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.
Concerning the XYZ Affair... William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #668900
March 06, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 6, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
Page 2 has a letter from the President to Congress concerning XYZ Affair with France that would lead to the Quasi War. It includes several letters relating to the situation, one signed by the 3 American commissioners: Pinckney, Marshall, and Gerry.
This was William Cobbett's important and contr... See More
The President's message to Congress... William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #668896
March 20, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 20, 1798
* Rare 18th century American publication
Page 2 has a lengthy address from the President to Congress concerning on-going troubles with France, signed in type: John Adams.
This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrot... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper... An Act and letter from John Adams...
Item #668894
July 11, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 11, 1798 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment.
Page 2 has a very... See More
Rhode Island & the Constitution....
Item #668892
July 03, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 3, 1790
* re. United States Constitution
Business from the House of Representatives begins on the front page and on page 2 is mention that: "...A Message was received from the President of the United States, with a copy of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island, for ratifying certain articles of amendment to
... See More
* re. United States Constitution
Business from the House of Representatives begins on the front page and on page 2 is mention that: "...A Message was received from the President of the United States, with a copy of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Rhode Island, for ratifying certain articles of amendment to
French & Indian War news...
Item #668852
March 15, 1757
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 15, 1757 Page 6 has half a column headed: "America" which is a: "Letter from an Officer of Lord John Murray's Regiment, dated Schenectady". This has some nice content on the French & Indian War, & includes: "...we were ordered to join the regiment at Albany, from which place the New-Englanders had gone up to attack Cro... See More
The Battle of New York with a Revolutionary War map...
Item #668796
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT, London, for the year 1776 * Battle of Long Island, New York
* American Revolutionary War
* General William Howe victory
A very nice "Supplement" issue to this popular magazine from during the Revolutionary War.
This 28 page magazine features a great & lengthy account of the Battle of New York signed in type by: W. Howe which t... See More
North Carolina honors Washington upon his retirement... LaFayette...
Item #668776
February 22, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1797
* President George Washington
* End of his illustrious career
A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 3 has an article: "Marquis De La Fayette" which is a report on him. This is followed by an: "Address of the Legislature of the Stat... See More
Governor Sam Adams address the state...
Item #668768
January 08, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 8, 1797 A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 3 has a lengthy: "Address" to the people of Massachusetts, headed: "Governor's Speech" and signed in type by: Samuel Adams.
Page 3 has a lengthy letter signed by Buonaparte concerning his mil... See More
Franklin's gift to Washington...
Item #668765
January 08, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 8, 1797 A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 3 has a report above the name "Franklin" noting: "My fine crab-tree walking stock with a gold head, curiously wrought, in the form of the Cap of Liberty I give to my friend and the friend of Mankind, G... See More
North Carolina on Washington's decision to retire...
Item #668764
January 09, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 9, 1797 A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 has the: "Address of the legislature of the state of North Carolina to his excellency George Washington, Esq. President of the United States" concerning Washington's intention to retire from off... See More
Maryland needs to ratify the Constitution...
Item #668756
April 15, 1788
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 15, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Maryland considers ratifying
Page 3 has a report from Providence that Rhode Island is making some steps towards considering the new Constitution. A report from Baltimore notes the votes for two members to represent the city in the convention at Annapolis to: "...decide on the N... See More
New York and New Hampshire work towards ratifying the Constitution...
Item #668752
March 08, 1788
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 8, 1788
* United States Constitution
* NY and NH ratification ?
Pages 2 and 3 contain some nice reporting on discussions within New York and New Hampshire on work towards ratifying the proposed Constitution.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some loss at the bottom margins but not close to any text, minor margin w... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1797...
Item #668740
April 07, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, April 7, 1797 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
All of page 2 is taken up with documents relating ... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #668739
December 20, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 20, 1796 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 2 has much reporting from Congress. Pate 3 ha... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #668738
November 11, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1796 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 3 has a chart of election results for Preside... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #668737
October 28, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Oct. 28, 1796 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 3 has reports on the Napoleonic War in Europe... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #668735
November 18, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Pag... See More
Rare print of a manned, Hawaiian canoe... Much on General Greene in the Revolutionary War...
Item #668662
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1784 The issue begins with a description of a medal created in honor of the late Capt. Cook and which is accompanied by a plate of it.The front page also has an article: "Canoe of the Sandwich Islands Described (which is Hawaii), also accompanied by a great foldout plate, more typically lacking.
Another article of interest is: "Memoirs... See More
Print of a New Jersey colonial coin...
Item #668655
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1787 for Gentleman's Magazine, England. * Colonial New Jersey copper coin
Within this supplement issue, published at the end of the year, is a full page print of various coins, one of which is the Nova Cesarea New Jersey colonial coin dated 1786, with a very brief note on it on the following page: "Fig. 6 is sent us for decyphering as a supposed America... See More
Selling land in the Northwest Territory...
Item #668638
September 06, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York Sept. 6, 1796 The back page has two notices concerning: "Lands of the United States" from the Northwest Territory which will be sold at auction, with the details including a very lengthy chart noting the acres, number of lots, etc. Each is signed in type by the Secretary of the Treasury: Oliver Wolcott.
Four pages, very nice conditio... See More
Selling land in the Northwest Territory... Kentucky to create a road thru the wilderness...
Item #668637
September 03, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York Sept. 3, 1796 Page 2 has no fewer of five dispatches signed by Buonaparte in which he provides the latest on his military efforts in Europe.
Page 3 has an article beginning: "The legislature of the state of Kentucky..passing an act...for he purpose of cutting a wagon road, 30 feet wide, through the wilderness..." with more detail.
T... See More
The brutality of Capt. Hugh Pigot...
Item #668635
August 31, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 31, 1796
* Hugh Pigot (Royal Navy officer)
The ftpg. has an interesting article by the notorious Captain Hugh Pigot of the British Navy, concerning cruelty towards Americans. Within a year his reputation for brutality would provide his men to mutiny, one of the bloodiest in the history of the Royal Navy, causing the death of Pigot a... See More
Washington suspends building codes... Napoleon Buonaparte...
Item #668632
July 09, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 9, 1796
* President George Washington
Page 2 has an interesting document headed: "By the President of the United States" concerning the suspension of two building codes in Washington, D.C. in an attempt to spur development, signed in type: Geo. Washington.
Pages 2 and 4 contain six letters each signed in type: Buonaparte ... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by President Washington...
Item #668627
June 23, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, June 23, 1796 The back page is mostly taken up with three Acts of Congress, each one signed in type by the President: Go. Washington.
The most notable and the lengthiest--taking half of the page--is: "An Act to Ascertain and Fix the Military Establishment of the United States".
Page 3 has a bit headed: "John Paul Jones" c... See More
Letter from John Jay...
Item #668609
April 16, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York April 16, 1796 Page 2 has a lengthy letter concerning "the university" in New York, signed by its Chancellor and New York governor: John Jay.
Four pages, nice condition.
George Washington on Ohio statehood...
Item #668608
April 13, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 13, 1796
* President George Washington
* re. Ohio statehood ?
The back page has a message to Congress from the President concerning Ohio's work towards statehood. Signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Washington defends his Jay Treaty...
Item #668606
April 02, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 2, 1796
* George Washington letter
* re. John Jay's Treaty
Page 3 has over a column taken up with a letter from the President to the House of Representatives concerning the controversial Jay Treaty, signed by him in type: Geo. Washington & dated March 30.
Included as well is the slightly smaller "Herald Extra" o... See More
John Jay and General Anthony Wayne...
Item #668600
February 20, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 20, 1796
* John Jay Treaty
* Mad Anthony Wayne
Beginning on page 1 & concluding on pg. 2 is a: "Letter from Governor Jay" which concerning the controversial Jay Treaty, signed by him in type: John Jay. Page 2 also has a report from the N.Y. Assembly which includes a Resolve signed by the governor: John Jay.
The back ... See More
Ben Franklin's famous "The Way to Make Money Plenty..."
Item #668577
September 07, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, Sept. 7, 1786 (year in Roman numerals)
* The art of making money plenty in every man's pocket
From the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War & the creation of the federal constitution.
One-third of page 3 is taken up with one of Ben Franklin's more well-known essays: "The Way to Make Money Plenty in... See More
A continued article by Thomas Paine...
Item #668564
July 06, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, July 6, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) From the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War & the creation of the federal constitution. Inside has nearly a full page on: "Dissertations on Government Paper Money, etc. By the Author of Common Sense (continued)". Also inside are several Acts of the Connecticut legislat... See More
A treaty with the Indians...
Item #668563
May 25, 1786
NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, May 25, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) Page 6 has the full text of a treaty with the Indians.
Following the American Revolution, the American states sought to establish peaceful relations with the Shawnee Indians. On January 31, 1786, the various parties signed a treaty ending hostilities between the Shawnee and white Americans.
Known as the... See More
A letter from Ben Franklin... Cultivating tea in America...
Item #668559
April 27, 1786
NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, April 27, 1786 (year in Roman numerals)
* Benjamin Franklin letter
Inside has a letter from 1725 signed by Benjamin Franklin, exhibiting his business acumen, prefaced with: "...written by the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Franklin 65 years ago when he was apprentice to a printer in Little Britain...it exhibits the vicissitudes of fortune... See More
First of this scarce title we have offered...
Item #668504
October 05, 1798
COUNTRY PORCUPINE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4 & 5 (a single issue), 1798
* Rare 18th century American publication
This was a tri-weekly edition of the 'Porcupine's Gazette' established by William Cobbett 7 months prior and which lasted only until Aug. 28, 1799. This is the first of this title we have seen. Content is distilled from the daily edition.
Four pages, never-... See More
Broadside "Extra" from Baltimore...
Item #668479
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 q... See More
Land to be given to Revolutionary War veterans...
Item #668477
October 26, 1786
THE NEW-HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, New Haven, Oct. 26, 1786 (year in Roman numerals) A weekly title that lasted for about three years, from February of 1786 to June of 1789.
Inside has a report from Phila. noting: "...commenced the drawing of the lottery for the lands laid out by the state & given as a donation to the officers & men of the late Pennsylvania l... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1797...
Item #668476
April 07, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, April 7, 1797 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
A typical folio newspaper of the day with various ... See More
Details on a ship wreck... Death of a governor...
Item #668457
January 28, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 28, 1796 Various news reports of the day including a page 3 item: "A Grand Victory Obtained by the Austrians and: "Ship Wreck" with much detail. Also a report of the death of Samuel Huntington, governor of Connecticut, with much detail on the funeral.
Four pages, good condition.
General Anthony Wayne & the Chippawa Indians...
Item #668317
November 06, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 6, 1793
* "Mad Anthony" Wayne
A page 3 item reports in part: "...from Pittsburgh, we learn that General Wayne had marched from the Miami against the Indians with 3000 regular troops and 1500 volunteers from Kentucky....Still Knee, a chief of the Chippawas, had come into Fort-Pitt, with assurance that his nation had resolved to observe a ... See More
President John Adams responds...
Item #668284
June 13, 1797
THE NEWPORT MERCURY, Rhode Island, June 13, 1797
* Rare 18th century publication
* President John Adams
Half of the ftpg. is taken up with the: "Opinion of Chief Justice Ellsworth in a Case Respecting British Debts...".
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" followed by his reply to the House: John Adams.
Four pages, never-trimmed ma... See More
Toasting the President's birthday... Reports from the West...
Item #668177
March 02, 1795
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 2, 1795 Page 2 has one-third of a column taken up with reports on the celebration of President Washington's birthday, including a list of 15 toasts to him.
Also on page 2 are reports from Fort Washington concerning Indians, and then reports from: "The Western Posts" on situations at Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, and Michilimackinac.
... See More
President John Adams responds...
Item #668174
June 18, 1798
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 18, 1795 Page 3 has a congratulatory letter to the President & Congress, with the reply to the inhabitants of Kent County, Maryland, signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, great condition.
One of the earliest ice cream advertisements we have seen...
Item #668170
January 15, 1795
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 15, 1795 In addition to various news reports found inside, the bottom of the front page has one of the earliest "Ice Cream" advertisements we have seen in any newspaper.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.
Trouble with the Creek and Cherokee Indians...
Item #668168
January 12, 1795
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 12, 1795 Page 3 has a letter form Knoxville noting trouble with the Indians, with details, mentioning in part: "...there has not been less than 20 persons killed by the Indians in this Territory--whether Cherokees or Creeks...".
Four pages, never-trimmed, very nice condition.
Earliest ice cream advertisement we have seen...
Item #668167
January 10, 1795
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 10, 1795 In addition to various news reports found inside, the front page has the earliest "Ice Cream" advertisement we have seen in any newspaper.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.
Washington letter to Congress...
Item #668128
June 04, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 4, 1796
* President George Washington
Page 2 has: "A message...received from the President of the United States..." to Congress, beginning: "The measures now in operation for taking possession of the posts of Detroit and Machilimachinac..." with more, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, good condition.... See More
Huge list of pensioners, signed in script type by President Washington...
Item #668126
May 14, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 14, 1796
* Act of Congress re. pensioners
* Retired military men
* President George Washington
Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress: "An ACT Authorizing & Directing the Secretary at War to Place Certain Persons therein named on the Pension List", with a huge list of names (great for genealogical purposes). It complet... See More
Sam Adams is elected governor...
Item #668125
May 11, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 11, 1796 Page 2 has a very brief report: "His Excellency Samuel Adams is re-elected Governor of this Commonwealth, for the year ensuing: by a majority of about 2000 votes."
Four pages, irregular at the right margin, paper flaw to front leaf causing a blank spot on pg. 2, with an archival mend.
Two front page George Washington script signatures...
Item #668124
March 23, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 23, 1796
* President George Washington
Fully half of the front page, the two middle columns, are taken up with a lengthy treaty of peace and amity between the United States and Algeria, relating to the problems with the Algerian pirates capturing American ships.
At the top is: "Treaty with the Dey of Algiers" with the George Washington scrip... See More
Signed by Governor Sam Adams... Much on Washington...
Item #668122
February 24, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 24, 1796 The front page has two Acts of the Massachusetts Legislature, each signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Page 2 includes a report on the celebration of the 65th birthday of President George Washington, as well as an account from Harvard on honoring Washington.
Another pg. 2 item: "Washington Street" mentions: "The citizens of... See More
First native-born dentist: Dr. J. Flagg...
Item #668121
February 20, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 20, 1796
* 1st native American dentist
* Josiah Flagg advertisement
A ftpg. "Act" of the Mass. legislature is signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Also on the ftpg. is an ad for: "Dr. J. Flagg, Surgeon Dentist" with details. Kane lists Flagg as the first native-born America dentist.
Four pages, damp staining, discrete arc... See More
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