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.
Early on Australia...
Item #700841
March 28, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 28, 1796
* Early New South Wales, Australia
The back page has a report headed: "New South Wales" which is from Australia. Bits include: "...the natives in the immediate purlieus of the settlement were tolerably friendly...The different convicts, whose term of transportation has expired, have been relieved from any imposition of public ... See More
The Quasi-War with France... Nelson & Buonaparte in Egypt...
Item #700840
August 14, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 14, 1798 Page 4 has much reporting on the Napoleonic War with Nelson & Napoleon in Egypt. One bit notes: "...mentioning that Admiral Nelson and Buonaparte had met near Alexandria; that the fleets had engaged, and that Admiral Nelson had lost three ships & two frigates..." with much more.
Page 5 has most of a column headed: "Hos... See More
The X, Y, Z Affair...
Item #700839
September 07, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Sept. 7, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
Page 5 has content on the X, Y, Z Affair, beginning: "It appears, as well by the American negotiation with Messrs. X, T. and Z as by the negotiations in which h the virtuous and open-hearted Mr. Arthur O'Conner bore so distinguished a part...".
The X, Y, Z Affair was a co... See More
The Quasi War with France... Praising the American Navy...
Item #700836
November 13, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Nov. 13, 1798 Page
5 has a report headed: "Capture Of A French Frigate By An American Frigate" which is on: "...the capture of a French frigate of 28 guns off Charlestown [Charleston] Bar, by the American frigate the Constellation of 48 guns, Capt. Cluxton [sic: Truxton]..." taken: "...without firing a shot. No country in the worl... See More
Early for a non-London newspaper...
Item #700827
June 20, 1743
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE: OR THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENT, England, June 20, 1743
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
It is quite uncommon to find non-London newspapers from the U.K. from such an early date. The various news reports are almost entirely from Europe, plus various advertisements as well.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins which are quite wide, full re... See More
Early for a non-London newspaper...
Item #700826
April 03, 1743
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE: OR THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENT, England, April 4, 1743 It is quite uncommon to find non-London newspapers from the U.K. from such an early date. The various news reports are almost entirely from Europe, plus various advertisements as well.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins which are quite wide, minor spine wear, full red tax stamp on the front page, very n... See More
Part of the War of Austrian Succession...
Item #700825
March 21, 1743
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE: OR THE GENERAL CORRESPONDENT, England, March 21, 1743
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
It is quite uncommon to find non-London newspapers from the U.K. from such an early date, plus with American content.
Page 2 has: "Plantation News" with various shipping reports, as well as: "...We killed the Spaniards, 15 or 16 of them, ... See More
Parliament debates the Acts passed against America...
Item #700822
April 12, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, April 12, 1783 Page 3 has discussions in the House of Commons subhead: "America" concerning whether: "...to take into consideration a bill to repeal the prohibitory acts passed against America..." with much discussion on it.
Four pages, piece from a bottom, blank margin not close to any text, partial red tax stamp on page 3, good conditi... See More
Dealing with Loyalists...
Item #700818
July 01, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, July 1, 1783
* Closing events in the Revolutionary War
* Loyalists escaping New York City
The front page has several items relating to the closing moments of the Revolutionary War, a few bits including: "...Every thing is settled between Sir G. Carlton & the Congress in respect to the claims for money due on account of prisoners, and the othe... See More
Details on the British retaking the Bahama Islands...
Item #700816
July 31, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, July 31, 1783
* Revolutionary War ending events
The front page has a brief letter of introduction written by General Guy Carleton dated at New York: "I transmit...a copy of Col. Derveaux's letter conveying an account of the recapture of the Bahama Islands, together with a copy of the capitulation." signed in type: Guy Carleton.
The... See More
The silk industry in South Carolina...
Item #700808
June 29, 1767
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, June 29, 1767 Page 2 has reports headed: "America" one of which is from Charleston and the development of the silk business in South Carolina.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very wide margins, very nice condition.
News from Charleston & Boston: naval concerns, hopes for a peace among the Indians...
Item #700801
December 09, 1771
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Dec. 9, 1771 Page 3 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Boston. Bits include: "...a chief of the Mohawk Tribe of Indiana...arrived in town & have had several conferences with...Lieutenant Governor...to make a general peace between the Six Nations & all the tribes inhabiting from the Ohio to the Chicasahs...... See More
On the French & Indian War: French have to abandon Louisbourg...
Item #700798
November 23, 1759
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 23, 1759 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 containing a related item noting: "...In consequence of the taking of Louisbourg, upwards of 20,000 French people, who were settled in different sorts of trade & business in the country round about have been sent away & several small towns...have been demolished...".
... See More
French & Indian War reports from America...
Item #700794
December 26, 1758
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 26, 1758 From during the French & Indian War with page 2 having: "Plantation News" with datelines from Annapolis Albany, Boston, and New York, all with reports concerning the French & Indian War.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.
From York, England...
Item #700787
November 23, 1787
THE YORK CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 23, 1787 A nice newspaper from the U.K. The back page has an: "American Anecdote" from the Revolutionary War.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, with a nice, full red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.
On the retirement of George Washington from public office...
Item #700777
December 16, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, Dec. 16, 1796
* President George Washington
* Retirement from public service
The front page includes 18 illustrated ship advertisements.
Page 3 has a letter signed in type: George Washington, in response to another letter about his retirement from public office. Washington makes some nice comments.
Page 2 has another lett... See More
Sale of 100 slaves... Selling land in the Northwest Territory...
Item #700774
December 06, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 6, 1796 The front page is filled with ads including 14 illustrated ship ads plus one ad headed: "To Be Sold...Upwards of 100 Negroes..." with details, and "For Sale. A Young Negro Man...".
News & ads of the day inside with a back page notice: "Lands of the United States - Treasury Department" concerning... See More
Sale of 100 slaves, with details...
Item #700773
November 24, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Nov. 24, 1796 The front page includes 13 illustrated ship ads. The back page has an interesting ad headed: "To Be Sold....Upwards of 100 Negroes..." with various details. Also an ad: "For Sale, on a Credit, Two strong, healthy NEGRO MEN..." with details.
Four pages, great condition.
Building lots for sale in the new federal capital...
Item #700702
August 02, 1791
DUNLAPS AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1791
* Washington D.C. land lots for sale
* Early United States government era
The front page has a nice ad concerning the sale of a number of lots in the "Federal City." It mentions that the President of the United States approved the: "...Sites for the Public Buildings pursuant to the Act passed by Congress... See More
Huge map of the Mississippi River dated June 1, 1775...
Item #700671
January 01, 1783
COURSE of the RIVER MISSISSIPI [sic] from the Balise to Fort Chartres; Taken on an Expedition to the Illinois, in the latter end of the Year 1763 by Lieut. Ross of the 34th Regiment: Improved from the Surveys of that River made by the French".
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 in 'Fleet Street, Published as the Act directs, 11 June 1775"
A noted map dealer
London, Printed for Robt. Sayer No. 53 in 'Fleet Street, Published as the Act directs, 11 June 1775"
A noted map dealer
Treaty of Peace ending the Revolutionary War: abridged version...
Item #700633
THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, October, 1783 * Historic Treaty of Paris (peace)
* End of the Revolutionary War
Near the back is the full text of: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783" which consumes over two pages, and includes the signatures of John Adams, B. Franklin, and John Jay... See More
On the "Causes & Necessity for Taking Up Arms"...
Item #700625
August 21, 1775
ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE, England, Aug. 21, 1775 The very top of the front page has an extremely historic letter which summarizes the text of the document issued by the American Congress on July 6, 1775, which we now know as the "Causes & Necessity For Taking Up Arms".
Written by Jefferson & Dickinson, in it Congress rejects independence but insists Americans would ra... See More
George Washington "signature" on the front page...
Item #700624
April 19, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 19, 1797 The front page contains an Act of Congress, taking close to a full column of text, being: "An Act for Raising a Further sum of Money by additional Duties on certain Articles imported; & for other purposes." which is signed in script type: Go. Washington. This was one of just a few newspapers that used the script type for signatures of ... See More
Four George Washington signatures on the front page...
Item #700623
April 26, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 26, 1797
* President George Washington
* United States Congress acts
The front page features not one, but four documents each signed by the President: Go. Washington, three of them are signed in the very desirable script type. One of the Acts relates to fixing the military establishment of the United States.
Four pages, very light damp staining at ... See More
Three "signatures" by Washington on his last day in office...
Item #700622
April 22, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 22, 1797
* President George Washington's last day in office
* Three Acts of Congress signed in script type
The front page contains not one but three Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
The Acts are regarding duties on distilled spirits, one for placing buoys in Boston harbor, and one for setting the... See More
The historic Boston Non-Importation Agreement...
Item #700584
May 15, 1769
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769 The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any exception take... See More
Wealth of content on the effects of the Boston Port Bill... Discussing the Mass. Government Act...
Item #700572
June 29, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 29, 1774 This is the newspaper previously owned & printed by Ben Franklin, his name appearing in the imprint through 1765.
The front page begins with a harsh address from the Mass. Council to the governor, Thomas Gage, noting: "Your excellency has arrived at a juncture when the harmony between Great Britain and the colonies is greatly in... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #700551
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Sept. 30, 1758; Sept. 16, 1760; July 28, 1761; May 21, 1768; & May 19, 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 col... See More
On the conquest of Montreal & sending the French home...
Item #700467
November 29, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 29, 1760
* The Surrender of Montreal
* French troops defeated
The back page has a letter from Philadelphia which mention in part: "From Montreal we learn that M. Vaudruiel, late Governor & Commander in Chief of Canada, with all the regular troops...were to be sent home immediately, and t5hat the peasants born in Canada & having possessi... See More
Reporting on the capture of Quebec...
Item #700464
October 23, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 23, 1759
* Battle & capture of Quebec, Canada
* French and Indian War - James Wolfe
Page 6 has a letter from Quebec has some information on its conquest including: "Were I to describe, in military phrases, the strength, situation, number, and, upon this occasion, uncommon bravery of the enemy...you would not be a little surprized at our und... See More
Battle of Fort Frontenac...
Item #700463
November 02, 1758
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 2, 1758
* Fort Frontenac captured
* French and Indian War
The back page has a very nice letter: "...from an officer in one of the provincial regiments in America...dated Albany, Sept. 15" which begins: "You will hear from many hands the successful blow struck against the French interest in America by the taking of Cadaraque, or (as th... See More
On the end of the French & Indian War...
Item #700457
August 06, 1763
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 6, 1763
* French and Indian War nearing the end
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 6, 1763 Most of the front page is taken up with reports under the heading: "America", with a Perth Amboy dateline, and includes: "The termination of a long & burthensome war, by the late Definitive Treaty, is an event as happy as it is g... See More
Land purchase document from New England, 1752...
Item #700403
May 01, 1752
A part-printed, part-handwritten document by "...Elisha West of Kingston in the County of Plymouth in New England...sum of sixty six pounds thirteen shillings & four pence...absolutely convey...a certain farm or parcel of land..." with the various details. Dated near the bottom at Plymouth "May the first AD 1752" with several signatures, including some remnants of two red w... See More
Two nice engravings in the masthead...
Item #700402
July 25, 1746
THE LONDON COURANT, England, July 25, 1746 The masthead features two engravings, one showing a sailing ship and the other a post-boy 'trumpeting' the news.
Various news from Europe with most of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, the margins appear to have been hand-trimmed close to the text but not touching any letters, damp staining at th... See More
Not held by any American institution... Reports from New York & Boston...
Item #700397
July 29, 1758
PUE'S OCCURRENCES, Dublin, Ireland, July 29, 1758 An early Irish newspaper with pages 1 and 2 having various news reports while most of the balance of the issue is taken up with ads & notices.
Page 2 has: "Plantation News" with reports datelined from New York and Boston, from during the French & Indian War era.
This title is not held by any American institution.
Four... See More
From during George Washington's administration...
Item #700354
March 07, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 7, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The back page has 11 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.
During Washington's administration...
Item #700345
May 07, 1793
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 7, 1793
* 18th century America publication
A typical newspaper of the day from during George Washington's administration. Inside has a runaway reward ad, with details.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.... See More
A supplement issue almost entirely filled with ads, two slave-related...
Item #700336
November 14, 1792
SUPPLEMENT TO DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 14, 1792 This is a single sheet that is almost entirely taken up with advertisements that would not have fit in the "regular" issue. One is for: "The Time of a Negro Woman For Sale..." & another: "Twenty Dollars Reward" for 2 runaway: "...young Negro lads..." with details.
Co... See More
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 #700199
November 24, 1795
KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, Nov. 24, 1795 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 partial red tax stamp on page 3.
Four pages, nice condition.
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
Celebrating Blanchard & Jeffries, the first to cross the Channel in a balloon...
Item #699743
January 27, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 27, 1785 Page 4 has a lengthy report from Dublin on an early manned balloon flight. Similar to this is a report on page 5 concerning the reception of Mr. Jean-Pierre Blanchard and Dr. John Jeffries in Paris in celebration of their being the first to cross the English Channel in a balloon. Mr. Pilatre de Rosier was present as well, the first man to fly in a... 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
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