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.
Washington responds to criticisms of the Jay Treaty...
Item #698243
October 22, 1795
FEDERAL ORRERY, Boston, Oct. 22, 1795
* George Washington letter
* re. Jay's Treaty
Page 3 has a letter from the county of Westmoreland to the President complaining about the terms of the Jay Treaty, followed by his response in which he notes: "...my deliberate opinion that in ratifying the treaty I had consulted the true interests of my country...". It is signed in typ... See More
Silence is cowardice; neutrality is treason...
Item #698242
May 16, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 16, 1798
* President John Adams
The front page has a lengthy letter being an: "Answer to the Young Men of the City of Philadelphia..." signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Also: "The Address - John Adams, President of the United States" by the young men of Boston concerning the potential for war & noting: "...when th... See More
Washington responds to the House' address on his state-of-the-union speech...
Item #698241
December 30, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 30, 1795
* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
Page 2 has the Address of the House to the President, focused on his recent state-of-the-union address. It is followed by: "To Which the President was Pleased to Make the Following Reply" which is signed in type: G. Washington.
Four pages, so... See More
Washington on peace & security...
Item #698240
July 18, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 18, 1795
* President George Washington
Most of the front page is taken up with: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce, Between Great Britain & the United States of America", which is the controversial Jay Treaty.
Page 2 has a letter signed by: Geo. Washington, dated June 2, 1783. One paragraph begins: "Your congratul... See More
Map of Guadeloupe...
Item #698234
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1759 Within this issue is a nice full page map titled: "A New and Accurate Map of the Isles of Guadloupe, Marie-Galante, etc. from the Best Authorities" which shows much detail & is in nice condition. This is a full page map measuring 5 by 8 1/4 inches and is accompanied by 2 related articles titled: "Articles of Capitulation bet... See More
The Gunpowder Incident: in a Williamsburg newspaper... And so much more!
Item #698138
April 28, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), April 28, 1775
* Very rare Colonial Virginia title
* Gunpowder Incident - Affair
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.
This issue was printed 9 days after the battle of Lex... See More
Sam Adams is elected governor...
Item #698113
May 11, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 11, 1796
* Samuel Adams, Massachusetts governor
* 18th century American original
Page 2 has a very brief report: "His Excellency Samuel Adams is re-elected Governor of this Commonwealth, for the year ensuing: by a majority of about 2000 votes."
Four pages, foxing and light damp staining, a bit irregular at the right margin.... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown: a first report...
Item #698085
November 27, 1781
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 27, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* Revolutionary War ending
* Historic item - 1st report
This is one of the more noteworthy issues of the Chronicle for the entire Revolutionary War, as it is the first issue in this title to announce the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
Although the fo... See More
Broadside newspaper on naval battles...
Item #698078
May 17, 1779
THE LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, England, May 17, 1779
* Action of 13 May 1779
* Sir James Wallace
* Saint-Malo coast
* Naval battle of frigates
This is an uncommon broadside newspaper, single sheet and printed on one side only. The focus of this issue is on naval victories off the Brittany coast of France. Measures 7 3/4 by 12 inches, very nice condition.... See More
Latest war news in a rare newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #698073
August 26, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Aug. 26, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Page 3 has a: "...letter from an officer of distinction to the honorable Major-General Gates..." which begins: "I... See More
Battle of Green Spring... Great reports on the Revolutionary War...
Item #698072
August 14, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781
* Battle of Green Spring
* James County, Virginia
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reduc... See More
Letter from Washington to the people of Brunswick, Virginia...
Item #698065
October 24, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1795
* President George Washington
* Brunswick County, Virginia
Page 2 has the: "Answer Of the President to the Brunswick, Virginia, Proceedings" relating to the Jay Treaty, which is signed by him in type: G. Washington.
Four pages, various foxing, generally nice condition.... See More
Rare plate of the execution of Admiral Byng...
Item #698047
April 01, 1757
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1757
* Execution of Admiral John Byng engraving
Certainly the prime content is the quite rare full page print titled: "The Shooting of Admiral Byng on Board the Monarque" as such prints were more typically removed years ago. This is a dramatic engraving & is accompanied by a letter he penned to the Lords of the Admiralty upon receiving... See More
Detailing how supportive England has been to the colonies...
Item #698043
January 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coa... See More
John Adams responds, Thomas Jefferson intervenes...
Item #698038
October 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798
* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France, with Thomas Jeff... See More
Washington responds concerning the Jay Treaty with England...
Item #698031
November 14, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795
* George Washington letter
* re. John Jay's Treaty
The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and having such extensive relations, some diversity of opinion might be expected...&quo... See More
Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #698030
December 19, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 19, 1795
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Over half of the front page is taken up with the "President's Address" being George Washington's annual state-of-the-union address for the year 1795, a tradition he started in his first administration and which continues to this day.
The "Speech" as it is ... See More
Full text of Washington's Proclamation regarding Spain...
Item #698028
August 24, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 20 and 24, 1796
* President George Washington
* Lengthy proclamation signed in script
A pair of issues: beginning on the front page of the Aug. 20 issue, carrying over to pg. 2, and concluding on pages 1 and 2 of the Aug. 24 issue is the complete text of the: "PROCLAMATION" by the President for putting into effect a treaty with Spain. ... See More
Death of King James II...
Item #698026
September 11, 1701
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 11, 1701
* King James II of England death
The back page has an historic report of the death of King James II, the last Catholic monarch of England who was deposed during the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and spend the remainder of his life in exile in France.
The report from Paris dated Sept. 17 reads: "The late King fell into a lethargy on the 1... See More
Washington introduces a letter by the Secretary of State...
Item #698025
March 20, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 20, 1794
* George Washington & Edmund Randolph
Page 2 has a letter of introduction to the Congress signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. It introduces a letter from the Secretary of State concerning: "...the vexations and spoliations on our commerce since the commencement of the European war...". The much lengthier lette... See More
The Act creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #698020
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, March, 1791* First Bank of the United States creation
The issue begins with textual: "Sketches of the President Of the United States" which is nearly a 4 1/2 page biography of George Washington (the plate called for is lacking). Also inside is the conclusion of: "Description of Cape Cod & the County of Barnstable" which takes 2 1/2... See More
The Netherlands... with a map of Northern Europe...
Item #698019
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1744
* Early James Oglethorpe & Georgia
* 18th Century Netherlands map
An inside page has a report which includes: "...had a commission to be engineer with a salary of 15s a day, given him by Gen. James Oglethorpe who also conferred upon him many other favours having under pretence of sickness, left Georgia when the Spaniard
... See More
* Early James Oglethorpe & Georgia
* 18th Century Netherlands map
An inside page has a report which includes: "...had a commission to be engineer with a salary of 15s a day, given him by Gen. James Oglethorpe who also conferred upon him many other favours having under pretence of sickness, left Georgia when the Spaniard
Secret societies... Free Masons... Illuminati... numismatics...
Item #698016
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1798* Secret Societies, Freemasons, the Illuminati, and more!
* Provincial Half-Pennies (essay part II)... mention of Thomas Spence
The prominent feature of this issue would be the nearly 9 pages dedicated to the review of a new publication" "Proofs of Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe,... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #698004
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 17, 1758, Jan. 1, 1760, Jan. 25, 1763, Jan. 4, 1766, and Jn. 2, 1770. 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 conditio... See More
Much on the Quasi-War... Celebrating Washington's (last) birthday...
Item #698003
February 21, 1799
J. RUSSELL'S GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 21, 1799 The front page and bits inside concerning the Quasi-War with France. Page 3 has a nice concerning an event at the: "Federal Street Theatre, In Honor of the Birthday of General Washington...".
Four pages, nice condition.
Political observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #697976
September 04, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759
* "Political Aphorisms...", by Benjamin Franklin (?)
The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information).
Another London Chronicle from 10 days later,... See More
Second voyage of the HMS Dolphin: first Europeans on Tahiti...
Item #697946
May 30, 1768
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England (now spelled Gloucester), May 30, 1768
* Commodore John Byron
* HMS Dolphin 2nd World voyage
* Commander Samuel Wallis
Various British news reports throughout, with its finest feature being the handsome masthead with two detailed engravings and the ornate lettering.
Pages 2 and 3 have a great account of the second voyage of the HMS Dolphin, taken fro... See More
A family fends off two attacks by Indians...
Item #697921
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1792 Near the back is three-quarters of a page of news headed: "America" mostly taken up with a very detailed and exciting account of a family attacked by Indians, noting how the mother and children were able to fend off the invaders not once but twice. A few other bits as well.Included are all 3 plates called for, one of which shows bo... See More
The Jay Treaty: preventing another war...
Item #697906
July 13, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 9 and 13, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty
* George Washington
A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking all of the front page and a bit of page 2 in the July 9,
concluding in the issue... See More
Much on events in the South: General Greene & others...
Item #697888
March 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 13, 1781
* Rare Revolutionary War title
* General Nathanael Greene
* Battle of Cowpens - SC
* Events in the South
Most of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the: "Account of the Examination& Commitment of John Trumbull, for High Treason", some of the "rebel governor" of Conne... See More
Terrific & displayable issue with front page discussion from London on the futility of the war...
Item #697887
April 30, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 30, 1782
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
A terrific front page as it is entirely taken up with reports of discussions in the "House of Commons" mostly focused on the Revolutionary War and the futility of continuing it.
A few bits include: "That it is the opinion of the house that the war ... See More
Very lengthy letter by Ben Franklin... British generals say America cannot be conquered...
Item #697886
September 09, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: &quo... See More
Death & funeral of the governor...
Item #697866
June 19, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 19, 1799
* Increase Sumner death
* Massachusetts governor
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 pallbearers, etc.
The back pa... See More
Great account of the siege of Fort Schuyler...
Item #697860
September 04, 1777
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 4, 1777
* Siege of Fort Stanwix - Schuyler
* American Revolutionary War
Page 3 has Revolutionary War content including an item reading: "We hear Sir William Howe has requested his Majesty, for very essential reasons, to allow him to exchange General Lee for some British officers; but that such a measure has been stro... See More
A two-issue set: George Washington and Paul Revere on the front page...
Item #697849
June 25, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 22 and 25, 1796
* President George Washington
* Paul Revere's church bells
A two issue set with over half of the front page of the 22nd taken up with lengthy & detailed text of: "An ACT to Regulate Trade & Intercourse with the Indian Tribes & to Preserve Peace on the Frontiers." The Act carries over to take more than a full co... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #697842
August 31, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, Aug. 31, 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, 7 1/2 by 13 inches... See More
News from the Caribbean...
Item #697819
May 29, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 29, 1759 Page 5 has most of a column headed: "America" with reports from the Caribbean with bits including: "...skirmish with the enemy...near Point St. Petre in which we lost four or five negroes..." and: "...Grand Terre, in the island of Guadeloupe, has surrendered to the English..." with a bit more on this.
Eight pages, 8 1... See More
Tories are not welcome to return to their Charleston homes...
Item #697816
July 20, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 20, 1784
* Post Revolutionary War America
* Loyalists - Tories & Charleston SC
Page 5 has a letter from Charleston, South Carolina, with reports concerning end-of-war issues, noting in part: "About 3 weeks since a party of Tories...who had been very active while the British forces were in possession of this state...were visited by their ol... See More
On Captain James Cook's famous voyage to the Pacific...
Item #697815
June 14, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 2, 1784 The front page is entirely taken up with a report on a book: "A Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, Performed under the Direction of Captains Cook, Clarke, and Gore, in His Majesty's Ships the Resolution and Discovery, in 1776, 1777, 1778, 1779 and 1780".
Eight pages, 9 by 12 1/2 inches, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.
The coming war with France...
Item #697809
May 15, 1798
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 15, 1798 Page 2 has a spot headed: "America" taken up with a "Message from the President of the United States to the House of Representatives" concerning the report of the envoys to France, attempting to prevent a war with France. It is signed in type: John Adams.
Relating to this is a page 4 item noting in part: "... from the con... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697762
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743
* 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
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #697736
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 14, 1758, Jan. 2, 1759, Jan. 13, 1761, Jan. 25, 17673, and Jan. 1, 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
Proclamation by General Anthony Wayne...
Item #697642
April 25, 1795
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 25, 1795
* Northwest Indian War
* Gen. Anthony Wayne
* Native Americans
* Proclamation for peace
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed in type by Anthony Wayne, for establishing a permanent peace with all the Indian tribes and nations northwest of the Ohio River.
Four pages, never-trimmed, two binding holes at the spine... See More
More on Prevost's defeat... A letter criticizing the war in America...
Item #697639
August 17, 1779
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Aug. 17, 1779
* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy
* Charleston, South Carolina
* General Augustine Prevost
The bottom of page 3 has a report noting: "...brings...a confirmation of the defeat of Prevost and that that General would have met with the fate of Burgoyne had it not been for the boats he had on the river, i... See More
British account of the Battle of Stono Ferry, and the Battle of Chemung, New York...
Item #697637
September 02, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779
* Battle of Stono Ferry, Charleston, South Carolina
* Battle of Chemung - New York - John Sullivan
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Nearly one-third of page 2 is a letter from an officer in the British army from ... See More
Responding to General Clinton's offer for a reconciliation...
Item #697636
April 03, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781
* General Henry Clinton
* Peace with Americans ?
* Revolutionary War
Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to ... See More
Engraving of the skyline of London... News from Boston...
Item #697633
August 01, 1771
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, August, 1771 Perhaps the most interesting feature is the full title/contents page which has a very intricately engraved view of the skyline of London at the time, making this very decorative.
Near the back is the "Monthly Chronologer" which includes over a full page of reports headed "America" with items from Boston, including 2 messages fro... See More
Battle of Dettingen: last time a British King led troops into battle...
Item #697602
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1743
* Battle of Dettingen
* King George II
* Last British monarch
* to lead army in battle
Much on the Battle of Dettington - the last time that a British monarch, George II, personally led his troops into battle (see images).
One of the article is titled: "Objections to Mr. Yate's Theory of Comets" which include
... See More
* Battle of Dettingen
* King George II
* Last British monarch
* to lead army in battle
Much on the Battle of Dettington - the last time that a British monarch, George II, personally led his troops into battle (see images).
One of the article is titled: "Objections to Mr. Yate's Theory of Comets" which include
An 18th century extra re: Jay Treaty...
Item #697390
April 06, 1796
HERALD EXTRA, (New York), April 6, 1796 A folio size single sheet almost entirely taken up with discussion in the "Federal Legislature, House of Representatives" concerning the controversial Jay Treaty. See images for details. Never-trimmed margins, great condition.
Naval battle between the Americans & British... Franklin the 'old fox'...
Item #697389
January 03, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, January 3, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engravi... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
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E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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