Historic Newspapers: Catalog - Current Abridged

MERCURIUS POLITICUS, London, England, May 27, 1652. Pages 7, 8, and 9 of this extraordinarily rare newsbook feature the complete twelve-article text of the Treaty of Jamestown under the heading: “Articles agreed on and concluded at James City in Virginia, for the surrendering and settling of that Plantation under the obedience and Government of the Commonwealth of England…”. Concluding with its official sign-off on March 12, 1651 [1652 using today’s calendar], this publication represents what

LONDON GAZETTE, London, Oct. 3, 1667  An early issue of this world famous newspaper which began in 1665 and still publishes today.
The front page has two items noting in part: "...Several merchants touched here and are again put to sea, all of them bound for New England, the Royal Exchange only excepted...". Also: 
"Yesterday arrived at St. Lucars our expected ships from New Spain, and in them about seven or eight millions of pieces of eight to the great encouragement of trade which was before…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 28, 1670  The top of the front page has a report from Vienna noting: "The Jews have offered great sums of money to the Emperor to dispence with his order for their banishment, or at least to give leave that a considerable number of them may be permitted to continue here, but have effected nothing and are consequently preparing to be gone within the time prescribed having already taken care to remove their Synagogue."
The back page has a brief item mentioning…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 31, 1682  The front page has a passing Judaica mention in a report from Venice concerning finances. It notes in part: "...That this business has not cost above 20,000 crowns, the Ambassador having only made a present to the Grand Signior of a diamond ring...but from other hands, we have a quite contrary account of this matter, they telling us, that what with the money they have been forced to give, and the interest they pay for the same, having taken it up of…

A CONTINUATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARLIAMENT IN SCOTLAND, London, England, July 30, (1689)  The year is printed in the dateline of the first report at the top of page 1, as well as in the imprint at the bottom of the back page.
A very rare newspaper from England dealing primarily with Parliamentary affairs.
A single sheet issue with untrimmed margins, 7 by 11 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

London pamphlet from 1707. The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd before the QUEEN, in Lent, 1704. At Saint James's" with more, the second edition, London, 1707.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, nice condition.

THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, Nov. 27, 1723  A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence is the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspapers. This format classified it as a pamphlet, and therefore, no tax was required. According to Crane and Kaye this title is not held by any American institution.
Complete as a…

THE POST-BOY, London, England, Oct. 26, 1727  The front page has a brief, and quite early mention of Bermuda, then known as the Somers Islands: "John Pit [Pitt], Esq, to be Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Bermuda or Summer [Somers]  Islands, in the room of John Hope, Esq."
The front page also has mention of a ship bound for Virginia.
A single sheet newspaper, 8 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on page 2, great condition.

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Feb. 2, 1728  A quite rare title containing a wide variety of news of the day. Amongst the various reports are items on criminals and their crimes. A wealth of advertisements as well, consuming most of pages 3 and 4.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, 10 by 13 inches, very nice condition.

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston),  March 3, 1743,4 (1744 by today's calendar)  This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", this 8 page magazine is almost entirely taken up with religious content from the "Great Awakening"

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1755  Of great interest is: "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, etc. By B. Franklin, Esq. of Philadelphia", which takes 3 pages.
Near the back are two prints on a single page, one headed: "Plan of Fort Frederick at Crown Point" and the other a map showing a much wider area including Lake George, the Hudson River, Lake Champlain & more.
There is descriptive text on the same page as well, beginning: "This fort, which is…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 3, 1758  Two inside pages have reports from America, both with close to half a column of text concerning the French & Indian War.
One includes: "Three thousand troops are sailed from Philadelphia, 3000 from Boston...with all the implements of war...20,000 provincials and 8000 regulars march against Ticonderoga; about 1500 regulars; and 6000 provincials march against Fort Du Quesne...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, great condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 18, 1759  Page 6 has two paragraphs of reports headed: "America", one beginning: "The Assembly in Maryland...voted 2000 men for the general service of this year, and 2100 rangers for the protection of their frontiers...".
Page 7 has a letter dated July 10 from a person in the expedition against Canada to his friend in Boston, dated in the River St. Lawrence". This nice letter details the early events of the siege of Quebec by the British.
It begins: "I am…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 10, 1760  Page 7 has over a full column headed: "America" "The Speech of the Hon. Francis Fauquier, Esq., Lieut. Gov. of Virginia, to the General Assembly of that Province".
In his address the governor gives reasons for disbinding the Va. regiment, noting in part: "...that Great Britain, notwithstanding the enormous debt under which she at present labour, is raising many millions for the service of the ensuing year; that notwithstanding the invasion with which…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 27, 1761  Page 6 has most of a column of reporting headed: "America" with datelines from Boston, Charleston, and New York, as well as a letter from Fort Augusta, all relating to the French & Indian War. The report ends with: "...Some of the Creeks are under apprehensions that the Spaniards intend to march a body of men against them from St. Augustine, to revenge the mischief they have received from these Indians, who have lately killed and taken a great many…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1762  Among the articles are: "Specific for the Hiccough [hiccup]" "Considerations on the Present War, as it Respects England and France" takes over a full page; "Extract of a Letter from Major General Monckton...dated at St. Peter's in the Island of Martinico [Dominican Republic]..." "Account of the Island of Granada" which is a nice description of it; "Cure for the Head-Ache" "New Musical Machine" and other articles.
Of interest as well is a very descriptive…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 25, 1763  Beginning on page 5 is an: "Extract of a letter from Carlisle, July 12, 1763" which includes: "... I embrace this first leisure, since yesterday morning, to transmit you a brief account of our present state of affairs here... flying families, obliged to abandon house and possession, to save their lives by an hasty escape' mourning widows, bewailing their husbands surprized and massacred by savage rage; tender parents, lamenting the fruit of their…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1765  Near the back under: "Remarkable Events" is a report of ships arriving at Philadelphia: "...with the stamps on board for Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania, when several citizens assembled in order to consider ways and means for preventing the stamp act taking place in that province..." with more.
Further on is "The governor of New England, upon the arrival of the stamp paper for that province...sent a message to both houses of assembly…

REMARKABLE OCCURRENCES, (no date, no city of publication, no issue number).  
This is one of the more intriguing "newspapers" we have had the opportunity to offer. This is actually the November 14, 1765 issue of the famous "Pennsylvania Gazette" printed by Ben Franklin and David Hall. The hated Stamp Act took effect on Nov. 1, 1765. Therefore the paper was suspended and in its place a broadside entitled "No Stamped Paper to be had" was printed for Nov. 7, and this four page issue titled:…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 13, 1766  Earlier issues of this title were: "The Massachusetts Gazette And Boston News-Letter" with typical volume and issue numbering, along with the notation of Richard and Samuel Draper as publishers.
It is curious that this issue is numbered "0", that no publishers are listed, and the title is shortened. Here is clarification:
As noted in Brigham: "...With the issue of April 19, 1765, the Drapers changed the title to "The Massachusetts Gazette";…

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL [Gloucester], England, March 23, 1767  Page 3 has an interesting item: "Last week the skeleton of a man in setters, with one jaw and some of the large bones perfect, was dug up in removing some ground in our Castle Green, eastward of the ruins of the old County Hall, memorable as the place wherein was held the fatal black assize, in the year 1577... upwards of 500 other persons were infected by a gaol disease, and died between the sixth of July and the tenth of August.…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 6, 1768  A great example of a typical American newspaper from the colonial period with various news items from Europe, America, and a wealth of ads, some illustrated.
As a bonus, it still has the smaller-sized, four page "Postscript" issue. There is a front page report of troubles in England with the balance of the Postscript taken up with ads.
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches in great condition, with the Postscript having…

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1771  See the photo for the terrific & large engraving in the masthead, making this a very displayable colonial newspaper.
Pages 1 and 2 are taken up with European reports, with a few brief references to America. Page 3 has an address to John Penn, Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, followed by a: "Proclamation".
Four pages, two small mends inside at margins, nice condition.

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1775  Although there is other good American content here, near the back has a great account of the very historic Battle of Bunker Hill signed in type: Tho. Gage, which overshadows all else. This report takes nearly an entire page and begins: "I am to acquaint your Lordship of an action that happened on the 17th of June instant between his Majesty's troops and a large body of the rebel forces. An alarm was given at break of day on the 17th...troops advanced,…

LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1775  Page 2 has a fine account of the famous Battle of Bunker Hill. The account describes the march of the British Regulars stating in part that they: "...advanced within two miles of Cambridge without any considerable opposition; but they were there met by General Putnam at the head of 5000 men, who gave them a very warm reception...it is suppose 3 or 400 men were killed on each side, and the provincials retreated...without the least disorder. The Regulars…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, August, 1776  Although there are 2 1/2 pages of reports headed: "American Affairs" with accounts of the Revolutionary War, certainly the prime content is that which consumes  most of the back page.
Prefaced with: "The following is the substance of the declaration of independency by the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, July 4...", what follows is the text of the Declaration of Independence, signed in type at its…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 26, 1777  Pages 2 & 3 have some reports on the Revolutionary War, bits including: "...received advices...from New York which give an account of some further advantages gained over the rebels & that several dispatches had passed between Lord & Sir William Howe & the ruling powers of the Congress..." and: "...that an engagement lately happened near that place between seven privateers fitted out by the Colonists...when after a warm contest one of the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, March 7, 1778  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.
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "...letter from Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Howe, to Mr. Stephens, dated on board his Majesty's ship Eagle in the River Delaware, Oct. 25, 1777" which has some great reading, portions of which can be seen in the…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, June, 1778  Near the back are 1 1/2 pages headed: "American Affairs". Included is a letter signed by: W.  Howe announcing his replacement, Sir Henry Clinton, has arrived, and Howe will soon be leaving for  England. He also comments on recent military events under his leadership.
Also included is a nice account of the battle at Bordentown, New Jersey. As General Clinton was preparing to evacuate Philadelphia & return to New York via New Jersey, they were met by…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1779  Near the back under: "American Affairs" is fine & lengthy reporting on events in Georgia, including the battles at Savannah and Briar Creek. Most accounts are detailed in a letter from General Prevost to Lord G. Germain signed in type: A. Prevost. The report takes 1 1/2 pages.
Both plates called for are present.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, very nice, clean condition.

Formatted very much like the Gentleman's Magazine but a much more…

THE MONTHLY REVIEW, London, July, 1780  One of the less common magazines of the 18th century, and more importantly, this issue is as it was sold on the streets, with untrimmed margins and with the original green outer wrapper.
The issue begins with the: "Account of the Russian Discoveries Between Asia & America..." which takes nearly 10 pages. Also within: "Political Annals of the Present United Colonies, from Their Settlement to the Peace of 1763" which ended the French & Indian War. This is…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1781  Near the back is a full page with a very nice & detailed: "Description of West Florida", which at that time was the present-day panhandle of Florida west to New Orleans. Nice descriptions of Mobile, Pensacola & other parts.
One of the two plates called for is present (map of West Florida is lacking).
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, a bit close-trimmed at the right margin of the title/contents page only, very nice condition.
Formatted very much like…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Springfield, Dec. 31, 1782  Certainly one of the less common American titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is an error newspaper, as all of pages 2 and 3 are blank. The back page is mostly taken up with ads. 
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, an older tape mend across the central fold of pages 1 and 2, scattered foxing, minor margin wear.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, a pair of issues dated Feb. 3 and 7, 1784  This was the era of the "air balloon" when flight by balloon was first achieved. 
The entire front page and one-third of page 2 of Feb. 3 are taken up with: "AIR BALLOONS" "A Brief Historical Account of the Various Experiments lately Made with the Aerostatic Machine in France". The lengthy & detailed report concludes on page 4 of the Feb. 7 issue.
This article focuses on the work of the Montgolfier brothers and is…

THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, January, 1785  This magazine--much more scarce than the Gentleman's Magazine--published in serial form the account of: "Captain Cook's Voyage to the Northern Hemisphere...", this issue containing reports from after July, 1778 when he was exploring the far northwest coast of North America in search of a Northwest passage to the Atlantic, extending into what are now called the Aleutian Islands & to the Bering Strait then the Arctic Ocean before having to turn back…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 30, 1785  The back page has abandoned accounts of the June 29, 1785 launch of the balloon by Vincenzo Lunardi. In his second launch, the balloon ascended from St George's Fields London. Lunardi and Biggin, and two invitees, Letitia Ann Sage and Colonel Hastings, were supposed to make the flight, but the balloon wouldn't take off because of the weight. Lunardi and Hastings stepped down, and the balloon took off with Biggin and Mrs. Sage, making her the first…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 18, 1786  The front page has some discussion on: "The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...", continued in a future issue.
Inside has a report noting in part: "The trade of America seems to be in a most deplorable state...". Also mention that, among others, Alexander Hamilton has been appointed to serve on a commission to create a document on trade with other nations. Another item mentions: "Lord Cornwallis, the hero of…

THE AMERICAN RECORDER, AND CHARLESTOWN ADVERTISER, Charlestown, Mass., Jan. 26, 1787  A very uncommon title published only from December, 1785 thru May, 1787. Of particular interest is the masthead which has ornate lettering: "U S A".
Most of the content is concerning Massachusetts, however the front is mostly taken up: "History of the Late War, from the British Annual Register for 1780". This issue is from our private collection.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, some light foxing, good…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, July 9, 1787  Page 2 has a quite lengthy: "Translation of a letter from Paris..." which begins: "Versailles is in the greatest confusion--nobody is to be trusted--all the King's Ministers are disgraced...". It includes the: "...Impeachment of M. de Calonne, by the Marquis de la Fayette" signed in type: La Fayette.  Pg. 2 also has a small bit concerning the Shays' Rebellion. 
Page 3 has a small item signed in type: S. Adams, President. From "Philadelphia, which…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug 21, 1787  Page 6 has a report noting in part: "...some important revolution is on the eve of taking place in the American system. Shays and his party, of themselves, do not appear of sufficient consequence to excite any well-grounded apprehensions in the friends of the actual government; they their insurrection s considered by many as preparatory to some other measure of greater import..." with a bit more on this.
Also: "Rhode Island is the only state which…

AMERICAN HERALD, Boston, March 6, 1788  A quite rare & short-lived title, only the third of which we have offered in the past 20+ years. This issue is from our private collection. It published in Boston from 1784 - 1788 then moved to Worcester where it lasted for a year.
Page 3 has an Act from Rhode Island concerning the creation of a body to consider ratification of the new Constitution.
Rhode Is. was the last of the original 13 colonies to ratify the Constitution, doing so in 1790.
Page 3 also…

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, June 28, 1788  Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with: "A PROCLAMATION" signed in type by: John Hancock.
Page 2 contains a report from Congress in New York: "...That in their opinion it is expedient that the district of KENTUCKY be erected into an INDEPENDENT STATE & therefore they submit the following resolution..." which follows. Kentucky would not join the union until 1792. This is followed by a report: "Of Virginia" noting in part:…

WALKER'S HIBERNIAN MAGAZINE, (Dublin, Ireland), July, 1789  Bill Reese noted in one of his catalogs: "This important Irish monthly was founded in 1771 and continued until 1811, the later years under the auspices of Thomas Walker's son, Joseph. During its long run in its different incarnations, the "Hibernian Magazine" filled the role of a general Dublin periodical in its coverage of news and politics from Ireland, Britain, Europe and North America...".
The back several pages are where various…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 8, 1789  Page 2 features an address of the New York Legislature to the President of the United States congratulating him on assuming the Presidency. It is followed by his response which is signed in type: George Washington.
Pages 2 & 3 contain reports from the federal House of Representatives, beginning: "...informing the Hon. House that they had concurred with amendments in the bills for establishing the War Department--and for establishing the…

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 pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, 4 small binding holes at the blank spine, generally nice condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 26, 1790   One-third of the front page is taken up with early reports from Congress, carrying over to page 2.
The middle of page 2 is taken up with an Act of Congress concerning establishing federal judicial courts in Rhode Island, signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington, and headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle. Keep in mind that Rhode Island had recently ratified the Constitution, the last of the original…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Dec. 15, 1790  Page 2 has a letter read in Congress from the people of Paris, beginning: "The news has reached our ears--Franklin is no more! Franklin the citizen of the world! All nations are indebted to him..." with more.
Page 3 has the address of the Senate to George Washington in response to his state of the union address, which is then acknowledged by a brief letter signed in type: G. Washington. Also on pg. 3 is the address of the House of…