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.
From during Washington's administration...
Item #704293
April 22, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 22, 1796 A very typical late 18th century American newspaper with a good mix of news reports of the day and advertisements. A fine opportunity for an early newspaper at a low price.
Four pages, very nice condition.
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
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
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
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
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
Pennsylvania's President releases the official Proclamation that ended the war...
Item #704114
April 19, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, April 19, 1783
* John Dickinson of Pennsylvania
* Proclamation of the Cessation of Arms
* End of hostilities of Revolutionary War
Over half of the front page is taken up with various dispatches concerning: "The Proceedings of the Federal Army near New Windsor, to Obtain the Redress of their Grievances&qu... See More
1775 Battle of Bunker Hill...
Item #704104
October 12, 1775
NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 12, 1775
* Battle of Bunker - Breed's Hill
* Charleston, Boston, Massachusetts
* General Thomas Gage account
Certainly a terrific issue as page 3 begins with a letter, signed in type by: Tho. Gage, in which he gives his account of the historic Battle of Bunker Hill, dated June 25 just 8 days after the battle.
I... See More
Thomas Paine and his "American Crisis" essay #10...
Item #704103
May 02, 1782
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 2, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - essay # 10
* "The American Crisis"
Most of the front page is taken up with a portion of his essay of March 5, 1782, headed "Common Sense To the People of America. On the Expences, Arrangements, and Disbursement for carrying on the War, and finishing it with Honour and Adva... See More
Jean-Pierre Blanchard and a parachute jump...
Item #704077
June 26, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 26, 1793
* Jean-Pierre Blanchard
* Early parachute experiment
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 experi... See More
George Washington and Sam Adams...
Item #704073
April 16, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 16, 1796
* George Washington & Samuel Adams
The front page features two Acts of Congress concerning courts, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a chart of the latest count for the election of Mass. governor, showing Judge Sumner leading over Gov. Sam Adams.
Four pages, some damp staining, good condition.... 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
The Edmund Randolph scandal that would cause his resignation...
Item #704063
January 09, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 9 1796
* The Edmund Randolph scandal
* United States Secretary of State
* re. Revolution in France
The front page has several crucial letters on the scandal involving Sec. of State Edmund Randolph which would result in his resignation.
Randolph had been tasked with keeping friendly relations with France. The British Navy had intercepted c... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #704061
July 20, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 20, 1796
* President George Washington
* Three Acts of U.S. Congress
The front page features not one but three Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. One relates to building codes for new construction in Washington, D.C. and another is for: "...making Appropriations for the Support of the Military &... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #704060
June 23, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1790
* Act of United States Congress
The front page begins with an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: George Washington, and in block type: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. It is headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has much reporting from Congress during this formative year of the federal governmen... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by President Washington...
Item #704058
May 06, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 6, 1795
* President George Washington
* 2 Acts of Congress signed
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 stainin... See More
Washington signs America's first Copyright Act...
Item #704053
July 17, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 17, 1790
* Copyright Act of 1790
* 1st federal copyright law
* President George Washington
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 Co... 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
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
Launch of the U.S. brig President Adams...
Item #704002
August 07, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 7, 1799 Most of the front page is taken up with: "Robespierre--The Detested", the famous name from the French Revolution.
A page 2 item from Pittsburgh has: "A new brig, the property of the United States, called President Adams, was launched on Rouge River, six miles from Detroit...She carries 18 guns & is remarkab... See More
Colonists against the Stamp Act are warned of consequences.... Stamp distributor is forced to resign....
Item #703953
November 07, 1765
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 7, 1765
* The Stamp Act crisis
* Sir Francis Bernard speech
* Boston riots response
The front page has a report from Boston appointing a committee to be comprised of James Otis & Sam Adams, among others, to offer thanks for "...his Majesty's...noble, generous & truly patriotic speeches...in favour of the Colonies, their... 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
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
* United States U.S. Constitution
* North Carolina ratification (last)
* Post "Bill of Rights" acceptance
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 ... See More
The President tours the Northeast...
Item #703766
November 18, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 18, 1789 This issue has much coverage of the President's tour of the Northeast, including a front page address of the town of Portsmouth to the President, followed by: "The Answer" signed in type: G. Washington.
Page 2 includes an: "Ode, Upon the Arrival of The President of the United States in the town of Boston", followe... See More
The Treasury Department is created... Where will the federal capital be located? Knox is Secretary at War...
Item #703753
September 16, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 16, 1789 Certainly the most notable report is that found on the back page, where is printed in full: "An ACT to Establish the Treasury Department" taking nearly a full column, signed at its conclusion by the President: George Washington.
A very notable report on the creation of this significant department of the federal government. Ter... See More
Debating where the permanent Capital should be... Death of the President's mother...
Item #703751
September 09, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 9, 1789
* Debate on Nation's capital location
* Mary Ball Washington death
* 1st president G.W.'s mother
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Sketch of Proceedings of Congress in the House of Representatives..." with considerable debate on the Judicial Bill.
Half of page 2 (and some of page 3) are tak... 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
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
British officers revolt in New Jersey... News from Pensacola...
Item #703661
August 03, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE, Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
* Colonial - Anti-British publication
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 T... See More
George Washington on the front page...
Item #703616
May 10, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 10, 1797 The middle of the front page contains not one but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Such issues are scarce--particularly with more than one signature--yet increasingly desirable and very displayable as such.
Beginning on the front page & concluding on page 2 is a letter: "From Mr. Jefferson,... See More
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