 Page 2 has a report noting in part: "...that General Clinton being advised of a body of Washington's troops reining in the Jerseys, consisting of horse, called ably Washington's Regiment...body of infantry in pursuit of them...surprised and defeated them and took 107 prisoners, etc. The Sir Henry Clinton had wrote a ... 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
* Revolutionary War
* From the enemy
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... 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
The Boston Massacre: the definitive report in a London newspaper...
Item #703422
April 24, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770 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 catalyst for action which would result in the Rev... See More
The British review Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”…
Item #703376
May 30, 1776
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 30, 1776 A terrific issue as almost the entirety of page 5 is taken up with a report headed: "COMMON SENSE: Address to the Inhabitants of AMERICA on several Interesting Subjects. October, Price 1s, 6d". There is a prefacing not reading: "This Tract was originally published at Philadelphia and is just reprinted and published here. The writer of th... 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
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
The Howe's offer pardon to those who return their allegiance to the King...
Item #703273
December 19, 1776
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776 Taking close to half of the front page is a notable: "PROCLAMATION" by Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe.
Keeping in mind that Washington had just abandoned New York with the British taking control, within this Proclamation they noted previous grants of a free and general pardon if colonists again paid all... See More
Terrific account of the British evacuating Boston... Fate of Ethan Allen...
Item #703272
March 21, 1776
THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, March 21, 1776 It would be difficult to find a better newspaper to report the historic evacuation of Boston by the British in 1776 than this issue.
Printed across the Charles River from Boston, page 3 has a nice account of the British leaving town. Datelined the same day, the report begins: "Last Sabbath the British army in Bos... 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
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
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
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
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 th... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #703186
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Pag... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... See More
Early American title from the French & Indian War...
Item #702912
May 13, 1762
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER AND NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE, May 13, 1762
* Rare Colonial Massachusetts
* St. Augustine, Florida
This is a much later issue of America's first successful newspaper, founded in 1704.
The top of the ftpg. has a nice recruiting advertisements to enlist soldiers to fight in the on-going French & Indian War: "For Recruiting His Majesty's Regular Forc... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #702789
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Sept. 16, 1758, Nov. 13, 1762, Dec. 13, 1764, April 7, 1768, and May 2, 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 nice condi... See More
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702586
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783 Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America. Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, particularly details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, &a... See More
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