Historic Newspapers: Catalog - Current Abridged

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 9, 1666  An extremely early issue of the world's oldest continually published newspaper which began publication just the previous year in 1665. This is issue #68 published just 2 months before the Great Fire of London.
The front page contains not one but three mentions of ships arriving from Virginia, which is an early newspaper mention of the "New World".  And the bkpg. has reference to the Great Plague with an account for Norwich noting: "The Account of our…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 4, 1666  One of the greatest calamities and more notable events to strike London in its long history is the Great Fire which destroyed much of the city in September, 1666.  Finding period references to it are exceedingly difficult, as the number of newspapers publishing in 1666 was extremely small, this title certainly being the most significant.
Page 2 contains a brief report with a "Westminster" dateline of September 28, noting: "This day the House of…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 5, 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 whole matter, having been enquired into, and examined at the Council Bord, is found altogether false and fictitious."
But it was not

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 17, 1676  This is the oldest continually published English language newspaper, having begun in 1665 and is still published today. This issue is now 350 years old.
Reports from throughout Europe with datelines from Copenhagen, Naples, Hamburg, Strasbourg, Luxemburg, Frankfort, Cologne, Paris, and elsewhere.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches, great condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 1, 1680  The top of the back page has a report from Westminster noting: "...This being the last day of the sixth tern since the commitment of Sir Anthony Dead, and Mr. Pepys to the Tower, and no evidence for an indictment having been offered in all this time against them, notwithstanding their repeated demand of trial...appearing to any charge that should be brought against them, they were this day discharged."
This is the famed Samuel Pepys, perhaps most…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 1, 1680  The top of the back page has a report from Westminster noting: "...This being the last day of the sixth tern since the commitment of Sir Anthony Dead, and Mr. Pepys to the Tower, and no evidence for an indictment having been offered in all this time against them, notwithstanding their repeated demand of trial...appearing to any charge that should be brought against them, they were this day discharged."
This is the famed Samuel Pepys, perhaps most…

THE OBSERVATOR, London, England, Dec. 14, 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 PRESENT STATE OF EUROPE OR THE HISTORICAL & POLITICAL MONTHLY MERCURY, London, England, February, 1692  This is a very uncommon periodical published during the reign of King William III, formatted something like a pamphlet but definitely a periodical, with the more extended title reading: "... Containing all the Publick and Private Occurrences, Civil, Ecclesiastical, and Military, that are most considerable in every Court: The Interest of Princes, their Pretensions, and Intrigues,…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, March 26, 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…

THE TATLER, London, June 15, 1710  This newspaper was founded in the year previous 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 each of the city's popular coffeehouses: accounts of manners and…

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Jan. 27, 1728  A quite rare title containing a wide variety of news of the day. Page 2 has two reports from the American colonies, with: "We have advice from New York...that a party of soldiers...had march'd 300 miles further among the Indians and had built a strong fort & made a settlement there...". Then: "Letters from South Carolina say the Indians come down upon the inhabitants & disturb the very frequently, plundering one settlement after another, killing…

"An Astronomical Diary Or An ALMANACK..." for the year 1738, printed in Boston by John Draper.  This is a great rarity, and one of the earliest American imprints we have been fortunate enough to offer in many years. Complete in 16 pages, some wear at the margins which is typical of almanacs (heavily used), rounding of a lower corner, a few indents at right margins, generally in good condition for an almanac. Measures 4 1/2 by 6 3/4 inches.

THE NEW-YORK WEEKLY JOURNAL, Oct. 7, 1734  On October 29, 1733 this publisher, John Peter Zenger, was arrested & jailed for the critical comments he made in his newspaper about a decision made by the British Governor of New York, William Cosby.
The result was a famous libel case (begun July 29, 1735) in which Zenger was acquitted, the argument being that he had printed the truth and that truth is not libelous. It was--and still is--considered a landmark decision in establishing freedom of the…

THE COUNTRY JOURNAL: OR THE CRAFTSMAN, London, Dec. 7, 1734  This was the leading anti-Walpole political journal of its time: Thomas Lockwood describes it as "the most successful political journal of the first half of the eighteenth century...". 
The stated purpose of the newspaper was to expose political craft--hence the title--but the overriding purpose was to unseat Robert Walpole as Chancellor, or as the new term of abuse called him, "Prime Minister".
Various news reports of the day with one…

THE LONDON COURANT, England, Aug. 28, 1746  The masthead features two engravings, one showing a sailing ship and the other a post-boy 'trumpeting' the news.
Various news from Europe with most of the back page taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, the margins appear to have been hand-trimmed close to the text affecting some letters at the top of the back page, otherwise good condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1756  Under the heading: "American News" is a report which includes: "...concerning Oswego still continue to be contradictory...the last letters from Albany say that the French had burnt the fort & put almost the whole garrison to the sword..." and mention that Col. Webb was sent to reinforce the place & found the fort blown up & found "...about 500 dead bodies scattered in & about the place...".  
Not a lengthy report yet historically important.
 Also…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 6, 1758  All of pages 1, 2 and most of page 3 are taken up with a very lengthy article headed: "History of the Last Campaign in North America".
It begins: "The experience of the campaigns in 1755 and 1756 had convinced our commanders in chief that there would be no end of the war on either side so long as our armies aimed at nothing further than traversing from place to place either for the defence or attack of a few straggling forts in a woody country. This…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 29, 1758  The top of page 5 has a brief item headed: "America" from Philadelphia, with mention of forces raised in Pennsylvania and Virginia, led by Brigadier Forbes: "...arrived within 70 miles of Fort DuQuesne on the Ohio, and about 160 from this city. General Forbes left this place the 30th ult. in order to hasten every thing for the expedition."
Pages 6 and 7 have additional items relating to the French & Indian War including a letter from New York with…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 15, 1759  Pages 5 and 6 containing nearly a full page worth of news headed: "America", part of which is taken up with: "The Speech of Francis Fauquier, Esq., Governor of Virginia, to the General Assembly of that Province".
He begins his speech with the good news: "...my congratulations to you on the happy event of the surrender of Fort DuQuesne to his Majesty's forces under the command of Brig-Ge neural Forbes..." with more on this. Also: "...The Indians are…

THE BOSTON EVENING POST, Feb. 4, 1760  A great issue on the French & Indian War as the entire front page, and a bit of page 2, are taken up with two reports on the Battle of Quebec.
On September 13, 1759, General James Wolfe's British forces defeated the French forces under the command of Marquis de Montcalm at the Battle of Quebec (also known as the Battle of the Plains of Abraham). This battle was a pivotal moment in the French and Indian War and ultimately led to British control of Canada.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 21, 1760  The front page has over a full column of reports concerning the ongoing French & Indian War. Some bits include: "...happy event of the expedition undertaken by Gov. Lyttelton against the Cherokee Indians who had begun open hostilities...by scalping several inhabitants of Virginia and North and South Carolina..." with so much more on them.
Further on is: "...The Cherokees are the most numerous nation of Indians adjoining to the British colonies on…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 15, 1761  The front beings with a brief item headed: "America" noting a British ship arrived with: "...four Dutch and one French sloop, which are all condemn'd: they are loaded with sugar, coffee, etc."
Page 6 has items headed: "America" with a Charleston dateline, noting in part: "...the Creek Indians set out for their own country... next day the Oacachoy King of the Choctaw's ventured to town...two of the principal headmen of the Creeks brought to town…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 21, 1761  The front page has an interesting article complaining of the high prices to witness the coronation of George III, who would be coronated the following day. Included is some history on the prices to witness previous coronations.
Page 2 has a report from New York concerning allocating funds: "...for the service of the troops in our American colonies..." during the French & Indian War.
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches, red tax stamp, good…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 12, 1762  Page
6 has news headed: "America" with Boston and Charleston datelines, the latter mentioning: "Edward Wilkinson is appointed, by the directors of the trade with the Cherokees, to be factor for that purpose...".
The back page has a very brief but notable report: "This morning an express arrived at the Admiralty with the agreeable news of the retaking the Island of Newfoundland from the French."
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, rubbing to the front…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1762  Perhaps the most significant content is the full text of the: "Preliminary Articles of Peace..." signed at Fontainebleau, Nov. 3, 1762, among England, France & Spain, which would set the stage for the formal Treaty of Paris that would end the Seven Years' War (French & Indian War for that portion fought in the Americas).
This text takes over 4 1/2 pages and has much concerning how the land in America, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands would be…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 24, 1763  The front page has: "By the KING. A PROCLAMATION For Pardoning and Discharging Soldiers now in Custody for Desertion" which was likely occasioned by the recent Treaty of Paris, ending the French & Indian War. It is dated the 20th day of May, 1763 & ends with "God Save the King".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, very nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 24, 1763  The front page has: "By the KING. A PROCLAMATION For Pardoning and Discharging Soldiers now in Custody for Desertion" which was likely occasioned by the recent Treaty of Paris, ending the French & Indian War. It is dated the 20th day of May, 1763 & ends with "God Save the King".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, some minor front page fold rubbing, generally in nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 4, 1764  The back page has a report from Savannah, Georgia, noting: "A scheme is on foot here, said to be proposed by the Rev. Mr. Whitefield, for admitting a number of Indian youths into the orphan house of this province, to be brought up in the principles of religion, cloathed, educated and taught the English tongue. The superintendent of Indian affairs, Mr. Steward, highly approves of the scheme, and is to lay it before some headmen of the Creeks and…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 20, 1765  The back page has a brief item noting: "From Philadelphia, we learn that J. Hughes and William Cox, Esqrs., are appointed Officers for the Stamp Duties in that province and the Jerseys. The stamp act takes place there the 1st day of November next."
The front page has a bit noting: "Letters from Philadelphia...an account from Havannah that the Punto was finished in a manner much superior to what it was before; the Moro [Morro] castle is almost done,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 11, 1766  The back page has a report noting: "...from New York there is advice, that every thing remained quiet there in relation to the Stamp Act, no blockage of shipping having taken place; the people in general have entertained great hopes that the return of the next packet would bring them some agreeable news from England."
Indeed, the Stamp Act would be repealed on March 18.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, full red tax stamp on page 2, nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1766  One of the better items is a letter: "...from the Principal Merchants in London trading to the Colonies, to John Hancock, Esq., and the rest of the Merchants in Boston, on the Repeal of the Stamp Act" which has some great reading. This letter takes a full page.
Other articles within include: "An Account of a white Negroe Boy" "Remarkable Petition to Oliver Cromwell" "Behaviour of a Young Heretic executed at Abbeville" and more.
Three-quarters of…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 27, 1767  The back page has a report "From the Corsican Gazette" headed: "The General and Supreme Council of the Kingdom of Corsica...To our Beloved People..." the full text of which is shown in the photos.
The balance of the issue is taken up with various reports from Europe from just 8 years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.Com
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, nice condition.

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 6, 1768  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."
Elsewhere is: "...some dispatches said to be of importance were sent away...to be put on board the packet boat bond for New York, for Major General Gage,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 7, 1773  An extraordinary issue, as page 5 contains what might be the first periodical publication of one of Phillis Wheatley's poems, "On Imagination".
Wheatley was an American writer considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery at the age of 7 or 8 and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After she learned

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), April 28, 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.
This issue was printed 9 days after the battle of Lexington and Concord, however, the news of that historic beginning of the Revolutionary War had yet to reach Williamsburg.
Half of the front page is a report from London which…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR BRITISH EVENING POST, London, Oct. 12, 1776  Nearly half of the front page is taken up with a very fine account of the British landing on Long Island and their advance toward Manhattan Island, resulting in the historic Battle of Long Island. It is datelined: "Camp at New-Town, Long Island, September 3, 1776".
This is one of the best accounts of the Battle of Long Island we have seen, and great to have it on the front page. The lengthy report is signed at its…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 18, 1777  Half of page 2 is taken up with reports concerning the Revolutionary War, a few of the reports noting: "...has been reported that they contain private advices that Philadelphia was in possession of the King's troops. A report...that the provincial Congress at Boston has made proposals to the King's commissioners of returning to their allegiance, which have been accepted....The Congress have lost their authority; they ordered all the militia…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the headings covering the war are: "Proceedings of the Army Under Gen. Howe" and "Proceedings of the…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778  The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
The report begins: "That this house will now resolve into a committee of the whole house to consider of the state & condition of the army which surrendered themselves on convention at Saratoga, in America; and also by what means that army…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Dec. 26, 1778  The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the  second half of the: "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the Most Christian King and the United Starters of North America", this being the treaty of assistance between French and the colonies, which did much to support the American cause against the British and eventually lead to victory within 3 years.
At its conclusion if it signed in type by the American…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 2, 1779  This issue has various items concerning the Silas Deane Affair, The Silas Deane Affair, a political scandal involving Silas Deane, a prominent diplomat and member of the Continental Congress, during the American Revolutionary War. The affair centered on accusations of financial impropriety and disloyalty leveled against Deane, ultimately leading to his recall from his post in Paris. There are several mentions of Ben…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT, London, For the Year 1780  Certainly the highlight of this issue is the nearly 7 pages taken up with the lengthy & very detailed proceedings headed: "Extracts of Letters from General Washington to the President of Congress". This concerns the trial of Major Andre in the treason affair with Benedict Arnold.
This is a terrific report with far more detail than we have found in any newspaper report of the period. Some of the items include: "...announcing the capture…

A hand-written Revolutionary War pay document from the State of Connecticut dated June 20, 1781. It notes: "Sir: Pay Mr. William Edmonds one hundred fifty seven pounds nineteen shillings and ten pence in Bill of this state...and charge the state.  Pay Table Office, June 20, 1781" with two signatures.
Measures 5 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches, totally handwritten, very nice condition. A nice item for display. 

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 13, 1782  Page 4 has a report noting in part: "...There remained at present only one thing to be done in order to restore unity & harmony to the empire, and that was to move for the independence of America, upon the same principle that the independence of Ireland was acknowledged: when America should have a legislature of her own, independent of the Parliament of Great Britain, he made no doubt but France, and the agents of Congress, would not be able to…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Feb. 25, 1783  All of pages 1 and 2 are taken up with reports from the: "House Of Lords" concerning the recent peace agreement with America. Near the beginning is: "The Earl of Pembroke moved the address to his Majesty...thanking him for the peace which had been concluded...seconded the motion, declaring himself fully satisfied with the condition of the peace. His Lordship dwelt upon the blessings that must attend a cessation of hostilities, and the sad…

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, May, 1783  Certainly one of the less common magazines of the 18th century, formatted very much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine' of the day.
Inside includes: "The Fate Of the Loyalists" "Sir G. Carleton and Adm. Digby Letters to Secretary Livingston" "Letters From America on the Terms of Peace" "Indian War in America" "Rebel Financier Resigns" being Robert Morris; "Loyalists Settle in Nova Scotia - State of Loyalists" plus a letter concerning: "...the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 2, 1783  Page 3 has a report that the United States has further defined the powers of Congress to negotiating with countries, and: "...for making peace and war, for recommending the quotas of taxes, appointing foreign ministers..." and more. Also that General Carleton has advertised in the New York Gazette for flour to be: "...delivered at Long Island, & after the evacuation of that place, to the refugees at Nova Scotia...to reward their loyalty with every…