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.
A great, late 1700's American newspaper...
Item #700333
December 31, 1794
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1794
* During George Washington's administration
If you are looking for a very nice, typical American newspaper of the late 1700's, here's a great one for a modest price. A four page issue with a nice mix of news of the day and advertisements.
The front page has 2 runaway reward ads, page 2 has 12 illustrated ... See More
This title is not held by any American institution...
Item #700241
September 14, 1799
FELIX FARLEY'S BRISTOL JOURNAL, England, Sept. 14, 1799
* Rare 18th century publication
The masthead features an engraving somewhat similar to the Royal coat-of-arms. A folio size newspaper with untrimmed margins, two illustrated ship ads on the front page with mostly British & other European reports inside.
This title is not held by any American institution. It is Crane & Kaye ... See More
Handsome newspaper from this famous British town...
Item #700198
November 20, 1795
KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, Nov. 20, 1795
* Uncommon 18th century publication
A handsome issue of the 18th century from this famous town, with two decorative embellishments in the masthead & ornate lettering in the title. Various British news & ads of the day with a full red tax stamp on page 3.
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
Handsome masthead, from shortly before the Revolutionary War...
Item #700179
March 06, 1769
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England (now spelled Gloucester), March 6, 1769
* Pre Revolutionary War
* Nice masthead for display
Various British news reports throughout, with its finest feature being the handsome masthead with two detailed engravings and the ornate lettering. This is from the period when the troubling relationship between England and America was coming to a head. The Bost... See More
On the ineligibility of federal judges...
Item #700162
February 05, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 5, 1791
* First Bank of the United States
* Early American government
The entire front page & most of page 2 are taken up with the: "Debate on the Ineligibility of Federal Judges", in the Massachusetts Legislature. Page 2 has mention from "Congress" that the Act to incorporate the Bank of the United States was read the first &... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #699986
March 15, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 15, 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 an adv... See More
An attempted early demonstration of a parachute ends comically... News from America...
Item #699820
July 14, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 14, 1785 The back page has a report concerning the early use of a parachute, bits noting: "...persons were assembled...late Blanchard's Aerobatic Academy near Vauxhall, to be spectators of an experiment made by a Italian with a parachute, who was to have let himself down from a prodigious altitude and to manifest his composure by playing on a viol... See More
Trouble with the Indians in Kentucky...
Item #699741
January 20, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 20, 1785
* Indians - Native Americans
* Murder & scalping in Kentucky
Page 2 has a report, which although headed: "Jamaica" actually has reports from Danville, Kentucky, noting in part: "...the Indians, after having collected our prisoners...all of a sudden....came to a resolution not to deliver them up...the determination of the... See More
On one of the major pioneers in manned balloon flights...
Item #699738
January 06, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 6, 1785
* Early ballooning - aviation pioneer
* Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier
Page 5 has a paragraph on one of the pioneers of manned flight, noting: "The famous M. Pilastre de Rozier, after having in vain waited...for a favourable wind to waft him & his balloon to the British shore, has given up all thoughts of such an aeri... See More
Not held by any American institution... Reports on the French & Indian War...
Item #699661
July 28, 1759
PUE'S OCCURRENCES, Dublin, Ireland, July 28, 1759
* Rare 18th century publication
* Not held by any American institution
An early Irish newspaper with the front page having various news reports while most of the balance of the issue is taken up with ads & notices.
The front page begins with reports headed: "America" with a Charleston, South Carolina, dateline. It i... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #699656
October 09, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, Oct. 9, 1713
* Rare 18th century publication
This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 8 1/4 by 13 inches,... See More
Reports relating to the French & Indian War...
Item #699646
January 26, 1758
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 26, 1758
* British officer Robert Monckton
* French and Indian War promotion
Page 2 has a brief item relating to the ongoing French & Indian War, noting: "Robert Monckton, Esq., is likewise appointed Lieutenant Colonel commandant of the Royal American regiment in the room of Lieutenant Colonel Desceaux, deceased."
Also a li... See More
A plea for separation of church & state in America... Indian troubles...
Item #699520
September 17, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 17, 1768
* re. separation of church and state in America
Over one-third of a page is taken p with a letter concerning: "The establishment of a Protestant episcopate in America is also very zealously contended for; and is very alarming to a people whose fathers, from the hardships they suffered under such an establishment, were obliged to fly th... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #699228
February 16, 1758
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Feb. 16, 1758; April 28, 1759; Feb. 7, 1760; May 5, 1763; and March 19, 1768. 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 good condi... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #699227
February 23, 1758
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Feb. 23, 1758; May 17, 1759; Feb. 7, 1760; May 3, 1763; and March 12, 1768. 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 good conditi... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #699226
February 28, 1758
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Feb. 25, 1758; June 12, 1759; Feb. 12, 1760; April 21, 1763; and March 5, 1768. 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 good con... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #699225
February 28, 1758
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Feb. 28, 1758; June 14, 1759; Feb. 12, 1760; April 16, 1763; and March 5, 1768. 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 good con... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #699116
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 26, 1758; Feb. 8, 1759; Jan. 8, 1760; Feb. 3, 1761; and
April 29, 1766. 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 good... See More
Early report on the slave trade in America...
Item #699115
September 05, 1765
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 5, 1765 Pages 1 and 2 have reports headed: "America" with Charleston datelines. The first report is quite notable, as it is a very early reference to the importation of slaves.
It reads: "The value of the negroes imported into this province since the passing of the act for laying an additional duty, to take place the 1st of January nest, i... See More
Election of Patrick Henry sets the stage for his famous speech... So much more...
Item #699033
March 17, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775
* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry
This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "T... See More
Corbett's short-lived newspaper...
Item #699029
April 25, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, April 26, 1797 The front page includes a: "Two Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway indented servant girl, with details. Pages 2 and 3 have reports on the Napoleonic War including a letter signed in type: Buonaparte, which includes: "I shall send you immediately the ten standards which we have taken from the Pope in the different actions we h... See More
A Proclamation from the future King of France...
Item #699028
April 05, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 5, 1797
* King Louis XVIII of France
Page 2 has much on the situation in France and includes a: "Proclamation of Louis XVIII To The French Nation". He was brother to Louis XVI and spent much of his life in exile before becoming King of France from 1814-1824.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #699010
December 20, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 20, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pag... See More
Four Acts signed by Governor Sam Adams...
Item #698992
July 06, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 6, 1795
* Nice 18th century masthead
Over half of the front page is taken up with four Acts of the Massachusetts legislature, each signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, very handsome masthead, archivally rejoined at the spine, various foxing throughout... See More
Mendoza & boxing as "a disgrace of society"...
Item #698986
February 02, 1790
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 2, 1790
* Daniel Mendoza - The fighting Jew
The back page has: "...Sir Sampson compelled Mr. Mendoza to give bail for his good behavior in future, which he did, himself in a penalty of 200 pounds...Thus the rage for boxing has received a very proper check...to be hoped the magistrates throughout the kingdom will be no less vigilant in their end... See More
"Report" signed in type by Thomas Jefferson...
Item #698985
January 21, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 21, 1792
* Thomas Jefferson before presidency
Beginning on the front page and concluding on page 2 is a very lengthy "Report" from the Secretary of State, signed in type: Th. Jefferson. It is very difficult to find 18th century newspapers with Jefferson's signature in type.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some foxing and a few archi... See More
Sam Adams... Building the frigate United States...
Item #698984
August 03, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 3, 1796
* USS United States construction
* Samuel Adams act signed in type
The first column on the front page has an Act of the Mass. Legislature signed in type by: Samuel Adams (stain here affects 4 words). Page 2 has: "French Victory on the Rhine" concerning Buonaparte. Also: "Intercourse With Canada".
Also a brief yet notable r... See More
British Jew Bill... Engraving of a church in Charleston...
Item #698972
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1753
* Early Charleston SC church print
* The British Jew Bill - Judaica
This issue contains a great full page print of: "St. Philip's Church in Charles Town, South Carolina" with just a small bit of text on it on the facing page reading: "The church is esteemed one of the most regular & complete structures of
... See More
* Early Charleston SC church print
* The British Jew Bill - Judaica
This issue contains a great full page print of: "St. Philip's Church in Charles Town, South Carolina" with just a small bit of text on it on the facing page reading: "The church is esteemed one of the most regular & complete structures of
Napoleon Bonaparte's letters... Piracy & barbarity...
Item #698908
April 22, 1799
J. RUSSELL'S GAZETTE COMMERCIAL & POLITICAL, Boston, April 22, 1799 Most of pages 1 and 4 are taken up with: "Buonaparte's Letters - Translations". Page 3 has: "Unprecedented Barbarity, Piracy and Murder".
Four pages, very nice condition.
Cornwallis, the Marquis de la Fayette, & others...
Item #698851
June 19, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, June 19, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
Inside has a few items relating to the Revolutionary War, including a bit noting: "...recommend unanimity, firmness and perseverance to the people of the American states as the British ministry are straining every nerve to enable Generals Clinton a... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #698821
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Dec. 26, 1761, May 19, 1763, May 3, 1766, April 2, 1768, & April 14, 1772. Each issue is complete in 8 pages and is in good condition, a few with some damp staining & a little foxing or fold rubbing. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colon... See More
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #698758
January 13, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Jan. 13, 1798
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Page 2 has the latest reports from Congress. The back page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents..... See More
Washington's letter concerning the Jay Treaty...
Item #698739
September 10, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Sept. 10, 1795
* President George Washington letter
* re. Jay Treaty of Amity - commerce
Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Page 3 has: "President's Answer to the Town of Charlestown" concerning the pending Jay Treaty. It is signed in type: Geo. Washington.
... See More
George Washington writes concerning the Jay Treaty...
Item #698710
November 12, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston. Nov. 12. 1795
* President George Washington
Page 2 has: "Indian Intelligence - Of the Creeks" which is most of a column with details on relations with them & other tribes. The report is datelined from Savannah.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, concerning the controversial Jay Treaty, one bit noting; "...I... See More
An American magazine from 1792...
Item #698706
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, February, 1792 * 18th century American publication
The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Topographical Sketches of the County of Essex" "On the Necessity of Caution" "Arithmetick Recommended to the Ladies" "On the S... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #698705
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Feb. 25, 1758; Jan. 2, 1759; March 28, 1765; April 24, 1766; and Feb. 6, 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 good cond... See More
Reaction to the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown...
Item #698644
March 26, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 26, 1782
* Reaction to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
Page 2 has some nice reporting on the military events further to the west, from a letter from Kentucky dated Dec. 6. It reports on the work of General Clarke near Fort Pitt, Colonel Loughrie, and some events near Detroit. ... See More
Preparing for the final events at Yorktown... Tragic case of Col. Isaac Haynes...
Item #698643
October 02, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Oct. 2, 1781
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
Most of the front page is taken up with reports and correspondence concerning the case of Col. Isaac Haynes, the American officer hanged by the British for a controversial charge. One series of letters is prefaced with: "The following are authentic copies of su... See More
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #698611
January 05, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Jan. 5, 1798
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Page 3 has the latest reports from Congress. The back page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents..... See More
1796 Sam Adams signatures in type...
Item #698600
February 17, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 17, 1796
* Samuel Adams, governor of Massachusetts
The front page has over a full column taken up with three Acts of the Massachusetts Legislature, each Act signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, a bit irregular at the margins, light foxing & damp staining, generally good.... See More
A letter from Horatio Nelson...
Item #698550
November 21, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov 21, 1795
* Lord Horatio Nelson letter
* re. Royal Navy encounters
Page 2 has a letter signed in type by the famous: Horatio Nelson, concerning recent naval events.
The back page begins with a poem titled: "Negro's Prayer".
Four pages, some foxing, good condition.
Salaries for officers of the federal government...
Item #698549
October 02, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 2, 1799
* Early United States government
* Salaries for 18th century public officials
The back page has: "An Act to Augment the Salaries of the Officers Therein Mentioned" which has a list of key positions including their salaries, signed in type by the President: John Adams. A few include: Sec. of the Treasury, $5,00... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #698459
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 19, 1758, Jan. 8, 1760, Jan. 27, 1761, Jan. 27, 1763, and Jan. 15, 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 good condi... See More
Early, short-lived colonial newspaper...
Item #698458
March 01, 1753
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, March 1, 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. As noted in a book published exclusively about this periodical, thi... See More
South Carolina is quartering British troops... Creating a treaty with the Indians...
Item #698443
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, June 27, 1768 (currently spelled Gloucester)* British troops in South Carolina
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Page 3 under: "America" is a report from Charleston, South Carolina, containing a letter to the governor noting in part: "The dutiful behavior of the Assembly of South Carolina, in cheerfully making provision for quartering his... See More
Much on the exchange of prisoners in prison ships... British have evacuated the South...
Item #698404
July 17, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, July 17, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Ship prisoners exchanged
* Southern colonies evacuation (British)
The front page has several letters from British Lt. Col. Balfour, most dealing with discussion for an exchange of prisoners with General Greene.
This discussion carries over to page 2 where is found a letter dat... See More
Jailed for support of the Americans... No independence for America...
Item #698402
April 09, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 9, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* America sympathizers jailed
* Independence ?
Page 2 includes: "The enemy in New York are busy in prosecuting their canal...They are also erecting a line of works on Long Island...His Excellency GENERAL WASHINGTON and his Lady arrived last Monday at Head Quarters, New-Burg,... See More
Quakers want immunity from military duty...
Item #698329
November 23, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1791 Congressional business reported on page 3 includes mention that a memorial was presented: "...from a committee of the counties of Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette and Allegheny, remonstrating against the excise law....". Also that a memorial was presented: "...from the Quakers of the Eastern part of N. Car
... See More
Rare same-day report on the death of King George II...
Item #698260
October 25, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 25, 1760
* George II of Great Britain death
* Early, same day report (rare)
Only to be had in a London newspaper is this very rare, same-day report of the death of the king.
At the top of the back page is a heading: "Postscript" with news recently received, the text noting: "This morning about seven o'clock, departed this life, a... See More
Letter signed by John Jay...
Item #698259
November 01, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 1, 1794
* John Jay letter
* Conflicts at sea
Most of the first column is taken up with a letter signed in type by: John Jay, such letters rarely found in period newspaper. It concerns the problem with British impressment of American sailors and the seizure of ships. Various news of the day inside.
Four pages, light damp staining, generally good condit... See More
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