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.
First inauguration of George Washington...
Item #679892
July 16, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789
* President George Washington
* First inauguration (historic)
Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of t... See More
A new port at Amelia Island in 1770...
Item #679855
July 31, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 31, 1770 Page 6 has a report datelined: "Charles-Town, South Carolina, June 22" (spelled Charleston today) which includes: "...pleased to establish a new port of entry at Amelia Island, situated in St. Mary's river in East Florida, where it is said there is good depth of water attended with other advantages...".
Eight pages, 8 1/2 ... See More
Angry Boston freeholders... Destroy Fort Pitt...
Item #679813
December 19, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Dec. 19, 1772 The second page has the follow-up petition from the Freeholders of Boston expressing once again their concern about the salaries of the judges of the Superior Court, as well as a request for a special meeting of the General Assembly to discuss this important and alarming matter.
A reply from the Governor says their reasons are insufficient and they have n... See More
Sam Adams is selected...
Item #679779
July 21, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 21, 1772
* Samuel Adams chosen for clerk
* House of Representatives
* Pre Revolutionary War era
Page 6 contains a report from a Boston letter concerning political events in that town, and which mentions "...the House then made choice of Mr. Samuel Adams for their clerk...". The article goes on to report other political happenings, taking ... See More
On Captain Cook's second voyage to the South Seas...
Item #679777
July 14, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, July 14, 1772
* Second voyage of James Cook
A one paragraph report on the second page mentions: "We are assured that Capt. Cooke...with some other learned Gentlemen, have actually set sail in order to make new discoveries in the South Seas..." with a bit more.
This was his second trip, the purpose of the mission was to determine if a continent extended... See More
Scarce title...
Item #679745
July 10, 1710
MEMOIRS OF LITERATURE, London, July 10, 1710
* Rare publication
A very uncommon title from England with no news of the day but rather editorials and literature reviews. Four pages, lite damp-staining to the right portion of the issue, otherwise in very nice condition, 8 3/4 by 13 1/4 inches, and a rare opportunity to add this title to an early newspaper collection. ... See More
Skeleton from the Black Assize of Oxford 1577...
Item #679741
March 23, 1767
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL [Gloucester], England, March 23, 1767 Page 3 has an interesting item: "Last week the skeleton of a man in setters, with one jaw and some of the large bones perfect, was dug up in removing some ground in our Castle Green, eastward of the ruins of the old County Hall, memorable as the place wherein was held the fatal black assize, in the year 1577... upwards of 500 o... See More
Massacre of Indian chiefs...
Item #679740
March 24, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 24, 1787 The bottom of the back page has a report noting "...from North America, which mention that several Indian Chiefs who had assembled for the purpose of holding a council, hostile to the United States, had been surprised & put to death by a party of the American army. The celebrated Joseph Brendt...and another chief escaped the massac... See More
John Wilkes, a supporter of the American cause...
Item #679721
August 29, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, Aug. 29, 1768
* John Wilkes - radical
* Pre Revolutionary War
The first half of the newspaper is taken up with the continuation of the "Narrative of the Hon. Commodore Byron" on his expedition around the world in the 1740's.
Near the back are reports from London noting in part: "...that most of the readers of our paper are such ... See More
Death of the Queen's occultist, an itinerant quack...
Item #679719
May 26, 1715
THE POST BOY, London, May 26, 1715
* Rare & early 18th century issue
* Nice masthead engravings
A handsome issue with the two nice, detailed engravings in the masthead. The back page has a brief item: "The same day, Sir William Read, his Majesty's Ocultist in Chief, died at Rochester; he was the most expert of all those of his profession." Wikisource calls Willi... See More
News from New York.. .Jonathan Swift...
Item #679709
March 03, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 3, 1768
* News from New York
* Red tax stamp (partial)
* Letters from Jonathan Swift
The front page has: "America", which includes news from New York. Inside has "Letters Written by the late Jonathan Swift" which include the text of one of his recently published letters from 1735.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches, very nice... See More
Bookselling & newspaper publishing in America...
Item #679580
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1796 Included is a very interesting article titled: "Present State of Printing and Bookselling in America" which is great for our hobby as there is talk of newspaper printing as well, including; "...people of North America manufacture their own paper...The newspapers of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Mary... See More
Cottingham Village and Church (1797)...
Item #679578
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1797 A generic issue with no content with writing about. Includes both plates called for, including one showing the Cottingham Church and family monuments. A corresponding article provides considerable details regarding this ancient country village.Complete in 88 pages, full title/contents page with an engraving of St. John's Gate, 5 by 8 inc... See More
Oliver Cromwell print... Thanks for Horatio Nelson...
Item #679573
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1799 Among the two plates called for is one with a nice print of Oliver Cromwell as well as a view of Cockermouth Castle (see) with related text for both. Near the back is a letter from Horatio Nelson answering the vote of thanks of the British House of Commons for his victory in the Battle of the Nile, signed: Nelson.Complete in 96 pages, full titl... See More
Six letters signed by President John Adams...
Item #679570
May 26, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1798
* President John Adams
A nice issue for display as the front page contains not just one but six letters, each signed in type by the president: JOHN ADAMS. There are two more letters signed by Adams on page 2.
These letters are in response to letters sent to him by people or groups in Lancaster & Harrisburg, Penna., and also Burlington &... See More
Blacks to have rights of citizenship in New York ? Washington to move to England?
Item #679259
July 23, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 23, 1785
* General George Washington to move his residence to England (?)
* Blacks to have citizenship rights in New York (?)
Page 2 has a report from New York with some news from the Assembly of the state which includes: "...very warm debates also have taken place upon the question of admitting Blacks, Mulattoes, Mustees, Quadroons...the the r... See More
Launch of the U.S. brig President Adams...
Item #679233
August 07, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 7, 1799 Most of the ftpg. is taken up with: "Robespierre--The Detested", the famous name from the French Revolution.
A page 2 item from Pittsburgh has: "A new brig, the property of the United States, called President Adams, was launched on Rouge River, six miles from Detroit...She carries 18 guns & is remarkably ha... See More
General Murray on retiring from Quebec...
Item #679163
September 01, 1766
THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, Edinburgh, Scotland, September, 1766 Although formatted much like the more common "Gentleman's Magazine" this is a much more scarce title.
News under: "British North America" includes an address from the Council in Quebec to Governor James Murray on his retirement from that position, with his response to the Council. Further on are more letters to... See More
Colonial Boston, with the Supplement issue attached...
Item #679116
June 06, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 6, 1768
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Under reports from London is: "...Letters from Boston, New England, mention that the late public spirit for establishing new manufactures was greatly subsided, the adventurers having met with nothing but disappointments in procuring materials, scarcity of money, & high price of wages." Else... See More
On the creation of George Washington University...
Item #679041
January 02, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 2, 1796 Page 2 has a report from the Virginia House of Delegates concerning Washington: "...that the plan contemplated for erecting an University at the Federal city...And whereas when the general assembly of Virginia presented sundry shares in the James River and Potomac companies to George Washington as a small token of their gratitude for the great, e... See More
Paul Revere from when he was the Masonic Grand Master...
Item #679040
December 09, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 9, 1795
* Masonic - Freemasonry - Masons
The prime content in this issue is the page 3 ad for the "Grand Lodge" of the local Masons, which includes an engraving of the Masonic seal and which also is signed in type by: PAUL REVERE, G. Master.
Four pages, light foxing, generally nice condition.... See More
Politics, and those who aim to deceive...
Item #679036
November 11, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 11, 1795 The front page has much centering controversies with Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has a letter concerning politics noting in part: "...good men were elected who are friends to the federal government...danger from the evil designs of those who aim to deceive the people by their great but false professions of... See More
News from America: the Stamp Act...
Item #678775
March 16, 1782
THE NEWCASTLE CHRONICLE, England, March 16, 1782
* Rare 18th century title
* re. the Stamp Act
Page 2 has a report which mentions: "After the stamp act took place in America, the news printers there put a large black border round their newspapers, to denote their being in mourning; and we hear from Cleveland in Yorkshire, that a wag in that neighbourhood has copied the exam... See More
Early newspaper from York, England...
Item #678754
December 21, 1742
THE YORK COURANT, England, Dec. 21, 1742 This is a title we rarely have an opportunity to offer, particularly from this early year. Not surprisingly the content is entirely European with advertisements taking up a portion of pages 3 & 4.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margin, damp stain, generally good condition.
Death of Patrick Henry...
Item #678713
June 26, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 26, 1799
* Patrick Henry's death
* 18th century original
On page 2 under "Died" is an inconspicuous obituary that reads, in full: "In Virginia, the 6th inst. the Hon. PATRICK HENRY, Esq. one of the Envoys appointed the last Session of Congress, to treat with the French Republic".
The back page has the lyrics of a &... See More
Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina... Cornwallis on the move...
Item #678672
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1781 Inside has commentary on a recent publication titled: "Monody on Major Andre" which notes in part: "This mournful & interesting Eulogium, consecrated to the memory of Major Andre, with the zeal of a religious enthusiast to his murdered Saint...acquaints us also with many particulars before unknown, of the genius & character... See More
Eye-witness accounts of the Battles of Lexington & Concord...
Item #678526
May 25, 1775
THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Massachusetts, May 18-25, 1775
* Battle of Lexington & Concord
* Eyewitnesses accounts
I'm not sure one could want a more notable front page--all consuming--than the content found on page one of this issue. It is entirely taken up with eleven very detailed eye-witness accounts of the historic Battle of Lexington &... See More
First naval battle of the Revolutionary War between the British & French...
Item #678013
June 27, 1778
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 23-27, 1778
* Naval conflict between the Belle Poule vs. the Arethusa
* British and French frigates - 1st naval battle
* Action of 17 June 1778
A very notable issue reporting a significant naval event in the Revolutionary War. The front page & nearly half of pg. 2 are taken up with letters headed: "Victory, at Sea" which give deta... See More
The Battle of Long Island, with a map... Patrick Henry...
Item #677987
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, Oct., 1776 * Battle of Long Island
* Revolutionary War
* Patrick Henry
This issue is filled with a great wealth of notable content concerning the Revolutionary War, however the prime piece here is the nice foldout map titled: "Sketch of the Country Illustrating the late Engagement in Long Island".
The map measures 9 by 13 inches & sho... See More
Great map showing North America... On taxing America without their consent...
Item #677981
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1776 The prime feature of this issue is the great map showing all of the western hemisphere titled: "A New Projection of the Western Hemisphere of the Earth on a Plane shewing the proportions of its several parts nearly as on a Globe, By J. Hardy, at Eton College."
The map is dated at the bottom: "by F. Newbery, Ludg
... See More
The map is dated at the bottom: "by F. Newbery, Ludg
Earliest ice cream advertisement we have seen...
Item #677975
January 10, 1795
AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 10, 1795
* President George Washington era
* Very early ice cream advertisement
In addition to various news reports found inside, the front page has the earliest "Ice Cream" advertisement we have seen in any newspaper.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.... See More
Early version of the Articles of Confederation...
Item #677958
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1775
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
... See More
* Early Version of the Articles of Confederation
* Captain Cook and his voyage to the South Pacific
Over three pages taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
Terrific map of the Boston vicinity in 1775...
Item #677945
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1775
* Rare pre Revolutionary War map
* Town of Boston & it's harbor
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice foldout map titled: "A Plan of the Town and Chart of the Harbour of Boston Exhibiting a View of the Islands, Castle Forts, and Entrances into the said Harbour." which measures 12 1/2 by 14 inche
... See More
* Rare pre Revolutionary War map
* Town of Boston & it's harbor
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice foldout map titled: "A Plan of the Town and Chart of the Harbour of Boston Exhibiting a View of the Islands, Castle Forts, and Entrances into the said Harbour." which measures 12 1/2 by 14 inche
The effects of opium...
Item #677898
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1763 * Effects of opium in the 18th century
Among the articles within this issued are: "An Account of the Effects of Opium as a Poison with the Method of Cure & Proper Directions what to do...", "Proposal for Establishing a National Bank" "M. Condamine's Journey into Italy" "Description of a Lamp... See More
England and the U.S. formally exchange the ratified Jay Treaty...
Item #677732
October 31, 1795
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 31, 1795
* The ratified Jay Treaty
* England & U.S. exchange
Page 3 has a report of the formal exchange of the recently ratified Jay Treaty by the two Secretaries of State.
Datelined at Downing St., it notes: "The Ratifications of the Treaty of Amity, Commerce, and Navigation between His Majesty and the United States of America, signed the ... See More
1795 - Early brewing (for the poor)... account of Baal worship...
Item #677726
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1795 Two of the more interesting items are: a "Cheap Mode For Brewing" and an account of Baal worship in Ireland. Among the additional articles within as noted in the title/index page are: "Mansfield Church--Dr. Jeremy Taylor" "Hints Respecting the Culture of Potatoes" "Private Vices & Public Virtues Contrast... See More
Culture of wine... The situation in America...
Item #677717
THE SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, 1775 This issue is mostly taken up with a lengthy article headed: "Debates in the Last Session of Parliament, Resumed" which includes various talk of the Revolutionary War in America.Another article is titled: "The Culture of Vines Further Illustrated", plus there is a wide variety of other articles as well.
Both ... See More
Thomas Jefferson and John Adams...
Item #677516
May 27, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 27, 1797 Page 3 has 1 1/2 columns taken up with a speech prefaced with: "Yesterday...the senate...waited on the President...at his house, when the Vice-President presented the following answer to his address to both houses, at the opening of the session:" The address begins: "Sir, The senate of the United States request you ... See More
George Washington, John Adams, and a list of the House...
Item #677515
May 20, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 20, 1797 Half of the front page is taken up with the "Speech" of the President to Congress on this special session he requested two deal with the troubling XYZ Affair. The speech carries over to page 2 where it is signed in type: John Adams.
Page 2 has an address of the General Assembly of Rhode Island: "To George Washingto... See More
Frigate "United States" to be launched, or maybe not...
Item #677512
May 03, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE OF THE COUNTRY, New York, May 3, 1797
* USS United States launching ?
Page 3 has a brief yet historic report reading: "We hear that the frigate UNITED STATES is to be launched the first of May, and in consideration of our navy being as yet in its infancy, she is to be launched in a cradle."
Curiously, further on the same page is a report noting: "T... See More
Frigate United States' launch is delayed... Buonaparte Proclamation...
Item #677511
April 29, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 29, 1797 Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia noting; "The launch of the United States frigate, which was reported to be intended for tomorrow, will not take place till some future day..." with more detail.
The back page has a: "Proclamation" signed in type: Buonaparte concerning his victories in Italy.
Four pages,... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
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
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
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
A fight between elderly ladies...
Item #677415
August 27, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796 Page 2 has a curious report: "Amorous Fracas!" The report from Ireland begins: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion...having made some noise....we are happy to lay the cats and the consequences before our readers..." which is what follows.
Four pages, a few stra... See More
The death of Major John Mills...
Item #677413
August 10, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 10, 1796 Page 2 has a report from Fort Washington of the death of Major John Mills, who during the Revolution fought at the siege of Boston, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Monmouth and the Northwest Indian War.
Much reporting on the Napoleonic War in Europe.
Four pages, very nice condition.
Pinckney's Treaty ratified...
Item #677412
August 06, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 6, 1796
* Pinckney's Treaty of San Lorenzo
Taking all of the front page is a detailed report from the province of Lower Canada, concerning trade with the United States.
Among the many notices is one concerning the purchase of land lying in the "Triangle" in the northwest corner of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Po... See More
On the future development of New York City...
Item #677411
August 03, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 3, 1796
* Developing New York into a major World city
Page 3 has a letter dated Fort Ontario: "...from the officer commanding the Federal troops sent to take possession of the post at Oswego...".
Another interesting report talks of the economic advantages of New York City and its development, one bit noting: "...New... See More
Commenting on politicians in office...
Item #677410
July 30, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 30, 1796 Page 3 has a letter which begins: "The reduction of the army & the arrangements in the war office will occasion man revolutions in our microcosm...". Another item comments on those serving in office.
The back page has an ad placed by the "Pennsylvania Population Company" concerning the sale of large acrea... See More
Three letters signed by Napoleon Bonaparte...
Item #677409
July 27, 1796
THE HERALD: A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 27, 1796
* Napoleon Bonaparte letters
* French Revolutionary Wars
Much of the front page is taken up with: "Treaty Of Peace, Concluded between the King of Sardinia & the French Republic" which has a related letter signed in type: Buonaparte. Inside has more on the military work of Napoleon including four more letters ... See More
Thomas Paine's latest pamphlet...
Item #677408
July 23, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 23, 1796 Page 3 has nearly half a column headed: "Thomas Paine" concerning a pamphlet he wrote on: "...the Decline and Fall of the English System of Finance...". A smaller article mentions Hamilton.
The front page has an ad placed by the "Pennsylvania Population Company" concerning the sale of large acreage ... See More
The 'Population Company'... Celebrating the 4th of July...
Item #677406
July 16, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 16, 1796 The front page has an ad placed by the "Pennsylvania Population Company" concerning the sale of large acreage lots in the "Triangle Presque Isle". An "Aaron Burr" is listed as one of the managers of the company.
The back page has a reproof on the 4th of July celebration in Hudson, New York, in... See More
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