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.
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697371
May 31, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 31, 1797 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. The first issue app... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697250
June 01, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 1, 1797 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. The first issue app... See More
Concerns about the pending Jay Treaty, with Washington's response...
Item #697239
August 31, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 31, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty concerns
* George Washington response
Page 2 has a letter from the people of Morris County, N.J. on their concerns about the Jay Treaty. Also a similar letter from the merchants of Phila. to the President followed by: "The President's Answer" signed in type: Geo. Washington.
Four pages, very handsome... See More
Washington's anger over the murder of Captain Huddy...
Item #697218
May 21, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 21, 1782
* Captain Joshua Huddy execution - hanging
* General George Washington angry reaction
* American Revolutionary War
Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with "Debates in the House of Commons Upon the American War". An excellent report providing much insight into the discussions on the troubling si... See More
The "humble" beginnings of Stephen Girard...
Item #697217
October 17, 1792
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1792 The front page features 21 illustrated ship ad making this a decorative issue. The ftpg. also has a small notice for the "Cincinnati of Pennsylvania" [The Society of Cincinnati] calling for a meeting of the standing committee.
The back page has an ad by Stephen Girard, for the sale of merchandise (including French... See More
Foldout map of France... Canada content...
Item #697215
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1747
* Foldout map of France
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the very nice foldout map titled in the cartouche: "FRANCE With Its Acquired Territories In Germany, and the Netherlands...".
This map shows considerable detail including a close-up view of the harbor & town of Toulon. The map also shows the so
... See More
* Foldout map of France
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the very nice foldout map titled in the cartouche: "FRANCE With Its Acquired Territories In Germany, and the Netherlands...".
This map shows considerable detail including a close-up view of the harbor & town of Toulon. The map also shows the so
Notable attempt at price controls during the War... Much fine war content...
Item #697211
July 15, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 15, 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. This is the volume 1, #18 issue.
The entire front page & most of the back page are taken up with what one scholar calls: &quo... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown...
Item #697208
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, London, December and the Appendix issue for the year 1781* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy
Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under "American Affairs". It is an "Extract... See More
Inhabitants of New Zealand... Plate of Algernon Sidney...
Item #697207
July 01, 1773
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1773 Near the back is a nearly full column report headed: "America - New York". Also an article: "Interesting Anecdotes of the Life of Algernon Sydney, the English Patriot" as well as a full page plate of him. Sidney was an English politician who was accused of platting against the life of Charles II, for which he would be executed.
Ov... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697098
April 30, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 30, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", th... See More
When the population of Pittsburgh was 1,355...
Item #697097
January 21, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 21, 1796
* 18th century Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Mad Anthony Wayne & John Wilkinson
Page 3 has a report headed: "Pittsburgh" noting: "We hear from Fort Washington that General Wayne has left the army on a visit to Phila. and that General Wilkinson has taken the command at Greenville. The number of inhabitants ... See More
Detailed report from the Dept. of War on the ports & harbors of the U.S...
Item #697096
February 03, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 3, 1796
* During George Washington's administration
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Report From the Department of War, Relative to the Fortifications of the Ports and Harbours of the United States", with details city by city.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Governor of Massachusetts & his Assembly...
Item #697081
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, April 25, 1768 * Colonial America reporting
(currently spelled Gloucester) The front page has an: "Extract of a Letter from Boston, New England, dated March 7" which hints at the dissension among the citizens which would ultimately result in the Revolutionary War.
A few items note: "...I never will have any dispute with the represen... See More
Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington as Commander-in-Chief...
Item #697032
June 27, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: ... See More
1796 Acts by Sam Adams...
Item #696953
March 16, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, March 16, 1795
* Nice 18th century masthead
Page 2 begins with two Acts from the Mass. legislature, each signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, very handsome masthead, wide never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.... See More
On the Battle of Guilford Court House...
Item #696922
April 24, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 24, 1781
* Battle of Guilford Courthouse
* Greensboro, North Carolina
* General Charles Cornwallis loss
Page 2 has some nice war content. The 2nd column begins with: "By accounts from General Greene's army as late as the 24th ultimo, we learn that Lord Cornwallis is retreating towards Cross Creek and that o... See More
Maryland resolves for peace, but only if independence is assured...
Item #696918
August 01, 1782
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, August, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Maryland for peace
Under: "American Affairs" is a report from Annapolis which includes: "...announcing the arrival of Sir Guy Carleton at New York as a commissioner for making peace or war in North America...to enable the King of Great Britain to conclude a peace or truce with the United States (b... See More
The Siege of Ninety-Six and more military events in South Carolina...
Item #696741
August 28, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 28, 1781
* Siege of Nintey Six - South Carolina
* General Nathanael Greene defeat
* American Revolutionary War
Half of page 2 is taken up with a letter from Major General Greene in which he officers much on the Siege of Ninety-Six.
Additional reports carry over to page 3 with much more detail on the military event... See More
Napoleon... A ladies' academy..
Item #696655
April 01, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, April 1, 1797 The front page begins with a lengthy letter signed in type: Buonaparte, written to his "Executive Directory". Inside includes ads for a "Ladies Academy" and a runway Negro woman headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward".
Four pages, very nice condition.
Pamphlet printed in 1706...
Item #696588
January 02, 1706
London pamphlet from 1706. The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd at Bow-Church London, on Monday, December. 30, 1706 Before the Societies for the Reformation of Manners" with more, London.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, very nice condition.
Criticizing plans to acknowledge American independence...
Item #696584
May 14, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 14, 1782 Over one-third of page 6 is a letter signed: "A British and also A Real American Patriot", which is very critical of plans to offer peace with America and to acknowledge its independence.
It notes in part: "...Shall our hasty peace-makers then sever those Colonies from the British empire by declaring them independent?...the proposit... See More
Pamphlet printed in 1707... Sermon by the Archbishop of York...
Item #696572
January 02, 1707
London pamphlet from 1707.
* Archbishop John Sharp sermon
* Anne, Queen of Great Britian era
The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd June 28, 1691 At Saint Giles's in the Fields...", London, the third edition, 1707.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, very nice condition.
At the time he preached this sermon, Bishop John Sharp was... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #696529
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
Benedict Arnold and Cornwallis arrive in England...
Item #696486
January 22, 1782
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 22, 1782
* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy
* Benedict Arnold & Lord Cornwallis
Page 2 has a brief item concerning the arrival of Benedict Arnold and Cornwallis in England.
Another page has a great & detailed account of the Battle of Johnstown in upstate New York, including the account of the American commander ... See More
Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #696414
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787 * Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.
Comments from the Library Company ... See More
Hoping non-importation will work...
Item #696332
December 02, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 2, 1769
* Non-Importation agreement
Page 2 has a brief item headed: "America" from New York, and the back page has a letter from Connecticut to a gentleman in Boston noting: "The public spirited & generous union & conduct of the merchants respecting non-importation are, & deserve to be greatly applauded, & will b... See More
German Protestants heading for Louisiana...
Item #696179
June 23, 1767
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 23, 1767 The middle of the back page has a brief item: "We hear that Mounteford Brown has obtained the grant of an extensive track of land in British Louisiana bordering on the Mississippi, a very fertile territory & intended to be settled with German emigrants & other protestant families from the continent."
Another item notes: "..... See More
Reports on the French & Indian War...
Item #696159
February 21, 1761
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 21, 1761 Page 5 has a report headed: "America" with Boston, New York and Philadelphia datelines. Included is a naval encounter between the French and British from the French & Indian War. Another item mentions: "...that the Indians continue in their old way, but that Major Thompson has again thrown into Fort Prince George a large supply ... See More
Come settle in Nova Scotia... The incomparable Frederick Handel...
Item #696154
February 14, 1761
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 14, 1761 The front page begins with reports headed: "America" with a Boston dateline, noting that Johnathan Belcher is now governor of Nova Scotia, and all is well there, and he encourages the settlement of the island.
The back page has a report noting: "At the great Concert Room in Dean Street, Soho...will be performed the Sacred Oratorio,... See More
A futuristic look at America vs. England...
Item #696102
May 11, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 11, 1769 Most of the front page is taken up with a review of a new book: "Private Letters from an American in England to his Friends in America" from an interesting standpoint. It is prefaced with: "...These letters are supposed to be written...towards the close of the 18th century by a young American who is stimulated by curiosity to pay a v... See More
The new governor of Virginia... A female preacher in the American colonies...
Item #696046
January 26, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 26, 1769 Page 6 reports the installment of a new governor in Virginia, Lord Botetourt, with an address of the Assembly to him followed by the governor's response to them. Then some actions taken by the new governor.
The back page has a report from Philadelphia beginning: "Mrs. Rachel Wilson, an eminent preacher among the Friends, lately arrived h... See More
Latest news from the Revolutionary War in a very rare newspaper...
Item #695809
May 07, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, May 7, 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. This issue is volume 1, number 8.
Inside has a report from Charleston beginning: "Five deserters who came last week to Purysbu... See More
On the British taking Canada, and what is due the French...
Item #695164
September 02, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 2, 1762 Page 7 has over half a column article noting in part: "As the cession of Canada to the English is generally...thought to be one of the articles of the approaching peace, it may not be... improper...to mention a circumstance which may have escaped the attention of our superiors...I mean the payment of the bills of the colony on the Tresor Roya... See More
British want peace with the Cherokees, but will remain on their guard...
Item #695163
August 26, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 26, 1762
* Early Native Americans
* Cherokees - Indians
The front page has half a column headed: "America" with a Charleston dateline, concerning the Indians. A portion notes: "The serious attention that has been given to Indian affairs, the scrupulous adherence to the most material and preliminary article of the treaty with the Che... See More
Some notes from the French & Indian War...
Item #695161
August 03, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 3, 1762 Page 7 has an: "Extract of a Letter From Philadelphia", bits including: "Gen. Mockton is returned...to his government of New York...Seven British ships of war were cruising of Cape Francis, blocking up the French men of war...The Indians to the north and west are very quiet...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, partial red ... See More
Cherokee Chiefs in London... Handel's monument in Westminster Abbey...
Item #695156
July 15, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 15, 1762
* Cherokees Indians - Native Americans
* George Frederic Handel monument dedication
Page 2 has two interesting, yet brief, items: "The Cherokee Chiefs have been invited by the Lord Mayor to the Mansion house, and are soon to go there."
In 1762, a delegation of Cherokee leaders arrived in Lon
... See More
Powers of a Cherokee Chief, now visiting England...
Item #695155
July 06, 1762
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 6, 1762 Page 2 has a report from London noting: "The Cherokee Chief who is now here is the second person in point of consideration of his people. The Cherokees are the most considerable Indian nation with which we are acquainted, and are absolutely free...It is courage and ability that constitutes a Chief amongst the Cherokees, who are led by him inde... See More
News from the French & Indian War...
Item #695145
December 31, 1761
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 31, 1761 The front page has over a full column of reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston, Boston, and Halifax in Nova Scotia. A few bits include: "...A gang of the Point Indians were returned from war against the Spaniards; they lost four men...and killed one Spaniard and a negro...The great bustle that was some time ago in... See More
Broadside "Extra" of the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694986
May 17, 1771
POSTSCRIPT EXTRAORDINARY to the PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE....Philadelphia, May 17, 1771
* Very rare "extra" edition broadside
* Pre-Revolutionary War America
A very handsome broadside (printed on one side only) "Extra" edition of the famous newspapers, owned by Ben Franklin during the previous decade.
The reports are news items from London brought over in the ships L... See More
George Washington and the Newburgh Conspiracy...
Item #694966
October 07, 1783
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, October 7, 1783
* Newburgh Conspiracy plan
* General George Washington
* Revolutionary War ending events
Both the front page and page 2 have nice, lengthy letters concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy of that time.
The Newburgh Conspiracy was a plan by Continental Army officers to challenge the authority of the Confederation Congress, arising from
... See More
End of war reports... Proclamation signed by John Hanson, the first President?
Item #694963
November 05, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?
Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright pe... See More
Single sheet "Supplement" to the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694917
August 03, 1769
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119 (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)
* Rare colonial publication
This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the reg... See More
Very handsome Revolutionary War newspaper from Philadelphia...
Item #694765
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
This newspaper existed for just one year... Botany Bay...
Item #694555
December 06, 1796
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1796
* Rare publication
* Botany Bay
* New South Wales
* Australia
A very scarce title, existing only from Aug. 15, 1796 thru Aug. 16, 1797, just one year. This issue is from the private collection.
Page 3 has: "Botany Bay" which is present-day Australia. The letter from Governor Hunter, New South Wales, begins: "This settlement ... See More
A single sheet "Supplement" issue...
Item #694552
October 15, 1796
SUPPLEMENT TO CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 15, 1796 Occasionally newspapers would publish a "Supplement" to an issue to either provide space for advertisements or to report news that would not fit within the 4 page issue. This is one.
The front page begins with a: "Twenty-Dollars Reward" for a runaway: "...Negro servant lad..." ... See More
First elephant to arrive in America...
Item #694546
April 16, 1796
THE DIARY, New York, April 16, 1796
* First elephant comes to America
* Captain Jacob Crowninshield
The most notable content would be the page 3 report of the very first elephant to arrive in America, which was on board the ship America.
The report reads: "The America has brought him an ELEPHANT from Bengal, in perfect health. It is the first ever seen in America, and a very gr... See More
The Yellow Fever is finally abating...
Item #694541
October 15, 1799
CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 15, 1799
* Yellow Fever in Philadelphia subsiding
Page 3 has a report signaling the end of the Yellow Fever pandemic which hit Philadelphia very hard at that time: "We rejoice in the prospect of returning health, and the revival of business. The condition of the City Hospital is so far ameliorated as to induce a hope.... See More
Rare 18th century title from Philadelphia...
Item #694520
September 16, 1786
THE PENNSYLVANIA HERALD, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 16, 1786
* Very rare 18th century American publication
A very rare title, in fact I find no record in our database of having sold another of this title.
This newspaper existed under this title from just May 31, 1786 thru Feb. 14, 1788, less than 2 years. It existed for 16 months prior under several different titles... See More
On Washington again becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Army, plus more...
Item #694506
July 24, 1798
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, July 24, 1798
* President George Washington
* re. commanding American armies
Most of the front page is taken up with: "Laws Of the United States" including several Acts of Congress including: "Supplementary to an act...to establish an uniform rule of Naturalization..." and: "Supplementary to...An Act authorizing the Presiden... See More
Interesting embossed stamp at the top...
Item #694484
February 22, 1799
MASSACHUSETTS MERCURY, Boston, Feb. 22, 1799
* At the turn of the 19th century
An issue from the private collection which has an interesting, embossed stamp at the upper left corner, likely by a library. Also this issue is in great condition with untrimmed margins, once string bound.
Four pages, various news of the day with most of pages 3 and 4 taken up with advertisements. Very ni... See More
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