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.
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #701189
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771 Page 4 begins with a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus ads as well.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, some foxing, good condition.... See More
From the closing months of the Revolutionary War... Very patriotic masthead engraving...
Item #701140
December 30, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 30, 1782
* One of the more patriotic mastheads from the Revolutionary War
Perhaps the best feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the m... See More
Washington's Farewell Address to the army...
Item #701133
November 08, 1783
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Nov. 22, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
Taking over a full column on page 1 and a bit of page 2 is the historic document headed: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States" and datelined "Rocky Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783&q... See More
Reports from the closing months of the Revolutionary War...
Item #701131
April 09, 1783
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL, Philadelphia, April 9, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events - John Dickinson
Fully half of the front page is a lengthy letter: "To His Excellency John Dickinson, esq., President" of Pennsylvania, which relates to the paper currency of America. The balance of the front page is a letter: "To Robert Morris" that begins: "M... See More
Reference to the Stamp Act...
Item #701127
March 23, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1767
* Rare pro British Colonial publication
* American taxation - re. stamp act
Over 1 1/2 columns of the front page are taken up with: "Dr. Franklin's Pieces in Behalf of North America", signed in type: Homespun.
Also on the front page is a letter mentioning: "...I know not with what ... See More
Capture of Ethan Allen, and so much more...
Item #701119
November 24, 1775
NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 24, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has a bit noting: "...letter from General Burgoyne at Boston wherein he says that 20,000 men would be a feeble reinforcement to the army there, in their present situation." Page 2 has various tidbits relating to the war, a few including: "... See More
Boston almanac for 1780...
Item #701104
January 01, 1780
* 18th century American almanac
* Revolutionary War era
A Pocket Almanac for the Year ofd our Lord 1780...fourth of American Independence, Calculated for trhe Use of the State of Massachusetts Bay in New-England, Boston, printed by T. & J. Fleet.
A wonderful almanac for during the Revolutionary War, complete in apprise. 40 pages. Each month has a blank leaf upon which notes were penned b... See More
Map of the Hudson River region... Franklin on the exchange of prisoners...
Item #701099
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778 * Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen
Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with consi... See More
The (1775) Restraining bill, and reaction to it...
Item #701076
May 17, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, May 17, 1775
* Retraining Acts of 1775
* Colonial trade restrictions
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with: "Lord Camden's Speech on the New England Fishery Bill".
Page 2 has a report headed: "Provisions in the Restraining Bill for the Provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylva... See More
The British capture Belle Ile from the French...
Item #700922
June 20, 1761
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 20, 1761
* Capture of Belle Île - Brittany, France
* British amphibious expedition victory
* Seven Years' War - Studhome Hodgson
Most of page 2 and part of page 3 are taken up with great coverage of the Capture of Belle Ile during the Seven Years' War.
This event was a British expedition to capture the French island o... See More
On the treaties that would end the Revolutionary War...
Item #700920
October 09, 1783
THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Oct. 9, 1783 Pages 2 and 3 are almost entirely taken up with two key parts of the Definitive Treaty that ended the Revolutionary War.
The treaty involved four parties: the United States, Great Britain, France, and Spain, and treaties were required among all parties. Found here are the treaties between Great Britain and France, and between Gre... See More
Ship taken off the coast of Virginia...
Item #700896
December 29, 1746
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 29, 1746 Page 3 has a brief item noting: "The Rose, Witts, from Virginia for London, is taken by a French man of war from Chebectou, near the Capes of Virginia, the captain and crew are carried into Port Louis, but the ship was not arrived when the letters came away." Also mention of other ships from North Carolina and Virginia.
Four p... See More
Warning to Loyalists who remain...
Item #700875
June 27, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, June 27, 1783
* Closing events of the Revolutionary War
Pages 2 & 3 have some content related to the end of the Revolutionary War, one bit noting: "...find themselves standing alone in a dispute with this country, neither France, Spain, or America, having now any longer cause for quarrel with Great Britain...".
Also, a little cha... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700870
September 05, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Sept. 5, 1783
* Post Revolutionary War America
Page 2 has some items relating to America including: "... duty obliges every importer of tobacco in Great Britain...It is surely bad policy to throw the Americans into new tracks..." and also: "...appears an act of the Commonwealth of Mass. whereby...that from & after the last day of... See More
Title relates to the Jacobite Rebellion.,..
Item #700855
November 08, 1746
THE DAILY GAZETTEER: A Vigorous War; Glorious Peace, or LONDON ADVERTISER, England, Nov. 8, 1746
* Era of the Jacobite Rebellion
* Rare 18th century publication
The title, with the military reference, likely relates to the Jacobite Rebellion which reached its climax at the Battle of Culloden on April 16.
The front page is filled with various news reports from Europe, mostly fr... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700843
February 22, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb.22, 1796 Page 7 has a letter from New York that mentions in part: "...The American Congress have resolved that foreign ship shall not import into the United States any other goods but such as are the growth and manufacture of the nation to which the ships belong." And also: "A serious difference is said to exist at this time between the ... See More
The uses of Indian Corn from America...
Item #700842
March 07, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 7, 1796 Pages 4 and 5 contain an article headed: "Indian Corn - Extract of a Letter Received from a Gentleman from America Recommending the use of Indian Corn". The article takes over a full column.
Eight pages, 9 3/4 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on the back page, very nice condition.
Early on Australia...
Item #700841
March 28, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 28, 1796
* Early New South Wales, Australia
The back page has a report headed: "New South Wales" which is from Australia. Bits include: "...the natives in the immediate purlieus of the settlement were tolerably friendly...The different convicts, whose term of transportation has expired, have been relieved from any imposition of public ... See More
The Quasi-War with France... Nelson & Buonaparte in Egypt...
Item #700840
August 14, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 14, 1798 Page 4 has much reporting on the Napoleonic War with Nelson & Napoleon in Egypt. One bit notes: "...mentioning that Admiral Nelson and Buonaparte had met near Alexandria; that the fleets had engaged, and that Admiral Nelson had lost three ships & two frigates..." with much more.
Page 5 has most of a column headed: "Hos... See More
The X, Y, Z Affair...
Item #700839
September 07, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Sept. 7, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Page 5 has content on the X, Y, Z Affair, beginning: "It appears, as well by the American negotiation with Messrs. X, T. and Z as by the negotiations in which h the virtuous and open-hearted Mr. Arthur O'Conner bore so distinguished a part...".
The X, Y, Z Affair was a co... See More
The Quasi War with France... Praising the American Navy...
Item #700836
November 13, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Nov. 13, 1798 Page
5 has a report headed: "Capture Of A French Frigate By An American Frigate" which is on: "...the capture of a French frigate of 28 guns off Charlestown [Charleston] Bar, by the American frigate the Constellation of 48 guns, Capt. Cluxton [sic: Truxton]..." taken: "...without firing a shot. No country in the worl... See More
Part of the War of Austrian Succession...
Item #700825
March 21, 1743
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE: OR THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENT, England, March 21, 1743
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
It is quite uncommon to find non-London newspapers from the U.K. from such an early date, plus with American content.
Page 2 has: "Plantation News" with various shipping reports, as well as: "...We killed the Spaniards, 15 or 16 of them, ... See More
Parliament debates the Acts passed against America...
Item #700822
April 12, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, April 12, 1783 Page 3 has discussions in the House of Commons subhead: "America" concerning whether: "...to take into consideration a bill to repeal the prohibitory acts passed against America..." with much discussion on it.
Four pages, piece from a bottom, blank margin not close to any text, partial red tax stamp on page 3, good conditi... See More
Dealing with Loyalists...
Item #700818
July 01, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, July 1, 1783
* Closing events in the Revolutionary War
* Loyalists escaping New York City
The front page has several items relating to the closing moments of the Revolutionary War, a few bits including: "...Every thing is settled between Sir G. Carlton & the Congress in respect to the claims for money due on account of prisoners, and the othe... See More
Details on the British retaking the Bahama Islands...
Item #700816
July 31, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, July 31, 1783
* Revolutionary War ending events
The front page has a brief letter of introduction written by General Guy Carleton dated at New York: "I transmit...a copy of Col. Derveaux's letter conveying an account of the recapture of the Bahama Islands, together with a copy of the capitulation." signed in type: Guy Carleton.
The... See More
The silk industry in South Carolina...
Item #700808
June 29, 1767
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, June 29, 1767 Page 2 has reports headed: "America" one of which is from Charleston and the development of the silk business in South Carolina.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very wide margins, very nice condition.
News from Charleston & Boston: naval concerns, hopes for a peace among the Indians...
Item #700801
December 09, 1771
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Dec. 9, 1771 Page 3 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Boston. Bits include: "...a chief of the Mohawk Tribe of Indiana...arrived in town & have had several conferences with...Lieutenant Governor...to make a general peace between the Six Nations & all the tribes inhabiting from the Ohio to the Chicasahs...... See More
On the French & Indian War: French have to abandon Louisbourg...
Item #700798
November 23, 1759
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 23, 1759 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 containing a related item noting: "...In consequence of the taking of Louisbourg, upwards of 20,000 French people, who were settled in different sorts of trade & business in the country round about have been sent away & several small towns...have been demolished...".
... See More
French & Indian War reports from America...
Item #700794
December 26, 1758
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 26, 1758 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 having: "Plantation News" with datelines from Annapolis Albany, Boston, and New York, all with reports concerning the French & Indian War.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.
On the retirement of George Washington from public office...
Item #700777
December 16, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796
* President George Washington
* Retirement from public service
The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another lett... See More
Sale of 100 slaves... Selling land in the Northwest Territory...
Item #700774
December 06, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 6, 1796 The front page is filled with ads including 14 illustrated ship ads plus one ad headed: "To Be Sold...Upwards of 100 Negroes..." with details, and "For Sale. A Young Negro Man...".
News & ads of the day inside with a back page notice: "Lands of the United States - Treasury Department" concerning... See More
Huge map of the Mississippi River dated June 1, 1775...
Item #700671
January 01, 1783
COURSE of the RIVER MISSISSIPI [sic] from the Balise to Fort Chartres; Taken on an Expedition to the Illinois, in the latter end of the Year 1763 by Lieut. Ross of the 34th Regiment: Improved from the Surveys of that River made by the French".
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 in 'Fleet Street, Published as the Act directs, 11 June 1775"
A noted map dealer
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 in 'Fleet Street, Published as the Act directs, 11 June 1775"
A noted map dealer
Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War: abridged version...
Item #700633
THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, October, 1783 * Historic Treaty of Paris (peace)
* End of the Revolutionary War
Near the back is the full text of: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783" which consumes over two pages, and includes the signatures of John Adams, B. Franklin, and John Jay... See More
On the "Causes & Necessity for Taking Up Arms"...
Item #700625
August 21, 1775
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE, England, Aug. 21, 1775 The very top of the front page has an extremely historic letter which summarizes the text of the document issued by the American Congress on July 6, 1775, which we now know as the "Causes & Necessity For Taking Up Arms".
Written by Jefferson & Dickinson, in it Congress rejects independence but insists Americans would ra... See More
George Washington "signature" on the front page...
Item #700624
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
Four George Washington signatures on the front page...
Item #700623
April 26, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1797
* President George Washington
* United States Congress acts
The front page features not one, but four documents each signed by the President: Go. Washington, three of them are signed in the very desirable script type. One of the Acts relates to fixing the military establishment of the United States.
Four pages, very light damp staining at ... See More
Three "signatures" by Washington on his last day in office...
Item #700622
April 22, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 22, 1797
* President George Washington's last day in office
* Three Acts of Congress signed in script type
The front page contains not one but three Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The Acts are regarding duties on distilled spirits, one for placing buoys in Boston harbor, and one for setting the... See More
The historic Boston Non-Importation Agreement...
Item #700584
May 15, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769 The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any exception take... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #700551
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Sept. 30, 1758; Sept. 16, 1760; July 28, 1761; May 21, 1768; & May 19, 1772. Each issue is complete in 8 pages and is in good condition, a few with some damp staining & a little foxing or fold rubbing. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American col... See More
Fine reporting on the French & Indian War...
Item #700468
September 30, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Sept. 30, 1760
* French and Indian War
* Fort Crown Point & more
Inside has over a full page of various reports from "America" with datelines from Charleston, Boston, Philadelphia & Crown Point, all reports providing the latest news on the French & Indian War with mention of General Amherst, Capt. Greg, General Murray & others. Fine cont... See More
On the conquest of Montreal & sending the French home...
Item #700467
November 29, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 29, 1760
* The Surrender of Montreal
* French troops defeated
The back page has a letter from Philadelphia which mention in part: "From Montreal we learn that M. Vaudruiel, late Governor & Commander in Chief of Canada, with all the regular troops...were to be sent home immediately, and t5hat the peasants born in Canada & having possessi... See More
Reporting on the capture of Quebec...
Item #700464
October 23, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 23, 1759
* Battle & capture of Quebec, Canada
* French and Indian War - James Wolfe
Page 6 has a letter from Quebec has some information on its conquest including: "Were I to describe, in military phrases, the strength, situation, number, and, upon this occasion, uncommon bravery of the enemy...you would not be a little surprized at our und... See More
Battle of Fort Frontenac...
Item #700463
November 02, 1758
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 2, 1758
* Fort Frontenac captured
* French and Indian War
The back page has a very nice letter: "...from an officer in one of the provincial regiments in America...dated Albany, Sept. 15" which begins: "You will hear from many hands the successful blow struck against the French interest in America by the taking of Cadaraque, or (as th... See More
On the end of the French & Indian War...
Item #700457
August 06, 1763
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 6, 1763
* French and Indian War nearing the end
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 6, 1763 Most of the front page is taken up with reports under the heading: "America", with a Perth Amboy dateline, and includes: "The termination of a long & burthensome war, by the late Definitive Treaty, is an event as happy as it is g... See More
Not held by any American institution... Reports from New York & Boston...
Item #700397
July 29, 1758
PUE'S OCCURRENCES, Dublin, Ireland, July 29, 1758 An early Irish newspaper with pages 1 and 2 having various news reports while most of the balance of the issue is taken up with ads & notices.
Page 2 has: "Plantation News" with reports datelined from New York and Boston, from during the French & Indian War era.
This title is not held by any American institution.
Four... See More
From during George Washington's administration...
Item #700354
March 07, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 7, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The back page has 11 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.
During Washington's administration...
Item #700345
May 07, 1793
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 7, 1793
* 18th century America publication
A typical newspaper of the day from during George Washington's administration. Inside has a runaway reward ad, with details.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.... See More
A great, late 1700's American newspaper...
Item #700333
December 31, 1794
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1794
* During George Washington's administration
If you are looking for a very nice, typical American newspaper of the late 1700's, here's a great one for a modest price. A four page issue with a nice mix of news of the day and advertisements.
The front page has 2 runaway reward ads, page 2 has 12 illustrated ... See More
This title is not held by any American institution...
Item #700241
September 14, 1799
FELIX FARLEY'S BRISTOL JOURNAL, England, Sept. 14, 1799
* Rare 18th century publication
The masthead features an engraving somewhat similar to the Royal coat-of-arms. A folio size newspaper with untrimmed margins, two illustrated ship ads on the front page with mostly British & other European reports inside.
This title is not held by any American institution. It is Crane & Kaye ... See More
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