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.
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
Death & funeral of the governor...
Item #683821
June 19, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 19, 1799 The front page has: "On Matrimony". Page 3 has a black-bordered report on the death & funeral of Mass. Governor Increase Sumner including the "Order Of Procession" and the position of "The Corpse" with the pall bearers, etc.
The back page has a very nice recruitment ad for the military heade... See More
Nine British newspapers from the 1700's...
Item #683714
March 03, 1767
Nine British newspapers, all with damage, titles and dates including: "The London Chronicle, 1762 & 1767 (6 issues); Daily Post Boy, London, 1726 & 1733; and Felix Farley's Bristol Journal, 1798.
The Yellow Fever epidemic in 1798...
Item #683678
October 31, 1798
THE SPECTATOR, New York, Oct. 31, 1798
* Philadelphia yellow fever epidemic
An unusual issue being single sheet rather than the typical 4 pages due to the on-going Yellow Fever Epidemic which ravaged much of the Eastern United States at that time.
There are several front page reports concerning the epidemic including numbers of recent deaths from the fever.
Four pages, never-trimmed,... See More
Boston magazine from the 18th century...
Item #683613
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1795 Articles within include: "Account of Warren Hastings" "The Delights of Benevolence" "Description of a Highland Hut" "The Cacique of Ontario" "On Ascending Thunder" and more.Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with the latest news including a report that: "A Treaty of Peac... See More
Revolutionary War pay document for an officer...
Item #683586
October 14, 1781
A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated October 14, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Abner Adams five pounds in bills of this state...and charge the state. Pay Table Office, Oct. 14, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A nice item for display, and dated just 5 days before Corn... See More
Revolutionary War pay document for an officer...
Item #683585
October 14, 1781
A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated October 14, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Abner Adams five pounds in bills of this state...and charge the state. Pay Table Office, Oct. 14, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 5 3/4 by 7 3/4 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A nice item for display, and dated just 5 days before Corn... See More
Ships arriving from Virginia...
Item #683548
December 23, 1710
THE POST BOY, London, Dec. 23, 1710 Among the front page reports is one noting: "Yesterday arriv'd a fregat...from Virginia...with about 46 merchant ships bound for England, but was parted from the fleet about 300 leagues from Virginia by bad weather..." and a bit more.
A single sheet issue, 8 1/2 by 14 inches, two decorative engravings in the masthead, some loss at the spine ... See More
Slaves being transported to Virginia or Maryland...
Item #683546
June 17, 1729
THE POST BOY, London, June 17, 1729 Among the front page reports is one noting: "The Grove snow, Capt. Ford, was met in the latitude of 25...from Antiqua, having 230 fine Negroes on board, and bound with them to Virginia or Maryland, having lost only 12 in their voyage."
A single sheet issue, 8 1/2 by 14 inches, two decorative engravings in the masthead, great condition.... See More
An insurrection among the American troops?
Item #683526
August 30, 1777
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Aug. 30, 1777
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century original
* From The Enemy
Page 3 has a report from London noting in part:"...report was eagerly circulated...that an insurrection had happened at Philadelphia; that General Howe had been invited thither by the Royalists and Quakers, who had risen in great numbers for Government; that General ... See More
Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1701...
Item #683520
March 31, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, March 31, 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
Ten London newspapers from the 1790's...
Item #683510
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
Very early, short-lived, colonial newspaper...
Item #683461
July 12, 1753
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, July 12, 1753
* Rare Colonial New York original
* Short lived publication
This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very e... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisements...
Item #683451
September 21, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 21, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 13 illustrated ship ads.
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, a little light staining, generally nice.... See More
Very displayable French criminal broadside from 1794...
Item #683390
May 02, 1794
Interesting French criminal broadside announcing the acquittal of a trial against Etienne Michaud. Headed in large type at the top (translated): JUDGMENT OF THE CRIMINAL COURT of the Department of Rhone, Who Declares Etienne Michaud Acquitted of The Charge Against Him." followed by details of the result of the trial.
There is a "dateline" at the middle: "Du 17 Floreal, l... See More
Convicts shipped off to America...
Item #683380
May 23, 1728
THE DAILY POST-BOY, London, May 23, 1728
* Convicts to American plantations
The front page is a terrific item noting: "The government are about contracting with the proper undertakes for transporting the felons, convicts, being about 80 in number, to his Majesty's Plantations in America."." Although it was known that convicts were occasionally shipped off to the Ame... See More
Payments to Loyalists... Death of Tippoo...
Item #683375
June 27, 1786
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 27, 1786 Inside has: "American Loyalists" which notes: "On the report of the bill for granting the sum of 55,000 pounds as a temporary relief to the American Loyalists...desired to know...whether it was intended to allow such Loyalists as were in England during the times of the troubles in America the same as those actually on the spot... See More
A handsome newspaper... grave digger arrested...
Item #683373
April 01, 1718
THE POST BOY, London, April 1, 1718
* Rare publication
* Nice masthead
A handsome issue with the two nice, detailed engravings in the masthead. The back page contains an article "On Saturday Night the Assizes ended at Kingston, where 15 Persons received Sentence of Death... The Grave-Digger of S. Saviours, who was convicted of stealing dead Bodies out of their Graves, was fined ... See More
Two opinions on how peace should be negotiated... Building a navy...
Item #683369
August 03, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 3, 1782
* Ending the Revolutionary War ? peace ?
All of the front page & part of page 2 are taken up with: "Letters From an American Farmer Describing Certain Provincial Situations, Manners, and Customers not General Known..." which offers some interesting thoughts on the culture of the Americans at that time.
Pg. 3 includes: "The... See More
"Peace is near at hand"... Huddy/Asgill Affair...
Item #683364
September 17, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 17, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 2 has news from America, including: "...steadily pursue the plan lately adopted for carrying on the American war...that he saw & conversed with the deputies from the New England colonies...with Sir Guy Carleton to know what terms had been proposed by this country to Co... See More
Early map of the Caribbean Islands...
Item #683352
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1756 The first two pages are devoted to the "Caribee Islands" [Caribbean] primarily limited to text on Barbadoes.But of greater significance is the great and desirable foldout map labeled: "A Map of the CARIBBEE ISLANDS Shewing which belong to England, France, Spain, Dutch, & Danes...". This map folds out to 8 1/2 by 13 1/2 ... See More
First image of a balloon flight in any periodical? "Peter the Wild Boy"...
Item #683345
February 01, 1785
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1785 Perhaps the most notable content is the foldout plate with various images, the largest of which is a terrific engraving of: "The Flight of M. Blanchard and Dr. Jeffries from Dover Castle" to France, as noted at the bottom of the title/contents page.
This was the very first crossing of the English Channel by balloon, and co... See More
Work towards putting the Jay Treaty into effect...
Item #683306
May 23, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 23, 1796 The front page is filled with ads including 22 illustrated ship ads. All of page 2 is taken up with discussion on carrying into effect the Jay Treaty with England.
Three slave related ads appear on page 3. The back page is full of ads as well including three more slave ads.
Four pages, purple-tinted staining does not affect rea... See More
Printed just before the Stamp Act...
Item #683273
June 14, 1764
ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR THE BRITISH EVENING POST, London, June 14, 1764
* 18th century original
Typical news of the day from the year before the hated Stamp Act too effect in the American colonies.
Four pages, some foxing mostly near the margins, minor repairs at the spine.
Quite rare & early newspaper... An encounter with highwaymen...
Item #683254
January 01, 1736
THE OLD WHIG, OR THE CONSISTENT PROTESTANT, London, Jan. 1, 1735-6
* Rare publication
A very rare title, and early as well for a folio-size newspaper (measures 9 1/2 by 15 in.).
This title only published for just 4 years. A few essays plus a good variety of news reports of the day including a page 3 report of a stagecoach passenger's encounter with highwaymen (robbers).
Fou... See More
London life, at the end of the Revolutionary War...
Item #683252
May 06, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, May 6, 1783 As might be expected the news reports are almost entirely European, just the end of the Revolutionary War. No war-related reports are within.
Four pages, good condition.
Early ad for playing cards... Runaway indentured apprentice...
Item #683210
November 20, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, November 20, 1799
* Very early playing cards
* Backgammon boards
The back page includes many ads, two of which are very early ads for "Playing Cards", being Henry the Eighth, Columbian brand cards and backgammon boards. A few other particulars as noted in the ads (see photos).
News of the day. Complete in 4 pages, a little spine we
... See More
* Very early playing cards
* Backgammon boards
The back page includes many ads, two of which are very early ads for "Playing Cards", being Henry the Eighth, Columbian brand cards and backgammon boards. A few other particulars as noted in the ads (see photos).
News of the day. Complete in 4 pages, a little spine we
Creating the Mason-Dixon Line: map of America...
Item #683209
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1769 * Early America map
* Pennsylvania and Maryland
* Mason and Dixon Line creation
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice full page map of the Chesapeake region showing parts of Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and all of Delaware. The inset in the lower right corner reads: "A Map of that Part of Ameri... See More
Map of the Balkan Peninsula... Turkey, Bulgaria, and more...
Item #683207
SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, 1770 * Map of Turkey, the Balkan Peninsula, and more.
This "Supplement" issue was produced at the end of the year. The prime content is the very nice & very detailed map, labeled in the cartouche as: "A New and Accurate Map of TURKEY IN EUROPE Drawn from the Best Authorities...1770".
This map shows the Balkan ... See More
Indians, the French Revolutionary, Henry Knox, and more...
Item #683141
February 07, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 7, 1793
* Runaway slave - Negro ad
On the front page: "On the Happiness Attainable in the Last Moments of Life". Page 3 has a letter: "...from Rochdebout, on the Ottawa River, or Miami of Lake Erie..." which begins: "I congratulate you on the agreement of the council of the confederated Tribes, to the l... See More
Letter from General Anthony Wayne's army...
Item #683139
November 17, 1794
DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 17, 1794 As the title would suggest there is a great wealth of advertising, but half of pages 2 & 3 have news reports including a descriptive letter: "...from an Officer in General Wayne's Army". The back page features 30 illustrated ship ads along with 2 runaway reward ads.
Four pages, never-trimme... See More
Handsome newspaper from the era...
Item #683127
April 14, 1795
KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, April 14, 1795
* Uncommon 18th century publication
A handsome issue of the 18th century, with two decorative embellishments in the masthead & ornate lettering in the title. Various British news & ads of the day with a partial red tax stamp on page 3.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
This newspaper lasted but two years...
Item #683113
April 13, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, April 13, 1795
* Rare publication
A volume one issue of this elusive title from Boston which lasted just two years. Various news of the day & a wealth of ads.
Four pages, nice condition.
A short-lived title 18th century title...
Item #683026
January 20, 1753
THE ADVENTURER, London, England, Jan. 20, 1753
* Rare 18th century title
* 269+ year old publication
An uncommon, essay-format bi-weekly newspaper addressed specifically to men, containing six pages & lasting only for 17 months from 1752 to 1753. While each issue varies, common contributors included John Hawkesworth and Samuel Johnson.
A decorative embellishment at the top of the... See More
Byron's around-the-world voyage in the Dolphin...
Item #683006
April 18, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 18, 1767
* Commodore John Byron
* HMS Dolphin
* World voyage
Inside has half of a page taken up with: "Further Extracts from A Voyage round the World in his Majesty's Ship the Dolphin, Commanded by the Hon. Commodore Byron".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, very nice condition.... See More
John Adams script signatures... Trenton the federal capital...
Item #683004
October 19, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 19, 1799
* Two President John Adams script signatures
* Nice ad for King Harry the Eighth Playing Cards
* Trenton, New Jersey serves as Federal Capital
* Moses Gill proclamation and script signature
The front page features two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One is a conclusion from a previous issue for regu... See More
Buonaparte has lost the confidence of his army...
Item #682998
September 11, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 11, 1799
* 18th century American publication
Inside has much on the war in Europe including: "Army of Italy" "Army of the Danube" and other datelines from Vienna, Zurich, London, etc. Pg. 3 has: "Latest News of Buonaparte in Egypt" which includes: "...Buonaparte has lost the confidence of his ... See More
Rare 18th century American publication....
Item #682997
October 15, 1798
THE FARMER'S WEEKLY MUSEUM; NEW HAMPSHIRE & VERMONT JOURNAL, Walpole, Oct. 15, 1798
* Rare 18th century American publication
The ftpg. has: "Biography - Character of Talleyrand". Over half of pg. 2 has: "Mr. Gerry's Answer to the Minister of Foreign Affairs' Letter of the 24th".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minor margin tears, good condition... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #682825
April 03, 1795
FEDERAL INTELLIGENCER & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, April 3, 1795
* President George Washington
Close to half of the back page is taken up with: "An ACT...." of Congress relating to duties on refined sugar, signed in type at its conclusion: Go. Washington, President.
Page 3 has a report on the capture of the ship Amsterdam, with details.
Four pages, very nice condition... See More
General Orders from Pittsburgh...
Item #682809
April 29, 1795
FEDERAL INTELLIGENCER & BALTIMORE DAILY GAZETTE, Maryland, April 29, 1795 Quite rare to find an issue with this title, as it began Oct. 30, 1794 and continued until just Dec. 30, 1795 as such. It previously had life as another title, and existed under yet another title after the latter date, existing just over a year with this title.
Page 3 has from Pittsburgh: "General Order"... See More
Early issue of America's first successful newspaper...
Item #682697
August 23, 1739
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 23, 1739
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
Above the title is "New-England", likely to distinguish this newspaper from the city of Boston in England.
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only pre... See More
The notorious pirate Captain Kidd is executed !
Item #682668
May 26, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 22-26, 1701
* Infamous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & extremely rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and mo
... See More
* Infamous pirate Captain William Kidd
* Historic & extremely rare report
* Execution - hanging
The London Gazette is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having started in 1665 and is still publishing today.
This issue contains on page two an exceedingly significant report--perhaps the rarest and mo
Beautiful masthead... On the Battle of Eutaw Springs...
Item #682666
December 29, 1781
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 29, 1781
* Rare 18th century American publication
* Great masthead engraving for display
I have always thought this newspaper has one of the finest masthead, featuring an uncommonly large engraving with an Indian and an angel on either side of the "Journal", plus a 3-masted ship & other embellis... See More
World's first daily newspaper...
Item #682661
October 23, 1717
THE DAILY COURANT, London, Oct. 23, 1717
* Rare 18th century publication
This was the world's first successful daily newspaper, and is a landmark issue for any newspaper collection as such, having begun in 1702. As would be imagined the issue is almost entirely taken up with various European reports, with over half of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single shee... See More
Parliament discusses the slave trade...
Item #682633
May 27, 1789
THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, May 27, 1789 Beginning on page 2 and carrying over to page 2 is a report headed: "Slave Trade" from the House of Commons, taking over half a page in total.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition.
Great letter on Dummer's War...
Item #682627
January 01, 1726
THE POST-BOY, London, Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, 1725(6)
* Dummer's War - Northern New England
* Uncommon publication, nice for display
This early title typically has little if any American content, but this issue is an exception, and a notable one at that.
The back page has a speech signed in type by William Dummer, the Lt. Governor of Massachusetts Bay. This speech is concerning events... See More
A notable event in the history of religious freedom in America...
Item #682626
December 26, 1724
THE POST-BOY, London, Dec. 26, 1724
* Clergyman John Checkley trial
* Religious freedom in America
This early title typically has little if any American content, but this issue is an exception. The back page has: "By a letter from New-England we have advice that on the 10th of November last came on the trial of Mr. John Checkley before the Superior Judges, upon an appeal from a ... See More
A new governor for North Carolina...
Item #682625
December 31, 1724
THE POST-BOY, London, Dec. 31, 1724
* Rare & early 18th century publication
* Nice masthead engravings
* Very early North Carolina
Although the reporting is mostly concerning England as well as the rest of Europe, page 2 has a brief item: "Sir Richard Everet is appointed Governor of North Carolina, in the room of Capt. Barrington."
Single sheet newspaper with two hand... See More
A displayable 18th century newspaper...
Item #682602
October 02, 1716
THE POST BOY, London, Oct. 2, 1716
* Rare title w/ nice masthead
One of the nicer mastheads of the 18th century as it features two handsome engravings (see). Various news reports from Europe. The back page is mostly filled with advertisements and notices.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper, measures 8 1/4 by 14 inches, very nice condition.... See More
Cook's voyage to the Northwest coast, with the rare plate of natives from Oonalashka...
Item #682586
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, (London), December, 1784.* HMS Resolution - Royal Navy
* Captain James Cook
* Third Voyage - Gulf of Alaska
Included also is the "Supplement" issue.
This magazine--much more scarce than the Gentleman's Magazine--published in serial form the account of: "Captain Cook's Voyage to the Northern Hemisphere...", this issue containing reports ... See More
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