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.
House of Representatives' version of the Bill of Rights...
Item #703196
August 29, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789
* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams
This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to t... See More
First printing of the first Census Act...
Item #703187
March 10, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, March 10, 1790
* The Census Act of 1790
* Very first U.S. census
The nation's capital was in New York City at this time, so it is of great significance that close to half of the front page is taken up with the very first printing of: "An ACT Providing for the Enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States".
This was th... See More
Three Acts of Congress signed by George Washington...
Item #703186
July 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790 Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Page 3 also has several "Appointments" by the President, as ... See More
John Hancock on the front page... Creating the State Department...
Item #703185
June 17, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 17, 1789 This is just the 19th issue of this very famous newspaper which was the mouthpiece of the new federal government.
Over one-third of the front page has the: "Message of the Governor of Massachusetts..." signed in type: John Hancock, in which he comments on his recent election as governor: "...As my fellow citizens have seen... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications whi... See More
Early American title from the French & Indian War...
Item #702912
May 13, 1762
THE BOSTON NEWS-LETTER AND NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE, May 13, 1762
* Rare Colonial Massachusetts
* St. Augustine, Florida
This is a much later issue of America's first successful newspaper, founded in 1704.
The top of the ftpg. has a nice recruiting advertisements to enlist soldiers to fight in the on-going French & Indian War: "For Recruiting His Majesty's Regular Forc... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #702789
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Sept. 16, 1758, Nov. 13, 1762, Dec. 13, 1764, April 7, 1768, and May 2, 1772. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in nice condi... See More
Provincial Congress meeting (1775)...
Item #702716
December 23, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1775
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including men
... See More
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including men
Ben Franklin creates a medal honoring the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702586
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783 Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America. Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, particularly details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, &a... See More
Very early mention of George Washington from the French & Indian War...
Item #702562
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1756 * Colonel George Washington (24 years old)
* French and Indian War officer
Near the back is an: "Extract of a Letter from Virginia" that includes: "We are marching 200 white men & 100 Cherokees from a fort on the New River against the Shawnese...Shirley & Johnson are to proceed in the spring against Crown Point &a... See More
Letter from John Wesley... State of affairs in Pennsylvania...
Item #702561
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1756 Among the articles within is a "Letter from Mr. Wesley Confirming the Yorkshire Earthquake", signed by him in type: John Wesley, the noted evangelist and founder of Methodism.Also: "Of the Cultivation of Exotics" which concerns the red cedar & other trees in America. Another article taking over 3 pages is "A Dia... See More
Very early newspaper from Cologne, Germany...
Item #702551
March 19, 1751
ORDINARIA RELATIONIS DIARIE CONINUATIO, Colonie Agrippinea, March 19, 1751 In 50 A.D. Roman emperor Claudius planted a colony on the left bank of the Rhine River. At the request of his wife he named it "Colonia Agrippina", which later became Cologne, Germany.
All four pages appear to be in Latin. Never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, 6 1/4 by 7 1/4 inches, a few period notati... See More
The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War...
Item #702543
June 01, 1779
THE UNITED STATES MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1779
* The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War
In the entirety of the Revolutionary War only two American magazines existed, they being this one and the "Pennsylvania Magazine" which published in Philadelphia as well, from January, 1775 thru July, 1776.
The "United States Magazin... See More
An incomplete almanac, but from 1771...
Item #702542
January 01, 1771
"An Astronomical Diary Or An Almanack..." for the year 1771, printed in Boston by Nathaniel Ames. This is a damaged almanac as it is missing one interior leaf (March-April). Plus all leaves are loos, with much wear at margins including a few small portions missing from the margins.
Early, colonial America almanac...
Item #702540
January 01, 1767
* 18th century American almanac
* Colonial era - Nathaniel Ames
"An Astronomical Diary Or Almanack..." for the year 1767, printed in Boston by Nathaniel Ames. An early almanac in 24 pages.
Wear at the margins as is typical of almanacs as they were heavily used throughout the year. Remnants of older tape at the spine, 4 by 6 1/2 inches.... See More
Terrific foldout map of St. Augustine, Florida, & vicinity... And a map of Chagre, Panama...
Item #702514
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1740
* Early and rare 18th century maps
* St. Augustine, Florida as English camp
* Atlantic Ocean - West Indies
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the terrific foldout map titled: "A View of the Town and Castle of St. Augustine, & the English Camp before it June 20
... See More
* Early and rare 18th century maps
* St. Augustine, Florida as English camp
* Atlantic Ocean - West Indies
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the terrific foldout map titled: "A View of the Town and Castle of St. Augustine, & the English Camp before it June 20
Cornwallis surrenders to Washington at Yorktown...
Item #702513
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1782 This issue contains the very historic report of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. An inside page has a nice report headed: "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton" which begins: "...I had the honour to acquaint your Lordship with my fears respecting the fate of the army in Virginia. It no... See More
The Boston Massacre: two great reports...
Item #702493
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1770* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting
Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the report on the Boston Massacre.
The entirety of page 2 is taken up with an excellent & historic report of the Boston Massacre, headed: "AMERICAN AFFAIRS" and the article prefaced with: "The following Report of the Committee of t... See More
Great & rare political cartoon on the Boston Port Bill... Twenty pages discussing the Boston Port Bill...
Item #702485
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1774
* Boston Port Act of 1774 - Act
* Very rare illustration - print
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Over 20 pages within this issue are taken up with: "Debates Of A Political Society" which go into considerable detail discussing the ramifications of the historic Boston Port Bill. Also discussion of other concerns w
... See More
* Boston Port Act of 1774 - Act
* Very rare illustration - print
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Over 20 pages within this issue are taken up with: "Debates Of A Political Society" which go into considerable detail discussing the ramifications of the historic Boston Port Bill. Also discussion of other concerns w
Rare political cartoon on America... Continental Association...
Item #702484
THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE, London, Dec., 1774* Rare pre Revolutionary War political cartoon on America
A focus of this issue is a full page political cartoon concerning America, such items rarely found in periodicals of the say.
The heading of the cartoon is: "American In Flames" and the facing page has descriptive text on it. It reads in part: "...it will... See More
Revolutionary War pay document for an officer...
Item #702382
November 09, 1781
A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated Nov. 9, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Lee Lay thirty pounds in bill of this state and charge the state...Nov. 14, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 6 1/4 by 7 1/2 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A terrific item for display and dated less than a month after Cornwallis' surrender.&n... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address to the nation...
Item #702248
December 25, 1794
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 25, 1794 All of page 3 and over half of page 4 are taken up with George Washington's state-of-the-union address, headed & prefaced with: "AMERICA - Congress of the United States, Nov. 19" "This day, at twelve o'clock, the President of the United States met both Houses of the Legislature in the Chamber of the House of Representati... See More
Nice, detailed letter from Dr. Benjamin Rush...
Item #702244
April 23, 1787
THE MORNING CHRONICLE & LONDON ADVERTISER, England, April 23, 1787
* Founding father Dr. Benjamin Rush letter
* Declaration of Independence signer
Page 2 features a full column that includes a letter from Benjamin Rush, a Founding Father and signer of the Declaration of Independence.
The letter was sent to Dr. Richard Price in the UK, a political reformer active in the cause of... See More
England declares war against France: The French & Indian War begins...
Item #702243
May 22, 1756
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 22 1756
* England declaration of war w/ France
The most significant item in this issue is: "His Majesty's Declaration of War Against the French King" which was the official beginning of the French & Indian War. It was prompted by England & France not being able to compromise on the border between their colonies in North... See More
Phillis Wheatley arrives in London...
Item #702240
June 22, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 22, 1773
* Phillis Wheatley's London arrival
* Famous Woman servant turned poet
Certainly the most notable report is found on the back page, which contains: "Last Thursday the celebrated negro girl Phillis, the Poet, whose extraordinary talents have lately been taken notice of in the News Papers, arrived in London from Boston in New England. She ... See More
On the future prospects of the United States...
Item #701989
March 23, 1786
THE NEW HAVEN GAZETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, March 23, 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.
All of page 1 and half of page 2 are taken up with: "Observations on the Present Si... See More
Early newspaper from 1746 Amsterdam...
Item #701974
September 03, 1728
LES ETATS DE HOLLANDE [The States of Holland], Amsterdam, Sept. 3, 1728 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. Eight pages, 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
Considering anti-slavery...
Item #701962
February 20, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 20, 1790
* Early abolition of slavery
Most of the front page, all of page 2, and most of page 3 are taken up with detailed reporting on discussions in Congress, much of it concerning the public debt.
The back page has most of a full column taken up with "Letter No. 1" signed in type by: Rusticus, concerning the slavery issue... See More
One of the less common titles of the 18th century...
Item #701952
January 03, 1799
WINDHAM HERALD, Connecticut, Jan. 3, 1799
* Rare 18th century American title
Certainly one of the less common titles of the 18th century. Various news reports of the day, much of which is European with the front page having; "Buonaparte's Fate".
Four pages, a bit close-trimmed at the right margin of page 1 shaving a few letters. A very small piece is excised from the... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #701947
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Aug. 12, 1758, June 24, 1760, May 5, 1761, Feb. 2, 1768, and May 21, 1772. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in nice conditio... See More
The XYZ Affair In 1798....
Item #701701
March 28, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 28, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams message
Page 2 has the "President's Message" to Congress indicating that the negotiations with France by the U.S. envoys have failed. In the message the President states in part: "...I perceive no ground of expectation, that the objects of their mission, can be accomplished,... See More
John Adams responds, Thomas Jefferson intervenes...
Item #701700
October 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Af... See More
1783 Washington's farewell orders to his Army... The treaty that ended the Revolutionary War...
Item #701554
December 01, 1783
THE BOSTON MAGAZINE, December, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
* Post American Revolutionary War
Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly difficult to find, let alone an issue from the Revolutionary War era.
This issue begins by printing the complete text of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the Un... See More
Terrific political cartoon from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701553
February 01, 1778
THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1778
* American Revolutionary War era
* Very rare political cartoon illustration
The prime feature of this issue is a great full page plate which is a political cartoon concerning England as it relates to the American colonies (click here to see a high-resolution photo of the cartoon).
A page has an: "Explanation of the... See More
Ben Franklin calculates the futility of a war of attrition...
Item #701543
August 21, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 21, 1790 A great issue for display as the front page contains 5 documents, each signed in script type by the President: George Washington.
One of the Acts is quite notable, titled; "An Act to Provide more Effectually for the Settlement of the Accounts Between the United States and the Individual States".
Page 2 contains: "A Letter From Dr. Fr... See More
The Militia Act of 1792...
Item #701540
May 23, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 23, 1792
* Militia Act signed into U.S. law
* President George Washington
The front page contains in full the historic Militia Act of 1792, which allowed the President to temporarily take control of state militias in times of crises. It is titled: "An ACT to Provide for Calling Forth the Militia to Execute the Laws of the Union, Suppress Insurrect... See More
Washington responds to Congress' reaction to his annual address... On the death of Ben Franklin...
Item #701539
December 25, 1790
THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 25, 1790
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
* United States Congress reaction
* re. death of Benjamin Franklin
The front page begins with the Senate's response to Washington's state-of-the-union address, followed by his response signed in script type: George Washington. This is then followed by the House of Re... See More
Washington defends his Jay Treaty...
Item #701523
April 02, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, 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.
The front page features 15 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, seve... See More
Uncommon American title from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701521
January 19, 1780
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 19, 1780
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare single sheet issue
Most of the front page is taken up with a document concerning relations between Holland and England. The back page has a document from D. Diego Joseph Navarro, governor of Cuba., regarding declaring war against Great Britain (see). The back page also has an item from Congress conce... See More
The Citizen Genet Affair in 1793...
Item #701503
May 29, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, May 29, 1793
* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet
The front page has the Address Of The Citizens Of Philadelphia, To EDMUND CHARLES GENET, Minister Plenipotentiary From The Republic of France, To The United States", with his Answer signed in type: Genet.
Genêt served as French minister to the United States from 1793 to 1794. His activities in ... See More
Very significant & rare "pillar cartoon" issue, putting the Constitution into effect...
Item #701466
February 13, 1788
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788
* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle,... See More
The Northwest Ordinance...
Item #701446
July 21, 1787
THE NEW HAVEN GAETTE & THE CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE, August 2, 1787 A very significant newspaper as all of the front page & a portion of page 2 contain the complete printing of the Northwest Ordinance.
Considered to be one of the most significant achievements of the Congress of the Confederation, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 put the world on notice not only that the land north of the... See More
Paul Revere engraving... Hutchinson Letters Affair...
Item #701412
September 27, 1770
THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Sept. 27, 1773 The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty.
Over half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy letter: "To The Earl of Dartmouth" who was Secretary of State for the colonies, with mu
... See More
Patriotic masthead after a Revere engraving... Much on the Revolutionary War...
Item #701404
May 14, 1778
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, May 14, 1778 A nice issue for display, as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll with 'Independence' in the other, with the words "Appeal To Heaven" above him... See More
England's last ditch effort to reconcile with America...
Item #701400
October 31, 1778
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 31, 1778
* British last attempt - peace with America
The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with an historic document headed: "MANIFESTO and PROCLAMATION" by General Henry Clinton.
Once France entered the war on the side of the colonists, Lord North became alarmed & sent commissioners t... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #701355
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated June 20, 1758, Oct. 4, 1760, Feb. 12, 1761, March 31, 1768, and May 11, 1771. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in nice condi... See More
Dr. Deane's Election Sermon, 1794...
Item #701332
May 28, 1794
"A Sermon Preached Before His Honor Samuel Adams, Esq. Lieutenant Governor; the Honorable the Council, Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, May 28tyh, 1794. Being the Day of General Election". By Samuel Deane, a pastor of the First Church in Portland.
This pamphlet was printed in Boston by Adams and Larkin, 1794.
Original string binding with untrimm... See More
Maryland's non-importation resolution...
Item #701324
July 03, 1769
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769
* The Non-Importation movement
The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which begins: "Whereas, by the great & melanchol... See More
Dr. John Morgan defends himself as Surgeon General of the United States... Silas Deane's letter in defense of himself...
Item #701323
December 09, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, Dec. 9, 1778 New Jersey was the last of the 13 original colonies to have a newspaper. This is the volume 1, number 53 issue.
The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & detailed letter: "To the Citizens and Freemen of the United States of America" signed in type at the end: John Morgan, October 1, 1778.
This let... See More
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