Pre-1800 American Titles
Pre-1800 American Titles
Scarce title containing a Washington letter...
Item #719658
January 16, 1797
THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797 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 his grateful response, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, never-tr... See More
By the famed Isaiah Thomas in 1795...
Item #719582
August 05, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 5, 1795
* 18th century American publication
Published by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, light damp staining, nice condition.
background: Thomas... See More
Capture of Ethan Allen...
Item #719128
October 21, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775 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 of her rights...". Also on the front page ... 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
Paul Revere engraved the masthead... Battle of Alamance...
Item #718665
January 23, 1772
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Boston, Jan. 23, 1772
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* Pre American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Alamance - North Carolina
This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era. An ardent patriot, Thomas was a constant target of the Royalist government. He began his ne... See More
Much praise for George Washington...
Item #718420
September 22, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798
* Accolades for President George Washington
* Alien & Sedition laws rebuffed
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 befo... 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
Genuine London Gazette newspaper from 1675...
Item #717916
September 09, 1675
THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 9, 1675
* 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. ... 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
Three documents signed by Washington... The Seguin Island lighthouse...
Item #715113
June 18, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 18, 1794
* President George Washington act of Congress
* Seguin Island Maine Lighthouse proposed
The front page features two Acts of Congress and a letter to Congress, each signed in script type by the President; Go. Washington. One is for: "...erecting a light-house on the island of Seguin in the district of Maine...". This is a landmark on... 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.
Washington on the Treaty of San Lorenzo...
Item #714680
April 06, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 6, 1796
* President George Washington
* Pinckney's Treaty of San Lorenzo
Page 2 has a letter to the House concerning ratification of the Treaty of San Lorenzo, signed: Geo. Washington. Then "An Act" of Congress providing relief to soldiers injured or disabled in the military, also signed: Go. Washington.
Included a... See More
Documents by Washington and Sam Adams...
Item #714449
July 27, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 27, 1796
* President George Washington
* V.P. Samuel Adams
The front page begins with a document: "Official By the President of the United States" concerning building codes for houses in the new city of Washington, D.C. It is signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Taking half of the ftpg. is: "An Act for Establishing a Turnpike Gate on ... See More
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
Defeat of Bonaparte at the Battle of the Nile...
Item #714426
December 05, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 5, 1798
* Lord Horatio Nelson
* Battle of the Nile
* Napoleon Bonaparte
Page 2 has some fine reports on the historic defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of the Nile.
One is headed: "Official & Pleasing" concerning the report, followed by: "French Official Accounts Of the Defeat at the Mouth of The Nile". This is follow... See More
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
Delaware & Pennsylvania ratify the Constitution...
Item #713619
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify
The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delawar... See More
George Washington is elected President of the United States...
Item #713617
February 20, 1793
NATIONAL GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1793
* President George Washington
* Historic 2nd election victory
By far the most significant item in this issue is the page 3 report announcing the opening of the votes for President & Vice President.
History tells us that it was on February 13, 1793, when Congress officially tabulated the votes from the election of 1792. Page 3 has a re... See More
This title existed for just one year...
Item #711121
October 24, 1794
THE BALTIMORE DAILY INTELLIGENCER, Maryland, Oct. 24, 1794
* Rare 18th century American publication
One of the less common American titles from the 18th century as it existed for just one year, from October. 28, 1793 thru October. 29, 1794.
Pages 1 & 4 are filled with ads, with news items inside. Included is a lengthy letter signed by: John Jay, concerning what would b... See More
Hard to find... 18th century Baltimore... This title existed for just one year...
Item #711120
October 22, 1794
THE BALTIMORE DAILY INTELLIGENCER, Maryland, Oct. 22, 1794 One of the less common American titles from the 18th century as it existed for just one year, from October. 28, 1793 thru October. 29, 1794.
Replete with ads, shipping notices, and news items. Nice to have from 18th century Baltimore.
Four pages, discrete archival mends at the spine & some folds, minor wear, good conditio... See More
Abbé Raynal's address to America... John Adams & Thomas Jefferson as ambassadors...
Item #711119
July 30, 1785
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEEER, OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, July 30, 1785
* The Abbé Guillaume-Thomas Raynal
* Revolutionary War "Address to America"
Perhaps the most noteworthy content is Multiple sources say his Abbé Raynal's address to America, noteworthy warning/plea was first printed posthumously in 1800, however, its presence wi... See More
A Ben Franklin newspaper with the earliest mention of G. Washington we have found in an American newspaper? Death of Ben Franklin's brother...
Item #710763
February 12, 1756
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756
* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer
A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at th... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspa... See More
Counting the slaves... The infant Navy...
Item #709993
August 08, 1798
(2) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 15 and 28, 1798 A notable pair of issues. The entire front page & a bit of pg. 2 of the Aug. 15 issue are taken up with: "An Act to provide for the Valuation of Lands & dwelling houses & the Enumeration of Slaves within the United States". It concludes by taking up most of the ftpg. of the Aug. 18 issue where it is signed in sc... See More
The Constitution of the United States... One for the best of collections...
Item #709556
October 01, 1787
CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787
* Historic United States Constitution
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs
Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declara... See More
Masons--including Paul Revere--offer congrats to fellow Mason George Washington...
Item #708854
May 10, 1797
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 10, 1797
* President George Washington
* Masons - masonic - free masonry
* Grandmaster Paul Revere
Page 2 has an address from: "The East, the West, and the South of the GRAND LODGE of Ancient, Free, & Accepted MASONS of the Commonwealth of Mass. to their most Worthy Brother, GEORGE WASHINGTON'" being congrat... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #707388
February 01, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice for: "Proposals For C... See More
Rare 18th century title...
Item #707233
January 08, 1798
THE TIME-PIECE & LITERARY COMPANION, New York, Jan. 8, 1798
* Very rare 18th century publication
* American Editor Philip Freneau
* Short-lived publication
A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
The front page includes the continued: "View of the Present State of our Political Relation with the United States
... See More
* Very rare 18th century publication
* American Editor Philip Freneau
* Short-lived publication
A quite rare title by Philip Freneau which lasted from March 13, 1797 to August 30, 1798.
The front page includes the continued: "View of the Present State of our Political Relation with the United States
During Washington's administration...
Item #705643
March 18, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 18, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction. The front page features 5 illustrated ship advertisements. Over half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the "Federal Legislature".
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, very nice conditi... See More
On the death of Benjamin Franklin... John Adams' Discourses on Davila…
Item #705641
May 26, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 26, 1790 Given the death of Ben Franklin just the month prior, it is not surprising that page 3 includes a poem titled: "Dr. Franklin".
Pages 2 & 3 contain various discussions from "Congress". Also included is part of one of John Adams' Discourses on Davila (#VII), which was concluded in the following issue.
Four... See More
George Washington... Alexander Hamilton...
Item #705640
September 01, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 1, 1790 The top of the front page contains an Act of Congress, headed with a heraldic eagle & signed in type by the President: GEORGE WASHINGTON as well as by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson, making this a nice issue for display.
Page 3 has a nice article on: "The President's Departure", on his way to Mount Vernon. He may not... See More
On Washington retiring from public life...
Item #705605
September 26, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 26, 1796 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 [was published in a Phila. newspaper on Sept. 17]...there is nothing we can say that will fully express the estimation in which his illustrious & important services a... See More
From the earliest months of its existence... Negro for sale...
Item #705596
March 23, 1797
PORCUPINES GAZETTE & UNITED STATES DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1797 All previous issues we have offered of this uncommon title were from 1798-9 with the porcupine in the masthead, but this issue is from the earliest months of its existence with a much different masthead.
Various news reports of the day, heavy with advertisements including one headed: "The Time Of A Ne... See More
From when Philadelphia was the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #705588
January 15, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Jan. 15, 1798 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The back page has an ad for a recently published book: "Observations on Certain Documents...The History of the United States for the year 1796, in which the Charge of Speculation Against ... See More
Captured by Indians... Treasury Dept. document on the historic Funding Act of 1790...
Item #705539
September 25, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 25, 1790
* re. United States Funding Act of 1790
The back page has a "Proclamation" signed by the King of France: Louis.
The front page has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurre... See More
1796 Samuel Adams...
Item #705498
July 30, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1796
* Samuel Adams, Massachusetts governor
* 18th century American original
The front page has a full column taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature signed in type by its governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Maryland ratifies the Constitution... Paine's famous Crisis...
Item #705467
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, May, 1788 This is the "second edition" as noted on the title page, printed on June 9, 1792. This title, along with the "Columbian Magazine", has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, both published in Philadelphia. The Museum was published by Mathew Carey and existed from January, 1787 thru the end of 1792.This iss... See More
A eulogy on the life of Ben Franklin...
Item #705464
May 19, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy
The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" whi... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #705418
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic that 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 that 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
Nice George Washington issue...
Item #705417
July 30, 1794
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1794
* (2) President George Washington acts
The first column of the front page includes two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this a nice issue for display.
This title was one of only very few which printed Presidential documents with a script-type signature.
Four pages, various foxing, qui... See More
Washington's Proclamation, with the Indian Treaty... Trumbull's famous portrait of Washington...
Item #705353
September 18, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Sept. 18, 1790
* President George Washington
Page 2 has a patriotic engraving of a heraldic eagle above a: "Proclamation" issued by the President warning citizens not to violate an 1785 treaty with the Cherokee, Choctaw, and Chickasaw Indians, signed in type: G. Washington.
Following this text are the full Articles of the treaty t... See More
Adams addresses Congress concerning troubles with France...
Item #705328
March 19, 1798
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, March 19, 1798
* 18th century American original
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The entire front page is taken up with advertisements including 9 illustrated ship ads. Page 3 has a lengthy message to Congress concerning the g... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
An Inside Look
Timothy Hughes Rare &
Early Newspapers…
A special thank you goes out
to the staff of WGRC!
to the staff of WGRC!
History's Newsstand Blog
- They Put It In Print – A U.S. President Seeks Permission…
- From the Vault: Headlines drive interest in World War II…
- Headlines That Never Happened: Germany’s Loss and Its Lasting Echoes…
- October Newsletter (2025) – Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
