Pre-1800 American Titles
Pre-1800 American Titles
One of the more decorative mastheads of the 18th century...
Item #725135
June 18, 1798
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798
* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America
If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny bindin... See More
American envoy in France... the X,Y, Z Affair... John Adams' birthday...
Item #724667
October 30, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799 Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four years of age..." [re: John Adams].
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Slave-related ads in this Baltimore newspaper...
Item #724633
June 09, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 9, 1796 The back page has ad ad: "For Sale, A Healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of readability, otherwise in very nice condition.
This historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #724612
August 07, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790
* United States Funding Act of 1790
* President George Washington signs
* Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
Taking about a full page of text, including almost all of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.
This w... See More
Ben Franklin article on the morals of chess...
Item #724609
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications which printed the essay which is highly desirable am... See More
Election of Patrick Henry sets the stage for his famous speech... So much more...
Item #724559
March 17, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 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.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the tre... See More
Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1693...
Item #724436
June 01, 1693
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 1, 1693
* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something in your hands from the 17th century
* Unique gift idea for that history buff
This is the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still printing in London to this day. And this is a very early, genuine issue. As was... See More
Rare Paul Revere engraving... Benedict Arnold & the Battle of Quebec...
Item #723820
February 09, 1776
THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these t... See More
Washington's Farewell Address to the Army...
Item #723343
November 24, 1783
THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783
"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead
A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of th
The affair of "Citizen Genet"...
Item #719847
December 04, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 4, 1793
* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet
The front page contains nearly a full column headed: "Official Communications" which has two letters signed by Genet, the French ambassador to the United States, concerning what is known as the "Citizen Genet Affair" relating to his plans to get America to support the French in c... See More
Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century... Paul Revere's segmented snake engraving - "Join or Die"
Item #719725
October 27, 1774
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774
* Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
* Pre American Revolutionary War era
* "Join or Die" snake issue masthead
It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or
... See More
* Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
* Pre American Revolutionary War era
* "Join or Die" snake issue masthead
It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or
Scarce title containing a Washington letter...
Item #719658
January 16, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797
* Rare 18th century publication
* President George Washington
A scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our (soon to be) 50 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 features a letter to George Washington from the Penna. Senate, offering congratulations for his public service. It is followed by h... See More
Gage's account of Lexington & Concord on the front page...
Item #719591
June 07, 1775
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW-HAVEN POST-BOY, June 7, 1775
* Battle of Lexington & Concord
* General Thomas Gage account
* Revolutionary War beginning
Simply a terrific issue, as I believe this to be the first newspaper we have offered which not only contains General Gage's official account of the Battle of Lexington & Concord, but it appears in its en... See More
1775 capture of Ethan Allen...
Item #719128
October 21, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775
* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War
The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment ... See More
The Articles of Confederation...
Item #718994
April 29, 1778
THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778
* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War
This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include ... See More
A colonial North Carolina newspaper with an intriguing story...
Item #718898
June 03, 1775
THE CAPE-FEAR MERCURY, Wilmington, North Carolina, June 3, 1775 This would have to be one of the more interesting colonial newspapers we've offered, primarily for being a forgery.
This title began Oct. 13, 1769, and was suspended for about five months from the fall of 1774 to the spring of 1775. It ceased in September, 1775.
As for the intrigue, best to refer you to this link, whi... See More
Much praise for George Washington...
Item #718420
September 22, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798
* General - President George Washington
Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the national legislature and Presi... See More
Alexander Hamilton re: the Funding Act... Washington, Adams & Jefferson... Building a lighthouse at Cape Henry...
Item #718411
October 02, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, N.Y., Oct. 2, 1790 Both pages 3 and 4 have two separate documents on carrying into effect the very historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurred during the Revolutionary War.
Most of the front page is taken up with the conclusion of the: "Collection Law" of the United States
... See More
An American magazine from 1795...
Item #718276
August 01, 1795
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much mor... See More
Lexington & Concord content...
The Conciliatory Resolution plus Congress' response to it...
Item #718011
September 07, 1775
THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775
* Lexington & Concord report
* John Hancock type signature
* The Conciliatory Resolution
A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed in type by its President: John Hancoc... See More
George Washington & the Masons... Nelson & the Battle of the Nile...
Item #717902
December 12, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798
* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons
Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The ba... See More
"Negro Tom"... George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #716551
June 18, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796
* President George Washington
The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details. Page 2 has an entire... See More
The Jay Treaty with England - Washington's response signed in type...
Item #716334
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..... See More
From during George Washington's administration...
Item #716171
March 24, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 24, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page has 3 runaway slave ads and three shipping ads. Other news of the day is found throughout,
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.
Scarce, short-lived newspaper from Philadelphia...
Item #716152
January 25, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1797 A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
Natchez and Fort Recovery...
Item #716125
October 07, 1797
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797 Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had been defeated in an attempt to take Fort Rec... See More
Two script George Washington signatures...
Item #716124
September 02, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795 The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is followed on page 2 by the response from the President, ... See More
A great wealth of Constitution-related content...
Item #716123
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), August, 1788 Among the articles are: "Observations on the Evil Consequences Attending the Excessive use of Spirituous Liquors" "Thoughts on the Law Prohibiting Hogs to Prowl the Streets of Philadelphia"; a continuation of: "Observations on the Constitution Proposed by the Late Federal Convention" which takes over 6 1/2 pages;... See More
Houdon's famous Washington sculpture... Washington is inaugurated...
Item #716122
March 01, 1793
NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, March, 1793 The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back leaf contains news items of the day.
Among the news reports is a notable one from Philadelphia: "Houdon, the famous French sculptor, who paid a visit to this country a few years ago to procure a likeness of the President, and who was employed by ... See More
This Boston newspaper existed for just 55 issues...
Item #715858
January 04, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE AND DAILY ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 4, 1798 Certainly one of the less common 18th century American newspapers, as it was short-lived, lasting just 55 issues from Jan. 1 thru March 5, 1798. This is the number 4 issue.
All of pages 2 & 4 are taken up with reports from: "Congress of the United States" including a lengthy address of the Senate to Adams' recent state-of-the-unio... See More
British to attack Philadelphia... John Hancock... Creating battalions...
Item #715771
November 30, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
(editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dol... See More
Arguing against American independence...
Item #715770
March 09, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "The following rules... See More
Only one issue is recorded in the United States...
Item #715584
May 25, 1796
KLINE'S CARLISLE WEEKLY GAZETTE, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1796 This is a very scarce title from 18th century America. Brigham's "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" notes that only the American Antiquarian Society has this issue.
The entire front page is taken up with reports from the "Federal Legislature".
Most of pages 2 & 3 are taken up with European reports, but page 3 does... See More
Colonial Boston with American content...
Item #715582
November 21, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Nov. 21, 1768 The front page is entirely taken up with "...the account given of the late transactions respecting Sir Jeffery Amherst by the friends of the administration." with much on the relationship with General Gage.
Portions include: "...for Sir J.A. was the only person in England who could not go to America in that capacity. He had been Commander in Chief there; th... See More
We may not have offered this colonial title before...
Item #715581
June 18, 1759
GREEN & RUSSELL'S BOSTON POST-BOY & ADVERTISER, June 18, 1759 This is one of the less common colonial titles we have offered. A very handsome masthead with two ornate engravings, one of a sailing ship & the other of a horse-mounted post boy delivering the news.
Page 2 has reports from various American cities, including one item: "We hear from Albany that General Amherst, having re... See More
Just before Saratoga: Burgoyne, Howe, Franklin, and more...
Item #715534
January 05, 1778
THE NEW YORK GAZETTE AND THE WEEKLY MERCURY, Jan. 5, 1778 The masthead features a very nice coat-of-arms engraving.
Almost the entire front page is taken up with various Proclamations and Declarations, the first being one by: "Sir Henry Clinton" which is a "Proclamation" followed by: "A Proclamation, By Major General James Robertson", then a "Declaration" by W. Howe, plus more.
Page 2 has some... See More
Uncommon title... unique engraving in the masthead...
Item #715491
June 18, 1791
THE PHENIX; OR, WINDHAM HERALD, Windham, Connecticut, June 18, 1791 A very uncommon title with an engraving in the masthead of the legendary phoenix consumed in fire and rising from the ashes. And it's a very early issue as well, volume 1, number 15.
Page 2 has a report concerning the Riley family murder by Indians, about which much can be found on the web. Page 3 has mention that: &quo... See More
Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution... Manuel Noah... Three Acts of Congress...
Item #715112
March 12, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 12, 1791
* United States Constitution amendment proposed
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Inside has more than a full column taken up with: "Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Laid on the Clerk's Table by Mr. Benson, to her Proposed by Congress to the Legislature's of the Several States&... See More
Much debate on the value of the Revolutionary War...
Item #715063
March 02, 1778
EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
An unusual "Extra" edition, with the entire front page taken up with a report ... See More
Commenting on politicians in office in 1796...
Item #714685
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 (see).
Four pages, great condition.
Period news and advertising from the late 1700's...
Item #714684
January 13, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 13, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from discussions in Congress.
Various news of the day inside, with mostly period advertising on the back.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, good condition.
Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #714682
May 21, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 21, 1796
* President George Washington
The middle of page 2 has "An Act" of Congress for providing money to defray the costs of putting into effect the treaty with Algiers. It is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Letter from John Jay...
Item #714681
April 16, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York April 16, 1796 Page 2 has a lengthy letter concerning "the university" in New York, signed by its Chancellor and New York governor: John Jay.
Four pages, nice condition.
Ten days before Washington's death...
Item #714446
December 04, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 4, 1799
* 18th century American original
This issue was printed less just ten days before the death of George Washington.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic War, including a back page article: "Buonaparte's Retreat from Syria". Page 3 has a detailed ad for: "Forty Dollars Reward" for deserted soldi... See More
Tortured by Indians...
Item #714377
October 08, 1792
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 8, 1792 The front page features 24 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has a report: "...that Colonel Harden...on a mission to the Indians respecting a treaty of peace...were immediately made prisoners & sentenced to be burnt as spies. Colonel Harden saw his companion expire under all the tortures which savage ingenuity could inve... See More
A 4-issue set re: the historic Funding Act of 1790... Alexander Hamilton...
Item #713731
August 07, 1790
(A 4-issue set) GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790
The 4-issue set of Gazette of the United States from August 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790, covers several key historical events and historic developments from the early U.S. government, focusing on the United States Funding Act of 1790 (which flowed from Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Report).
• Unite... See More
Early New Haven, Connecticut newspaper...
Item #713668
December 28, 1796
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Dec. 28, 1796 Various news of the day and a wealth of ads, providing a flavor of life in New England in the 18th century. Half of the front page and all of page 2 are taken up with reports from the Federal Congress from the latter months of Washington's administration.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minimal margin wear & foxing, printed on blue-... See More
Many reports indicate troubles are ahead for America and the mother country...
Item #713644
September 26, 1768
THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768
This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an article voicing his support for the Boston Tea party. The paper's sympathies and general revolut... See More
Visiting the frigate Constellation...
Item #713630
August 08, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Aug. 8, 1798 Page 3 has the: "Answer of the President...to the Address of the Young Men of Charleston, S.C." signed: John Adams. This is followed by a report of a visit to the Constellation frigate docked at Charleston, noting: "...got on board the frigate...were politely received...represented to be a very complete... See More
Seeking bids for timber to build the founding frigates of the U.S. Navy...
Item #713629
May 21, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, May 21, 1794 Shortly before this date the federal government passed the historic Naval Act of 1794, authorizing the building of six frigates, the founding ships of what would become the U.S. Navy.
The back page has a detailed advertisement from the "Treasury Department which essentially is seeking bits for the building of these frigates. It n... See More
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Full Contact Information
