Historic Newspapers: Catalog - Current Abridged

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 10, 1666  A notable issue from the year when the Great Plague was raging and also from the year of the Great London Fire.
The issue is filled with various reports from throughout Europe, much of it military reporting. A front page item from Falmouth notes: "The Anne of London came into this harbor April 30 from Jamaica laden with Tobacco, Indigo and Hides...they were chaced by two Pickaroons for some time, till mistaking her for a Fregat by reason of her

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 27, 1666  This is the oldest continually published English language newspaper in the world, having begun in 1665 and is still printing today. Obviously this is a very early issue, being issue #90.
This was the time of the Great Plague which was ravishing much of Europe, England being no exception.
The back page has a report from the Hague which makes reference to it with: "Our fleet still keeps the sea, though at the present in an ill condition by reason of

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Dec. 11, 1671  Near the bottom of the front page is a report noting in part: "...From Lisbonne they tell us that a servant of a certain Jew there, endeavoring to steal hens out of the nunnery at Odivelas, had been apprehended, and discovered to have been the author of the late sacrilege committed in the stealing the host out of the Parish Church of that place, by some relics he had about him, which were then lost out of that church."
Complete as a single sheet, 7 by

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 2, 1673  A very interesting issue as the bottom of the back page has an advertisement for the publishing of a pamphlet titled "Mr. Baxter Baptized in Blood..." with further details noting: "...containing a horrible murther [murder] committed by four Anabaptists upon the person of Mr. Josiah Baker near Boston in Neww England, the whoe matter, having been enquired into, and examined at the Council Bord, is found altogether false and fictitious."
But it was not

THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, Dec. 17, 1681  A dialogue newspaper founded by Sir Roger L'Estrange, a Tory pamphleteer, as a vehicle for attacking dissenters and Whigs. This newspaper has the old style type, making it great for framing, particularly with the over 340 year-old date clearly visible in the dateline.
The most intriguing aspect of this issue is the imprint at the bottom of the back page: "London, Printed for Joanna Brome, at the Gun in S. Paul's Church-yard."
This is one of the

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 28, 1683  The back page has a bit concerning Richard Rumbold, who was executed for involvement in the Rye House Plot two years later.
But he has a notable American connection. His scaffold speech included the statement: "... none comes into the world with a saddle on his back, neither any booted and spurred to ride him...". These words were quoted during the discussions on the definition of treason at the American Constitutional Convention in 1787, and also by

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, March 22, 1692  This was the very first of the "agony aunt" newspapers, a newspaper providing personal advice to its readers.
In creating this format of responding to questions from readers, the publisher, John Dunton, did so as a result of feeling guilty for cheating on his wife. He thought that people like himself might appreciate confiding in a stranger --anonymously--& that readers would be titillated by the exchange.
It proved to be a success as he was

ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Nov. 28, 1693  This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics. It was done in question/answer format.
The back page has an advertisement for the book: "The Tryals of Several Quakers for Great Misdemeanors before a Court of Quakers, ate the Sessions held at Philadelphia in Pensilvania, the 9th, 10th and 12th days of December, 1692".
A single sheet printed on

THE TATLER, London, March 14, 1709  This newspaper was founded in this year by Richard Steele who used the nom de plume "Isaac Bickerstaff, Esquire", the first such consistently adopted journalistic persona.
Steele's idea was to publish the news and gossip heard in London coffeehouses, hence the title, leaving the subject of politics to the newspapers. To assure complete coverage of local gossip, a reporter was placed in various coffeehouses: accounts of manners and mores were datelined from

THE EXAMINER, London, Oct. 2, 1713  This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 7 1/2 by 12 3/4 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 12, 1723  The entire front page and much of page 2 are taken up with the particulars of the recently passed "Black Act" of Parliament.
The report, from the Council Chamber at Whitehall, begins: "Whereas by An Act made in the last session of Parliament entitled, An Act for the more effectual punishing wicked & evil disposed persons going armed in disguise & doing injuries & violences to the persons & properties of his Majesty's subjects, & for the more speedy

THE POST-BOY, London, Nov. 10, 1724  The front page has a report from Philadelphia mentioning: "...a violent Hurricane in that Country...in the Great Valley, where it tore up the Trees by the Roots..." and a bit more. The back of the issue is comprised of various advertisements.
Two nice engravings in the masthead make this a very displayable newspaper.
Complete as a single sheet issue 8 1/2 by 14 1/4 inches, in nice condition.

THE PRESENT STATE OF THE REPUBLICK OF LETTERS, London, June, 1728  This is just the second issue of this title we have seen and offered, it having published from 1728 thru 1736. It appears to be a publication entirely taken up with lengthy articles on science, philosophy & literature. Crane & Kaye notes that 12 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Complete in 68 pages, disbound, 4 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches, printed on very white, sturdy paper, great condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1737  Near the back is a section headed: "Historical Chronicle" with news from England & other parts of Europe.
Included is a report headed: "Extract of a Letter from the Rev. Mr. Wesley dated at Savanna in Georgia..." which is a very nice letter by this famed evangelist, taking half the page and signed by him in type: John Wesley.
The following page has a lengthy article--taking over a full page--headed: "Great Britain's Right to Georgia further

THE BOSTON WEEKLY POST-BOY, New-England, Sept. 11, 1749  This is one of the earliest Boston we have sold in many years. The value of the issue is mostly in its rarity and early date, plus it is quite displayable as two wood engravings are prominent in the masthead, and its relatively small size makes it quite displayable.
The front page haws reports from Europe while the back page has items headed: "Boston" and "Philadelphia" with bits including: "...from Ohio River whither he lately went, on

THE RAMBLER, London, Aug. 20, 1751  An uncommon periodical done by the Samuel Johnson. Johnson was one of the most important English writers of the eighteenth century. It's long been traditional to refer to the second half of the eighteenth century as "the age of Johnson".
While working on the dictionary, for which he is perhaps most famous, he published a series of periodical essays. The closest modern equivalent of the genre would probably be something like a magazine or newspaper column. It

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1752  Inside has a terrific account of a legendary event in history--the famous kite experiment conducted by Benjamin Franklin. Note there is even mention of Franklin's name on the title page.
The article, datelined "Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752", begins by mentioning the reports about kite experiments, especially a different and easier one at Philadelphia: "...success of the Philadelphia experiment for drawing the electrical fire from clouds by means

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1752  Inside has a terrific account of a legendary event in history--the famous kite experiment conducted by Benjamin Franklin. Note there is even mention of Franklin's name on the title page.
The article, datelined "Philadelphia, Oct. 19, 1752", begins by mentioning the reports about kite experiments, especially a different and easier one at Philadelphia: "...success of the Philadelphia experiment for drawing the electrical fire from clouds by means

THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Oct. 11, 1753 This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very early issue--over 270 years old--by James Parker from the colonial press of New York. American titles from the 1750's are rarely found.
Four pages, 6 3/4 by 10 3/4 inches, some foxing &

THE CONNOISSEUR "By Mr. Town [pseud.], Critic, and Censor-General", London, Aug. 29, 1754  A weekly paper which lasted about 2 1/2 years as a "commoner's" counterpart to "The World" (which we sell as well), a periodical of about the same time which dealt more with the interests of aristocrats.
James Boswell says in his "Life of Johnson", "...I mentioned the periodical paper called 'THE CONNOISSEUR'. He said it wanted matter. — No doubt it had not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 21, 1758  Most of page 5 is taken up with a report headed: "New York" "Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at Lake George, July 11, 1758". This is a fine account of the Battle of Ticonderoga.
This historic battle was fought July 8, 3 days before the date of this report, with daily accounts of the events from July 5 through the 8th, the last day being the most detailed with a fine account of the battle.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, very nice condition. A

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1759  Among the articles are a continued: "Life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland" "Friendly Address to the Jews" which takes a full page; "Articles of Capitulation between their Excellencies & the Inhabitants of Guadelupe, etc." and "Gazette Account of the Taking of Guadaloupe" which takes more than a full page.
Lacking both plates called for, one being a map of Guadalupe.
Complete in 52 pages with full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1759  Among the articles are a continued: "Life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland" "Friendly Address to the Jews" which takes a full page; "Articles of Capitulation between their Excellencies & the Inhabitants of Guadelupe, etc." and "Gazette Account of the Taking of Guadalupe" which takes more than a full page.
Lacking the map of Guadelupe, but still present is the other plate called for.
Complete in 52 pages with full title/contents page featuring an

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 4, 1759  The back page has a report concerning inoculations against smallpox, beginning: "We hear from Paris that inoculation for the small-pox begins to lose credit in that kingdom, occasioned by the sudden deaths that have followed it in several parts. It should seem that in our American colonies they have made considerable improvements in this operation..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 19, 1760  the back page has an advertisement for a book headed: "This Day was Published". The text of the ad reads: "The interest of Great Britain considered with regard to her colonies and the acquisitions of Canada and Guadeloupe.  To which are added, Observations concerning the increase of mankind, peopling of countries, etc."
Although not mentioned here, this book was written by Benjamin Franklin .
All this relates to the on-going French & Indian War and

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 18, 1761  The back page has items mentioning: "...his Majesty has been pleased to honor Henry Ellis, now Governor of Nova Scotia, with a grant of 500 guineas as a mark of his Royal favour in consideration of that gentleman's faithful administration of government in Georgia."
Also some mentions of ship arrivals from America.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, minor front page rubbing, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 15, 1762  Over a full column on page 5 is headed: "America" with several news reports datelined from Boston, New York and Charleston. Varied accounts including: "...that the Spanish Indians, who used to commit horrid barbarities on the unhappy wretches that were have been closely hunted by the Creeks, are all removed to the island of Cuba..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, toning to the front page and some wear at the margins.

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1764  Among the articles within are: "Some Account of the Discovery, Conquest...and Present State of the Canary Islands..." which takes six pages.
Also within the issue are: "Description of the City of Hereford" "Observation on a Passage in the New Testament"  "On Monopolizing the Necessaries of Life"  "Rules for the Preservation of the Teeth and Gums" and more.
There is an article: "Description of the Spermaceti Whale, thrown on the Flats at Sea Salter

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1764  Among the articles within is a very detailed: "Account of the Discovery, Conquest...and Present State of the Canary Islands..." which takes six pages.
Also within the issue are: "Description of the City of Hereford" "Observation on a Passage in the New Testament"  "On Monopolizing the Necessaries of Life"  "Rules for the Preservation of the Teeth and Gums" and more.
Included also is an article: "Description of the Spermaceti Whale, thrown on the Flats

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 3, 1766  Page 6 has: "A letter from New York says that the Scots, who are very numerous in all the American colonies, on receiving the celebrated speech of the great patriot for the repeal of the stamp act, in which he pays a compliment to their country, where he found a race of brave men...expressed the highest satisfaction."
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, rubbing to the front page causes two very small holes, partial red tax stamp on page 2, very nice

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 2, 1767  Page 2 has a curious report: "...Last Thursday evening Mr. Richard Bache, of this City, merchant, was married to Miss Sally Franklin, the only daughter of the celebrated Doctor Franklin, a young lady of distinguished merit...The next day  all the shipping in the harbour displayed their colours on the happy occasion."
Various news reports of the day and many ads.
Four pages, an ornate coat-of-arms engraving in the

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Feb. 15, 1768, together with the "Supplement To The Boston Chronicle" of the same date. A nice colonial newspaper which is highlighted by both "Letter IX" and "Letter X" by the famed John Dickinson, being the ninth & tenth of his twelve famous "Letters From a Farmer In Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies".
This series of letters furnished a constitutional basis for the widespread colonial opposition to the English trade acts. While Dickinson agreed that

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1769  Perhaps the most interesting article is: "American Grievances..." which references "The Middlesex Petition"¸a document presented to King George III in 1769 by a group of Middlesex County freeholders seeking redress for grievances against the British government, particularly concerning issues of liberty and representation, then leads to the concerns expressed by the Americas. Eleven concerns are listed.
The list is followed by: "These, sir, form the

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1771  This newspaper features one of the larger & more decorative masthead engravings to be found in a colonial America newspaper.
Page 2 has "A Proclamation" signed in type by Richard Penn, concerning his recent ascension to Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania. Followed by a letter of congratulations by the Penna. Assembly. Also mention of two Acts passed by the Penna. Assembly.
Four pages, some light dirtiness, archivally

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 27, 1773  This title has one of the more ornate mastheads of the pre-Revolutionary War era. This issue was printed just over two months before the Boston Tea Party.
Page 2 has an early report concerning a trip on the Mississippi River, and the execution of a man found guilty of counterfeiting. Other events of the day, 
Included as well is the single sheet: "Supplement" with additional reports from Europe and a page full of

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 25, 1773  Most of the front page is taken up with an article which could have been found in any trendy organic magazine today: "The Great Advantage of Eating Pure and Genuine Bread Comprehending the Heart of the Wheat, with all its Flour."
The front page has the full red tax stamp with both the die and plate numbers (unusual to find both). Four pages, nice condition.

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, June 9, 1775  This issue has content relating to the Battle of Lexington & Concord, as shown in the many photos. One item mentions in part: "...from Hampton in Virgina...brings advices that the people of Virginia had heard of the whole affair at Boston; that 24,000 provincial troops lay before it; that General Gage had been requested to let those come out who were inclined...upon receiving these advices in Virginia, General Washington immediately set out to

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 29, 1775  The most significant content is found on page 3. Found here is the complete text of King George III's "Proclamation for Suppressing Rebellion and Sedition," dated August 23, 1775, the Crown's formal declaration that the American colonies were in open rebellion. This was, essentially, England's declaration of war against the American Colonies.
Rejecting the colonists' constitutional arguments and ordering all civil and military authorities to

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1776  This issue includes a lengthy article (3+ pages) on Captain Cook and the: "Resolution's Voyage on Discovery to the Southern Hemisphere". Accompanying this article is a rare full page map titled: "Part of the Tropical Discoveries of the Resolution Sloop, Captain Cook in 1774..." with a related article.
The map measures 5 1/45 by 9 inches, a bit close-trimmed at a bottom corner to fold into the issue but not affecting the b order.
The other nice graphic

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 6, 1776  Wonderful to have a newspaper not just from 1776, but less than 3 months before the Declaration of Independence (which was first printed in this newspaper).
The entire front page is taken up with an address to the King concerning "...the present unhappy differences between Great Britain and her colonies...", which makes for interesting reading.  A page 2 item begins: "General Carlton has sent a ship express from Quebec with the

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1776  It would be difficult to argue for a more important document in American history than the Declaration of Independence. It remains a desire of most collectors to find an issue containing reference to it, and ultimately a contemporary printing of the actual document. With American newspaper printings commanding $75,000 or more in nice condition, here is an opportunity for a period printing at a very reasonable price.
The title/contents page of this

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, April 19, 1777  Over one-third of page 2 is taken up with an: "Extract from a Letter from an Officer at New York to a Friend at London" which discusses the lack of clothing, food & other necessities among the people of America.
Most of another column is taken up with American content including a nice item on La Fayette with a Paris dateline: "One of the richest of our young nobility, the Marquis de la Fayette...between 19 and 20 years of age, as at his own

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1777  Near the back are several letters from the seat of the Revolutionary War in America, including: "Extract of a Letter from the Gen. Wm. Howe to Lord G. Germaine dated New York, Apr. 1, 1777" which talks of plans to destroy provisions & stores at Peekskill.
Another letter details what was destroyed, with subheads: "Destroyed & burnt by the King's troops" and "Destroyed and Burnt by the Rebels:".
Yet another letter with talk of naval affairs in the

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, August 7, 1777   Page 2 has a great: "Proclamation By John Burgoyne, Esq., Camp at Putnam Creek, June 29, 1777" which begins: "The forces entrusted to my command are designed to act in concert, & upon a common principle with the numerous armies & fleets which already display, in every quarter of America, the power, the justice, &, when properly fought, the mercy of the King..." with much more taking over a full column with great reading (see photos for full

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, May, 1778  Certainly the most significant item in this issue is the very nice foldout engraving which is described on the contents page as: "An Inside View of the Jews Synagogue at Amsterdam, and of the Ceremony of sounding the Horn on New Year's Day".
This plate folds out to 8 1/4 by 8 3/4 inches and is in very nice condition. It is mentioned only in a postscript on the facing page: "In consequence of our request to our correspondents, we have received the

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Dec. 15, 1778   Over half of page 3 is taken up with reports from the House of Commons, including items relating to the Revolutionary War. One item notes: "General Burgoyne complained very strongly of the indignation that he conceived to be thrown on the army, now under confinement in America, by leaving them out of the augmentation...it was intended to continue toe destructive war in America, to send out part or all of this new force; and that some of the

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779  Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee.
Near the back under "American News" is: "...some letters that had passed between Sir Henry Clinton & Gen. Washington for the exchange of prisoners...The Marquis de la

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1780  Near the back is "Advices Received from America" which includes a letter signed in type by: George Washington datelined at Morristown, with much praise for the Marquis de LaFayette, followed by a letter of thanks signed in type: La Fayette.
Another report begins: "His Excellency Gen. Washington is appointed lieut. general of his Most Christian Majesty's troops in America, and vice-admiral of the white flag." (French troops). Also: "On the 9th of

A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated October 15, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Capt. Abner Adams five pounds in bills of this state...and charge the state.  Pay Table Office, Oct. 15, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 5 1/2 by 7 3/4 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A nice item for display, and dated just 4 days before Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1781  Near the back is a section headed: "American News" which has a "Copy of a Letter from Brig. Gen. Arnold to his Excellency the Commander in Chief, dated Sound off Plumb Island, Sept. 8, 1781" which takes over an entire page & is signed by him in type: B. Arnold. This is his detailed report on the taking of New London, Connecticut, known as the Battle of Groton Heights.
Also included is a letter from George Washington to Congress which prefaces