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.
Comptroller of United States appointed... Louis XVI attempts to escape...
Item #686076
June 27, 1791
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 27, 1791
* Oliver Wolcott Jr.
* Appointed to U.S. Treasury
* Louis XVI - King of France
A page 3 report from "Hartford" states: "We are informed that the President of the United States has appointed OLIVER WALCOTT, Esq., Comptroller of the Treasury, of the United States, vice Nicholas Eveleigh...deceased."
Over one-third of p... See More
George Washington and Alexander Hamilton signatures on the front page...
Item #686075
February 08, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 8, 1792
* President George Washington
* Alexander Hamilton
The top half of the first column is taken up with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. Unfortunately there is a piece removed from just beneath this Act, part of a letter carrying over to column two which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton.
Otherwise ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams...
Item #686073
April 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 2, 1791 The front page has reporting on: "The Bank Bill under Consideration". The back page has two Acts of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in block type by: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The bkpg. also has an ad by: "Manuel Noah, Broker..." a noted Jewish financie... See More
The early workings of Congress...
Item #686057
April 13, 1789
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, April 13, 1789
* United States Congress beginning
* Federal government in it's infancy
A terrific issue on the very first days of work for the new federal Congress.
See the photo for the page 2 report headed: "Proceedings of Congress - House of Representatives of the United States" datelined April 11, which was 19 days before Wash... See More
Congressmen sworn in & Congress begins...
Item #686051
April 15, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Apr. 15, 1789 A terrific issue on the very first days of work for the new federal Congress.
See the photo for the page 2 report from New York mentioning that the Speaker & other members of the House are sworn into office, with a printing of a portion of their oath.
Also some reporting of the very first item on the first Congress, that being th... See More
Taxation without representation...
Item #686049
July 25, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, July 25, 1768
* Taxation without representation
* Pre American Revolutionary War
The front page has: "The Nuns General Character & Way of Living from an Account of the Manners & Customs of Italy" which carries over to pages 2 & 3 as well.
Further on under: "America" is a report from Charleston which begins: "It seems hardly p... See More
Workings of Congress on creating the Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686046
May 18, 1789
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 18, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789
* United States Congress
* 1st major piece of legislation
One of the first priorities of the new federal government was creating a means of tariff revenues, of such importance that the resulting Tariff Act of 1789 was just the second Act approved by Congress. The Tariff Act would be approved on July 4.
But it is th... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789...
Item #686042
July 22, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 22, 1789 Most of page 2 and a bit of page 2 are taken up with "Sketches of the Proceedings of Congress" providing interesting insight into the discussion of the very new federal government.
Page 3 has the full text of: "An Act Imposing duties on Tonnage" signed in type by the President: G. Washington, and the Vice Presid... See More
On the Treasury Bill and compensations for various officers...
Item #686040
July 25, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, July 25, 1789 Half of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "Slave Trade" which is a report from a French society for the abolition of the trade. One bit notes: "...The abolition, therefore, of negro slavery was esteemed by the general United States & by the convention in which they were represented, not only a measure condu... See More
Tonnage Act: further defining the historic Tariff Act of 1789..
Item #686033
July 24, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 24, 1789
* Tariff Act of 1789 (Tonnage)
* George Washington signs
* 1st major piece of legislation
The entire front page is taken up with ads including 7 illustrated ship ads.
Page 2 has an address to George Washington from the governor & council of North Carolina, which is followed by his reply which carries ove... See More
Terrific display newspaper from 1789...
Item #686026
August 07, 1789
THE NORWICH PACKET & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Connecticut, Aug. 7, 1789
* Very rare 18th century publication
* Great masthead engraving for display
* First year of President George Washington
This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century, and it has been many years since we have been able to offer one. And from the founding year of the federal government with two ... See More
From the early months of our federal government...
Item #685992
July 11, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, NY, July 11, 1789
* From the 1st year of George Washington's presidency
* United States government (Congress) in it's infancy
Page 2 has much on an oration delivered by the Reverend William Rogers before the Penna. State Society of the Cincinnati, and: "...Towards the close of the oration, Mr. Rogers...observed...to blazon the meri... See More
Displayable Act of Parliament... 1759...
Item #685880
January 01, 1759
ACT OF PARLIAMENT, London, England, 1759 Nice full title page has an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms. Inside has an act: "...for adding certain annuities...to the joint stock...and for carrying the several duties therein mentioned to the Sinking fund..."
A decorative document given the displayable title page.
Twenty pages, 11 by 7 1/4 inches, nice condition.... See More
Burgoyne & Saratoga... John Paul Jones: King wants his ships back...
Item #685874
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1779 * Battles of Saratoga - New York
* General John Burgoyne defeat
* Captain John Paul Jones
The first 8 pages are taken up with "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes some discussion of the affairs in America.
But the prime content would be the excellent coverage of events relating to General Burgoyn... See More
From the Revolutionary War era...
Item #685842
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1779 A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as we find almost no American content. At the back under the "Historical Chronicle" is mention that the New York, Quebec & Newfoundland fleets have set sail under the convoy of Admiral Arbuthnot. The balance of the news reports is al... See More
Washington at Morristown... Action in the South...
Item #685816
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780 The first article has: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure f... See More
From the Revolutionary War...
Item #685805
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1780 A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as there is very little American content in this issue.Just one report in the "Historical Chronicle" with two items: "There have been no material advices from America that can be rely'd on. A vague report...that two French s... See More
Ornate masthead in this Dublin newspaper...
Item #685711
May 05, 1791
THE DUBLIN CHRONICLE, Ireland, May 5, 1791 Ornate lettering int he masthead of this uncommon title. Filled with news items from Europe, and discussion in the "House of Commons" on the: "Quebec Bill".
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 12 inches, pgs. 3 & 4 close-trimmed at the bottom affects some words, otherwise good condition.
John Adams and the XYZ Affair...
Item #685709
July 04, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 4, 1798
* re. the XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
The front page, most of pg. 2 & some of page 5 are taken up with a lengthy letter from the U.S. ambassadors to the French ministers of state concerning the XYZ Affair, including an introductory note signed by the President: John Adams.
Four pages, nice cond... See More
A John Adams Proclamation... Rights of women...
Item #685691
March 31, 1798
THE WEEKLY MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, March 31, 1798 An uncommon title which lasted only from Feb., 1798 thru June, 1799, during which time it was suspended for 6 months due to the death of the editor.
Contents include a wide range of eclectic articles, one of which is: "The Rights Of Woman" which is a serialized article, this portion taking 1 1/2 pages. The back two pages are taken ... See More
Nice 18th century American magazine...
Item #685497
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1792 First page has: "Description of the Upper Ferry on the River Schuylkill, near the city of Philadelphia", lacking the related plate.Also in this issue are: "History of the Smallpox" "A Hint to the Ladies" "Method of Imitating Certain Wines" "An Oration Delivered at Taunton, July 4, 1792 at the C... See More
Interesting doctor's ad from 1734...
Item #685342
June 15, 1734
THE COUNTRY JOURNAL: OR THE CRAFTSMAN, London, June 15, 1734 This was the leading anti-Walpole political journal of its time: Thomas Lockwood describes it as "the most successful political journal of the first half of the eighteenth century...".
The stated purpose of the newspaper was to expose political craft--hence the title--but the overriding purpose was to unseat&n... See More
One of the more decorative mastheads of the 18th century...
Item #685297
March 26, 1798
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, March 26, 1798
* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America
If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, generally in ve... See More
Great 18th century issue for display...
Item #685275
March 07, 1719
THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OR SATURDAY'S POST, London, March 7, 1719
* Jacobite Rebellion - Pretender
* Great masthead engraving
* Early 18th century original
This title has one of the more beautiful & intricately engraved mastheads to be had, and is a nice display issue as such.
Various news items from Europe including a page 2 mention that: "...letters from several parts of ... See More
Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1701...
Item #685248
April 14, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 14, 1701
* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* At the turn of the 18th century
This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was the case with most newspapers of the 17th century, this is... See More
Criminals and their crimes...
Item #685191
November 12, 1726
MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Nov. 12, 1726 A quite rare title containing a wide variety of news of the day. Page 2 has a report of various criminal cases, one of which notes: "Two persons stood in the pillory this week for sodomy, and were sadly maul'd."
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, 9 1/2 by 12 inches, very nice condition.... See More
Penitent murderer & rapist warns his spectators to take another course...
Item #685189
October 22, 1726
MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Oct. 22, 1726 A quite rare title containing a wide variety of news of the day. Page 2 has a report of penitent yet monstrous murderer & rapist: "Last Monday the notorious John Humphrey was executed here...for several rapes and murders...He was very penitent under condemnation, and at the place of execution behaved very devoutly, giving, in his fare... See More
Handsome masthead from 1795...
Item #684955
October 21, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 21, 1795
* 18th century American publication
Page 2 has reports from: "France, National Convention" taking over half of the page. Page 3 has reports from "Kentucky" Maryland" "New York" and elsewhere.
This is the newspaper by the famed printer Isaiah Thomas. Four pages, decorative masthead, a... See More
Still with the original blue wrappers...
Item #684748
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, October, 1769 Rarely do we find such 18th century magazines in their original state--never bound, never trimmed, and with their original blue outer wrappers. Here is one.Inside the front wrapper is the title/contents have most are familiar with, featuring a very detailed engraving of the London skyline.
Near the back in the "Monthly Chronologer" wit... See More
Rare Daniel DeFoe periodical...
Item #684747
November 04, 1708
A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, Nov. 4, 1708 From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is: "...one of Daniel Defoe's greatest, but least known, works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical. It had a tiny original print run of just 400, making this a very rare title.
Defoe's &quo... See More
Just before the Constitution is created...
Item #684744
June 08, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, June 8, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) A notable newspaper from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and the creation of the American Constitution when the founding fathers were crafting a framework for a new federal government.
Inside has: "Cursory Perspective of the Staters of America" listing them state-b... See More
Discussing the election...
Item #684720
October 06, 1796
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 6, 1796 Page 2 has over 1 1/2 columns taken up with a letter concerning the election with mention of Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and others.
The back page has a lengthy ad for a lottery for the "Federal City" of Washington. A wealth of other ads as well.
Four pages, archival strengthening at t... See More
For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character...
Item #684640
June 03, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 3, 1796 Page 2 has reports from Converses including: "The bill for making appropriations for the support of the military and naval establishments of 1796, was read a their time and passed...".
Page 3 had an ad: "For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character..." and a bit more.
The back page has 2 runawa... See More
Sale of a slave girl... Debating the Jay Treaty...
Item #684639
June 02, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 2, 1796 Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A likely healthy NEGRO GIRL..." with deta... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty...
Item #684578
June 11, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 11, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from Congress concerning debates on the controversial Jay Treaty with England.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A Likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.... See More
Commodore Pearson awarded for his action with John Paul Jones...
Item #684536
May 07, 1789
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 7, 1789 Page 2 has a rather gruesome report concerning: "...navigators sent out for the purpose of making discoveries by order of the French court...".
It mentions that when the crew went ashore to make observations, "...the natives shewed every friendly disposition...for no sooner were they within their power, than their perfidy w... See More
Ten London newspapers from the 1790's...
Item #684514
May 04, 1795
(10) THE SUN and THE TIMES were two of the more famous & successful of British newspapers in the late 18th century. The Times remains one of the iconic papers of the world, having begun in 1788 and is still printing today. It was the first newspaper to have "Times" in the title, since lending its name to innumerable newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.
Here is a lot of ten issu... See More
Letter from Patrick Henry, and much on the Revolutionary War...
Item #684429
June 09, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 9, 1779
* Patrick Henry letter signed in type
* Much on the Revolutionary War
Pages 2 and 3 contain a wealth of reporting on the Revolutionary War including a letter from Charleston noting in part: "The campaign in George and the Southern part of this state between the royal army commanded by Brigadier General P... See More
Death & funeral of Governor Increase Sumner...
Item #684283
June 12, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 12, 1799
* Increase Sumner death
* Massachusetts governor
Page 2 has over a full column taken up with: "Arrangements For The Funeral Of the Late Governor Sumner" including the "Procession from the State House--Funeral Escort" showing the position of the "corpse" and the pall bearers. Nice to have in this title.
Four page,... See More
William H. Harrison when he was 26 years old...
Item #684282
December 18, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 18, 1799
* William Henry Harrison
* Very early mention (26 yrs. old)
* Northwest Territory Congressman
The top of page 2 has a brief report headed: "Delegate To Congress" noting: "Mr. W. H. Harrison having produced his credentials as delegate to Congress from the N.W. Territory, the same were referred to the Committee of Elections.&qu... See More
Less than 3 months before Washington's death...
Item #684280
September 21, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 21, 1799 The front page has a portion of the: "Act to Establish the Post Office of the United States".
Other news of the day with much on the Napoleonic Wars in Europe.
Four pages, light foxing, archivally strengthened at the spine, good condition.
The Battle of the Nile... Admiral Nelson victorious...
Item #684158
October 27, 1798
FELIX FARLEY'S BRISTOL JOURNAL, England, Oct. 27, 1798 Handsome engraving in the masthead. Being of the era of the Napoleonic Wars, it is not surprising that this issue has numerous reports on such. Included are a few dispatches which relate to the historic Battle of the Nile, and another noting: "...that Admiral Nelson had taken & destroyed the whole of the French Transports, a... See More
Early newspaper from 1746 Amsterdam...
Item #684157
June 21, 1746
LES ETATS DE HOLLANDE [The States of Holland], Amsterdam, June 21, 1746
* Rare 18th century title
* Nice masthead
An interesting, little newspaper from this Dutch city, printed in French, featuring an engraving in the middle of the masthead. At the back is the: "Suite Des Nouvelles d' Amsterdam" which would seem to be a supplemental sheet. Measures 6 1/4 by 8 1/4 inches,... See More
One of the more decorative mastheads of the 18th century...
Item #684156
April 03, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 3, 1795
* Nice masthead engraving - 18th century America
* Illustrated farms for sale advertisements
If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete i... See More
Much on the Napoleonic War...
Item #684153
October 20, 1798
FELIX FARLEY'S BRISTOL JOURNAL, England, Oct. 20, 1798 Handsome engraving in the masthead. Being of the era of the Napoleonic Wars, it is not surprising that this issue has numerous reports on such, found on all pages.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, irregular at the spine & partially loose at the spine, mostly good condition. Full red tax stamp on the front page.
1781 military pay document...
Item #683972
December 12, 1782
A genuine Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated Dec. 12, 1781. Fascinating document for providing pay to soldiers through the Deputy Quarter Master of the Military for the State Of Connecticut. This document contains two signatures, and is written out for "Thirteen Shillings".
Measures 6 by 5 inches, lightly inked, archival mend on the back side, genera... See More
Listing of the United States Navy...
Item #683823
August 28, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 28, 1799 Page 3 has a chart listing: "Untied States Navy - Vessels In Service" as well as a list of "Vessels Building" listed by name, number of guns, and their commanders. Included are the United States, Constitution, Constellation among the frigates, plus others noted as "Ships" "Brigs" and &q... See More
The ship Constellation, and more...
Item #683822
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
Beautiful engraving in the masthead...
Item #683810
October 20, 1785
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER Boston, Oct. 20, 1785 The beautiful masthead is an early version of the Seal of the United States.
Page 3 has a report noting: "Great Britain, in all probability, will be totally excluded from trading to the United States of North America unless she moderates the unjustifiable rigour of her act of navigation & proceeds upon the same p... See More
Seven different American titles, 1790's...
Item #683759
January 01, 1797
Seven different American titles from the 1700's: Columbian Centinel (1798), Gazette of the United States (1799), The Herald (1797), The Philadelphia Gazette & Universal Advertiser (1796), Porcupine's Gazette (1797), Federal Gazette & Baltimore Daily Advertiser (1798), and Dunlap's American Daily Advertiser (1791). All are complete issues with moderate wear; no disfigurements.... See More
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