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.
Building a lighthouse on Cape Henry... Treasury Dept. document on the historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #682060
September 29, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 29, 1790
* Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)
* Funding Act of 1790
The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, wher
... See More
* Cape Henry Lighthouse (Virginia Beach)
* Funding Act of 1790
The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, wher
Very handsome Revolutionary War newspaper from Philadelphia...
Item #682028
December 11, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead for display
This newspaper features one of the most ornate and decorative mastheads of the Revolutionary War, the words "Pennsylvania Packet" so frilly that it can be difficult to read.
Most of page 2 is taken up with; "An Act for Vesting the Est... See More
America must remain vigilant...
Item #681751
January 19, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1793 Page 3 has a great letter beginning: "The important struggle now is how America shall preserve her Liberty and Equality! For it is unbecoming her after she has contended with the power of Great Britain & conquered, that she must depend solely on the success of France for their continuance!...".
Four pages, nev... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #681728
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774 If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
The Jacobite Rebellion... Battle of Falkirk with a "diagram"...
Item #681697
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1746 * The Jacobite Rebellion
* Battle of Falkirk w/ diagram
There is good content on the Jacobite Rebellion with: "Order of Battle at Falkirk-muir" being a textual diagram of the placement of troops, with other related text concerning the Battle of Falkirk.
Also: "How the most noble Party of Free-Thinkers will suffe... See More
Naval reports from the French & Indian War in America...
Item #681528
March 22, 1759
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, March 22, 1759 Page 2 has naval reports from the French & Indian War: "The Phila, Capt. Farmer, from New York...was taken the 17th of February by the Sampson privateer of Bayonne..." with more reports mentioning New York and South Carolina.
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches, red tax stamp on the front page, great condition.... See More
Madison proposes Amendments to the Constitution... Early edition of the Bill of Rights...
Item #681502
June 13, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 13, 1789
* Early edition of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* President James Madison
An exceedingly significant issue which has, on page 3, a preliminary draft of the Bill of Rights described as "...the Amendments to the New Constitution, proposed by the Hon. Mr. Maddison [sic]...".... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #681445
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.
At the back is the &q... See More
The new American states struggling with money issues...
Item #681443
June 01, 1787
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1787 Included near the back is nearly half a page headed: "American News" which begins: "The present state of America is rather to be deplored than envied..." concerning its financial situation, including; "...America, like every other rising state, must have much to struggle with before it can arrive at opulence...".
Inc... See More
The king and work towards a peace treaty...
Item #681293
December 10, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Dec. 10, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 2 has an address to the King of England in response to his recent speech. A few bits include: "...graciously pleased to direct your measures to promote a cordial reconciliation between Great Britain and America...our satisfaction that your Majesty...has laid the fo... See More
The Declaration of Independence, and more...
Item #681282
THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, England, complete bound volume of six months for July thru December, 1776 plus the Supplement issue as well.* Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
* Entire bound volume intacted
It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remai... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #681266
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse.
Also within is a mention of "A Portugal Merchant&... See More
Growing tea in the Carolinas rather than importing it...
Item #681263
March 03, 1764
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 3, 1764 Page 6 has a curious article headed: "Of The Culture of the Tea Plant in Carolina" is an interesting report on attempts to grow tea in the colonies for their own consumption. It is signed: Americanus.
Eight pages, 8 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
Ships for America... Fire in Frankfort's Jewish district...
Item #681203
January 31, 1719
THE POST-BOY, London, January 31, 1719
* Great masthead engraving
* Early 18th century original
One of the more decorative 18th century issues with two ornate engravings in the masthead, and the first letter on the ftpg. very embellished.
The front page has several items including a report from Frankfort: "A great Fire in the Jews Street hath consumed here about a hundred and te... See More
Rare mention of John Paul Jones...
Item #681166
October 08, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Oct. 8, 1782
* John Paul Jones
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 3 has a report with rare mention of John Paul Jones: "...letters were received from New York...when every thing remained quiet...It is said to be the squadron under Paul Jones, which sailed from Boston in August last, and not three French frig... See More
Just before the storming of the Bastile...
Item #681132
July 18, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 18, 1789
* Beginning of the French Revolution
An inside page has a lengthy report from Paris headed "Commotions In France" which covers much of the early events of the French Revolution.
Portions include: "The palace of Versailles is guarded by 3 lines of soldiers & the King has little to fear while the Marshal de Broglio is about... See More
Death of John Hancock in his hometown newspaper...
Item #681123
October 09, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 9, 1793
* John Hancock death (1st report)
* Declaration of Independence signer
* 1st Massachusetts Governor
* From his hometown (rare)
Curiously, the ftpg. includes "A Proclamation for a Day of Public Thanksgiving By His Excellency John Hancock, Governor..." carrying over to pg. 2 where it is signed by him in type: John Hancock.
Contrast t... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #681106
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of iss... See More
On Ben Franklin negotiating a peace treaty to end the war...
Item #681056
March 26, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, March 26, 1782 The front page has some text concerning negotiations in Paris to end the war, bits including: "...handed about in Paris, the substance...of the answers & representations given by dr. Franklin in a conversation he had lately with the 'french minister upon american affairs The Doctor...testified the very great & just estee... See More
The Revolutionary War, after Cornwallis' surrender...
Item #681055
March 19, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, March 19, 1782 Page 3 has various reports from the "New York Gazette" concerning closing events in the Revolutionary War. A few bits including: "...Minister Plenipotentiary of France to the American Rebel Congress, having long solicited that body to issue an Edict prohibiting the use of British Manufactures in all the revolted colonies...... See More
General Greene in South Carolina...
Item #681054
March 14, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, March 14, 1782
* General Nathanael Greene
* South Carolina expedition
* American Revolutionary War
The front-page has a letter form an officer on a ship near Charleston, including in part: "General Waine, with about 800 men, joined Gen. Greene & are building large boats...for some expedition...the heavy artillery taken on the surrender... See More
Investigating who Cornwallis surrendered...
Item #681053
March 12, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, March 12, 1782
* re. Lord Cornwallis surrender
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 2 has over a full column letter: "To the Right Hon. Earl Cornwallis" concern ing his surrender at Yorktown.
A few bits include: "...with the hopes that the causes of your surrendering up the Army, commanded by your Lo... See More
Thoughts on the closing events of the Revolutionary War...
Item #681016
February 23, 1782
THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Feb. 23, 1782
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
Page 3 has much on the situation in America. A few bits include: "...Peace was always desirable; but in the present situation of our affairs something more--it was become necessary: the best blood in the nation had been shed in a fruitless war & the resources of the countr... See More
A full size, single sheet newspaper...
Item #680968
October 27, 1730
THE DAILY POST, London, Oct. 27, 1730 A single sheet newspaper of folio size with front page news from London & elsewhere in Europe, with the back page taken up with ads.
Red tax stamp at the bottom of the back page. Measures 10 by 16 1/2 inches, the back page has some staining at the spine margin, otherwise good condition.
Capture of Ethan Allen...
Item #680937
October 21, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* Revolutionary War
The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of ... See More
A "Diabolical Courant" newspaper within... Map of Northern Italy...
Item #680824
January 01, 1747
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1747 Of curious interest is the printing of a satire "newspaper" taking 2 1/2 pages, titled "The Diabolical Courant; or, Hellish Intelligencer". It's theme is on the recent English Civil War.
Otherwise various European reports and news of the day.
Complete in 56 pages, full title/contents page featuring a very nice & detail... See More
A "Diabolical Courant" newspaper within... Map of Northern Italy...
Item #680823
January 01, 1747
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1747 Of curious interest is the printing of a satire "newspaper" taking 2 1/2 pages, titled "The Diabolical Courant; or, Hellish Intelligencer". It's theme is on the recent English Civil War.
Included as well is a foldout map titled: "A Map of the Northern Parts of Italy Containing Savoy, Piemont, Milan, Parma, Mantua... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown, in an American newspaper...
Item #680790
December 14, 1781
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, December 14, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
This issue contains one of the most historically significant letters from the Revolutionary War, being Cornwallis' official announcement of his surrender to Washington at the Battle of Yorktown.
The report consumes all of page 3, prefaced with: "... See More
The very historic Duche letter to General Washington... Battle of the Kegs...
Item #680789
February 19, 1778
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Feb. 19, 1778
* Jacob Duché - 1st chaplain to the Continental Congress
* Famous letter to General George Washington
* American Revolutionary War
A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken after one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in the ot... See More
With both the die number and plate number...
Item #680695
October 06, 1789
THE DIARY; or, WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, October 6, 1789
* Red tax stamp w/ plate & die #
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
As seen in the photo the front page includes a nice red-inked tax stamp which not only has the restrike die number but the plate number as well: "No. 10" in the lower right corner. This four page newspaper has c... See More
A petition from the people of Halifax, Nova Scotia...
Item #680668
January 03, 1758
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1758 Inside has over a full page headed: "America" with a Halifax, Nova Scotia dateline, beginning: "The following Memorial, signed by the principal merchants & freeholders in Halifax was...delivered to the Lieutenant Governor."
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, various chipping at the margins, good condition.
Significant & rare Judaica print... Burgoyne in Parliament to answer for Saratoga...
Item #680658
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, May, 1778 Certainly the most significant item in this issue is the very nice foldout engraving which is described on the contents page as: "An Inside View of the Jews Synagogue at Amsterdam, and of the Ceremony of sounding the Horn on New Year's Day".This plate folds out to 8 1/4 by 8 3/4 inches, has minor foxing, and a library stamp in a ... See More
Great foldout map of "West Florida" from Pensacola to New Orleans...
Item #680579
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1772 * Nice map of "West Florida"
* Pensacola, Florida, to New Orleans, Louisiana
* Plate of a rare bird from the Hudson Bay
Certainly the most notable item in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of Part of WEST FLORIDA" from Pensacola to the Mouth of Iberville River, with a View to shew t... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by John Adams...
Item #680460
August 31, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 31, 1799
* President John Adams
* Land Acts of Congress
The front page has two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type: John Adams. One is to authorize the sale of: "...certain lands between the Great and Little Miami rivers in the territory of the United States north-west of the Ohio...". Other items include: "Rumors of a N
... See More
* President John Adams
* Land Acts of Congress
The front page has two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type: John Adams. One is to authorize the sale of: "...certain lands between the Great and Little Miami rivers in the territory of the United States north-west of the Ohio...". Other items include: "Rumors of a N
General Washington...
Item #680445
July 06, 1790
CONCORD HERALD, & NEW HAMPSHIRE INTELLIGENCER, New Hampshire, July 6, 1790
* President George Washington
On the front page under "Federal Congress" is the activity of the House of Representatives. The back page has a report about a "remarkable dwarf" who lived in New Jersey during the war and attracted "crowds of people", including Gen. Washington. Som... See More
A 'boxing match' between women of fashion...
Item #680431
August 27, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796 Page 2 has a curious article headed: "Amorous Fracas!" beginning: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion in the vicinity of Merrion Square..." with the details.
Four pages, very nice, clean condition.
Notice for INA, oldest stock insurance company in the United States...
Item #680382
June 14, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 14, 1793
* Notice for INA, oldest stock insurance company in the United States
The bottom of the bkpg. has a notice: "The Members of the Insurance Company of North America..." with more. INA is the oldest stock insurance company in the U.S., founded in Phila. in 1792. It merged to form CIGNA in 1982.
The ftpg. ... See More
Early on Botany Bay (Australia)...
Item #680376
July 27, 1790
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 27, 1790
* Early Botany Bay - Australia voyage
* The life of Alessandro Stradella (composer)
The front page has much on the life and eventual fate of the great 17th century composer, Alessandro Stradella. The inside also has a mention of "Governor Phillip's Voyage to Botany Bay", which was a 21-volume contemporary account of the establ... See More
Announcement that the Constitution has been created...
Item #680368
September 18, 1787
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, September 18, 1787
* First announcement that the Constitution of the United States has been finalized
* In regards to historic announcements in U.S. history, this is rivaled only by the announcement that the Declaration of Independence had been signed
A singularly historic newspaper. As collectors know the very first news... See More
The great Philadelphia State House print...
Item #680365
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1752 * Pennsylvania State House
* Philadelphia PA print
* Independence Hall
Despite the 48 pages of text within this issue the prime content is certainly the full page plate captioned: "A View of the State House in Philadelphia" which would later be known as Independence Hall.
This is a print of this famous building 24 years bef... See More
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War... On Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga...
Item #680364
March 07, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 7, 1778
* Surrender of general Burgoyne
* Battles of Saratoga - New York
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
Most of the ftpg. is taken up with a: "...letter from Vice Admiral Lord Vi... See More
Washington to be dictator of America for life?
Item #680055
July 07, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 7, 1789
* President George Washington
* Dictator of American for Life ?
Page 4 has an: "Extract of a Letter From New York" which begins: "His Excellency General Washington, our new congressional President, and perhaps I might add Dictator of America for life, gave a very sumptuous entertainment on Thursday the 4th inst. on account of ... See More
Timely report of the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart...
Item #680052
December 01, 1791
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1791
* Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart death (1st report)
* Musical composer - Classical music era original
Presented inconspicuously among other death reports is a brief yet very notable report on the death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, ending with a prophetic comment: " At Vienna, Wolfgang Mozart, the celebrated German composer. ... See More
Defending the criticisms of Jews...
Item #679999
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1731* A rare 1st edition
* Supporting criticism of the Jews
* Early report from Boston
This is just the third issue of this extremely successful magazine. Several editions of the first several issues were printed in the early 1730's, and are typically identified as such (2nd edition, 3rd edition, etc.) at the bottom of the title page. This ... See More
Cherokee movements in the Carolinas...
Item #679950
January 19, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 19, 1762 Over one-third of the front page is headed: "America" with various reports from Charleston concerning the movement of the Cherokee Indians since peace had been proclaimed.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, tiny hole in the front leaf affects one word in the noted article, nice condition.
A new town near Hispaniola...
Item #679946
June 06, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 6, 1767 Inside has most of a column headed: "America" with datelines from Philadelphia, New York & Kingston, Jamaica.
One report notes that: "...Gov. Seymour...had already planned a town which was to be built on the Grand Key, and to be called by the name of Shelburne. As these islands lie so contiguous to Hispaniola...is imagined... See More
Very early tennis report...
Item #679939
April 14, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 14, 1767
* Very early tennis
The front page has: "A Further Account of the Patagonian Indians". Inside has a rare & very early tennis report: "Yesterday the great match at Tennis between Tomkyns and Maccon was determined in favour of the latter; many of the nobility were present, and considerable bets depending." Also a repo... See More
Dismissing an agent...
Item #679938
April 02, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 2, 1767 Inside has an "Extract of a Letter from Boston (New England)" concerning the dismissal of Mr. Jackson as an agent for the colony of Massachusetts, signed by the governor: Fra. Bernard.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, nice condition.
News from America...
Item #679937
March 26, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 26, 1767 Inside has most of a column headed: "America" with datelines from Philadelphia and New York.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, very nice condition.
News from America...
Item #679933
February 24, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 24, 1767
* Pre Revolutionary War Southern America
Inside has an: "Extract of a Letter From Pensacola". Most of a page has part of a continuing article on: "The History of Greenland, Containing a Description of the Country & Its Inhabitants". Elsewhere are a few items from "America", one noting a ship bound for New O... See More
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