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.
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More
Funeral of Benjamin Franklin...
Item #701208
May 01, 1790
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, May 1, 1790 A report on page 3 headed: "The Immortal Franklin" begins: "This great and good man, whose death we announced in the last Centinel, was aged 85 years--and was interred with every mark of the esteem and veneration of his fellow citizens. His last illness lasted 16 days. At his funeral the following was the order of Procession.&quo... See More
Ben Franklin appointed agent...
Item #701189
December 19, 1771
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 19, 1771
* Benjamin Franklin appointed agent
* Pennsylvania Assembly in London
Page 6 begins with a report headed "America" from Philadelphia noting in part: "...Benjamin Franklin, Esq., is appointed Agent for this province at the Court of Great Britain, for the ensuing year."
Other news of the day, mostly European, plus a... See More
Early report on the surrender of Charleston to the British...
Item #701188
May 16, 1780
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 16, 1780
* Charleston, South Carolina surrenders to UK
* American Revolutionary War from the enemy
Most of the front page is taken up with two notable letters, the first datelined New York on Dec. 22, 1779 beginning: "As President of the Board of Loyal Refugees from the several revolted colonies of America...been pleased to give to every p... See More
Reports from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701170
December 14, 1778
THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, Dec. 14, 1778 Page 2 has some text concerning Comte D'Estaing and his naval squadron from Boston. Also reports from New York noting in part: "...that the rebellion is much weaker now than it was this time twelve month; and nothing but a little wisdom in planning her schemes on the part of Great Britain, and vigor in their execution is... See More
John Adams signs four Acts of Congress... The Marines...
Item #701168
September 04, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 4, 1799 The front page has four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams, one of which is: "An ACT, authorizing an Augmentation of the Marine Corps".
Page 2 has: "Capt. Truxton's Resignation" which is quite lengthy & signed by him in type: Thomas Truxton.
Four pages, slightly irregular at the spi... See More
Great reports on the Battle of Stony Point by both Washington and Anthony Wayne...
Item #701144
July 27, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1779
* Battle of Stony Point - New York
* American Revolutionary War night assault
* Generals George Washington & Anthony Wayne
This title has one of the more handsome mastheads of the era, with very ornate lettering and an engraving of a three-masted ship.
Page 2 has a lengthy letter in defense of Robert Morr... See More
Washington's Farewell Address to the army...
Item #701133
November 08, 1783
THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Nov. 22, 1783
* General George Washington
* Farewell address to Continental Army
Taking over a full column on page 1 and a bit of page 2 is the historic document headed: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States" and datelined "Rocky Hill, near Princeton, Nov. 2, 1783&q... See More
Reference to the Stamp Act...
Item #701127
March 23, 1767
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1767
* Rare pro British Colonial publication
* American taxation - re. stamp act
Over 1 1/2 columns of the front page are taken up with: "Dr. Franklin's Pieces in Behalf of North America", signed in type: Homespun.
Also on the front page is a letter mentioning: "...I know not with what ... See More
Capture of Ethan Allen, and so much more...
Item #701119
November 24, 1775
NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 24, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War
The front page has a bit noting: "...letter from General Burgoyne at Boston wherein he says that 20,000 men would be a feeble reinforcement to the army there, in their present situation." Page 2 has various tidbits relating to the war, a few including: "... See More
Congress creates Continental Currency... From Lexington & Concord forward...
Item #701118
November 16, 1775
THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 16, 1775 A very significant issue in the financial history of the United States, as the front page reports the first issuance of Continental Currency to support the Revolutionary War. Datelined: "Philadelphia, In Congress, Thursday, June 22, 1775" it reports: "Resolved, That a sum not exceeding two millions of Spa... See More
Boston almanac for 1780...
Item #701104
January 01, 1780
* 18th century American almanac
* Revolutionary War era
A Pocket Almanac for the Year ofd our Lord 1780...fourth of American Independence, Calculated for trhe Use of the State of Massachusetts Bay in New-England, Boston, printed by T. & J. Fleet.
A wonderful almanac for during the Revolutionary War, complete in apprise. 40 pages. Each month has a blank leaf upon which notes were penned b... See More
Map of the Hudson River region... Franklin on the exchange of prisoners...
Item #701099
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778 * Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen
Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with consi... See More
The (1775) Restraining bill, and reaction to it...
Item #701076
May 17, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, May 17, 1775
* Retraining Acts of 1775
* Colonial trade restrictions
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with: "Lord Camden's Speech on the New England Fishery Bill".
Page 2 has a report headed: "Provisions in the Restraining Bill for the Provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylva... See More
The British capture Belle Ile from the French...
Item #700922
June 20, 1761
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 20, 1761
* Capture of Belle Île - Brittany, France
* British amphibious expedition victory
* Seven Years' War - Studhome Hodgson
Most of page 2 and part of page 3 are taken up with great coverage of the Capture of Belle Ile during the Seven Years' War.
This event was a British expedition to capture the French island o... See More
Military events in Canada...
Item #700899
October 30, 1746
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 30, 1746 The front page begins with a report datelined: "Louisbourgh" which is in Nova Scotia, Canada. It begins: "A party of the French Indians, undiscover'd, fell upon a detachment of soldiers that were at the island of St. John's..." with another report from there as well.
Four pages, 7 1/2 by 10 inches, full red t... See More
Ship taken off the coast of Virginia...
Item #700896
December 29, 1746
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 29, 1746
* Early America trade article
Page 3 has a brief item noting: "The Rose, Witts, from Virginia for London, is taken by a French man of war from Chebectou, near the Capes of Virginia, the captain and crew are carried into Port Louis, but the ship was not arrived when the letters came away." Also mention of other ships from... See More
Wrap-up items between America & England at the end of the war...
Item #700881
May 16, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 16, 1783 Inside includes, from London: "Government, since the ratification of the peace with America, have indicated their desire to the refugees from that country, that some mode should be struck out for producing a final adjustment of this complex business...". More on this, with further on: "As Canada is the only province of consequen... See More
Working toward a treaty to end the Revolutionary War...
Item #700880
May 27, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 27, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Working towards a peace resolution
The front page has some content concerning work toward the treaty of peace to end the Revolutionary War.
Page 2 has: "Sir Guy Carleton has used every possible endeavor to persuade Congress to ratify the treaty with America, without waiting till the troops shall be ... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700870
September 05, 1783
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Sept. 5, 1783
* Post Revolutionary War America
Page 2 has some items relating to America including: "... duty obliges every importer of tobacco in Great Britain...It is surely bad policy to throw the Americans into new tracks..." and also: "...appears an act of the Commonwealth of Mass. whereby...that from & after the last day of... See More
The nation's capital is in New York City...
Item #700868
June 06, 1785
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 6, 1785
* United States nation's capital (temporary)
The top of page 2 has a brief item headed: "Extract of a Letter from New York". It reads: "The Congress now sitting in this city, and to which place the future meetings of that national Assembly will be hereafter wholly confined, have under deliberation the appoi... See More
On the execution of King Louis XVI...
Item #700859
February 07, 1793
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 7, 1793 Page 2 includes: "The intelligence of the execution of Louis XVI has been received here with astonishment and horror. It has occasioned a violent ferment in the army; and deletions begin to be very considerable in consequence of the King's death..." with more.
Four pages, very minor loss at the top of the blank spine, good ... See More
Title relates to the Jacobite Rebellion...
Item #700854
November 04, 1746
THE DAILY GAZETTEER: A Vigorous War; Glorious Peace, or LONDON ADVERTISER, England, Nov. 4, 1746
* Era of the Jacobite Rebellion
* Rare 18th century publication
The title, with the military reference, likely relates to the Jacobite Rebellion which reached its climax at the Battle of Culloden on April 16.
The front page is filled with various news reports from Europe, most... See More
Washington discharges all troops in Pennsylvania & the South...
Item #700845
December 30, 1783
THE YORK COURANT, England, Dec. 30, 1783 Page 2 has reports concerning America including: "His Excellency Gen. Washington, by Proclamation... in compliance with a Resolve of Congress...has discharged all the troops in the service of the United States that are now in Pennsylvania, or to the Southward thereof, except the garrison of Fort Pitt."
Also a letter from Montreal mentions: ... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700843
February 22, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb.22, 1796 Page 7 has a letter from New York that mentions in part: "...The American Congress have resolved that foreign ship shall not import into the United States any other goods but such as are the growth and manufacture of the nation to which the ships belong." And also: "A serious difference is said to exist at this time between the ... See More
The uses of Indian Corn from America...
Item #700842
March 07, 1796
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 7, 1796 Pages 4 and 5 contain an article headed: "Indian Corn - Extract of a Letter Received from a Gentleman from America Recommending the use of Indian Corn". The article takes over a full column.
Eight pages, 9 3/4 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on the back page, very nice condition.
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
Suspected pirate ship at Savannah is burned by angry citizens...
Item #700837
October 30, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Oct. 30, 1798 Page 6 has a report noting in part: "...from Savannah informs, that the day previous to his sailing a Spanish brig came up the river & anchored opposite the town. Suspicion immediately arose of her being a privateer...their suspicion was realized...she had taken two American vessels...sent them into St. Augustine where they were cond... 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
The Yellow Fever epidemic in America... Horatio Nelson...
Item #700835
November 30, 1798
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Nov. 30, 1798
* Yellow fever epidemic in Eastern U.S.
Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with several reports on the Yellow Fever epidemic in the states, particularly Philadelphia and New York.
Page 5 has a brief item concerning the Battle of the Nile: "Mallet Du Pan states the important consequence of Admiral Nelson's victory, ... 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
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
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
How to deal with those loyal to America, and those loyal to England at the war's end...
Item #700815
September 25, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Sept. 25, 1783 The front page has a wonderful document headed: "America" with a Baltimore, Maryland dateline concerning those citizens supportive of America or England at the conclusion of the war.
A few bits note: "...Resolved unanimously, that...if those who have abandoned the cause of America & joined that of our enemies are permitted ... See More
Princeton to continue as the capital of the United States...
Item #700814
November 22, 1783
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Nov. 22, 1783
* Temporary U.S. capital at Princeton, New Jersey
The front page begins with a report headed: "America" from Charleston, concerning trade with France. Page 3 has a report: "...from America, of the 28th of September, advise, 'That it had been formally debated in Congress at Prince-Town [Princeton], whether the Del... See More
Tarring & feathering an excise officer near Pittsburgh...
Item #700813
February 14, 1792
THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, Feb. 14, 1792 The front page has several reports concerning America, one item noting: "Grand Jury of Allegheny county...have found a bill against four or five persons concerned in tarring and feathering a poor fellow suspected as an Excise Officer."
Four pages, rubbing to the front page, otherwise good.
The silk industry in South Carolina...
Item #700808
June 29, 1767
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, June 29, 1767
* Silk manufacturing in the Colonial South
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.
... See More
Reports from America...
Item #700804
February 27, 1769
THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Feb. 27, 1769
* Rare British publication
The front page--carrying over to page 2--with reports from the Caribbean, etc. Also reports taken from the Massachusetts Gazette.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, very nice condition.... See More
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 #700789
November 03, 1787
THE YORK CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 3, 1787 A nice newspaper from the UK with mostly European reports and ads.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, full red tax stamp on the front page, small wear hole to the front leaf, minor rubbing.
From 1787 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.
background: The York Chronicle was an influential newspaper in York, England, founded in 1772 by Christopher Etherington as an alt... See More
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
On George Washington retiring from public life...
Item #700771
September 26, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 26, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
* re. President George Washington's retirement
The front page has 22 illustrated ship ads.
Page 3 has a nice report: "The Resignation of The President of the United States" which notes in part: "...is at length announced to us in form...there is nothing w... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #700770
August 06, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Aug. 6, 1796
* President George Washington
Over half of the back page is taken up with: "An ACT laying duties on carriages for the conveyance of persons, & repealing the former act for that purpose." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington.
The back page also has two reward ads for runaway slaves.
Four ... See More
Washington signs a patent order... Anthony Wayne in Pittsburgh...
Item #700768
July 07, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 7, 1796 Among the front page ads is: "For Sale, a fine, healthy young NEGRO WOMAN and CHILD...Also A Healthy Young Negro Man..." with details.
Page 3 has a report from Pittsburgh not in in part: "...arrived in town his excellency Anthony Wayne, commander in chief of the army of the United States...From Presque Isle we hea... See More
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