Historic Newspapers: Catalog - Current Abridged

GAZETTE, Paris, France, Feb. 2, 1641  (date listed at the bottom of the back page).  This title was the very first regular newspaper published in France, started in 1631 by Théophraste Renaudot but with influential backing by the powerful Cardinal de Richelieu. All the text is in French with the first letter in the title containing embellishments. An ornate letter begins the first paragraph on the front page.
Four pages, 8 3/4 by 6 1/2 inches, in great condition. One of the earliest dated…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 9, 1667  An early issue of this still publishing newspaper which began in 1665.
The front page has a report noting: "...the Magdalen Ulushing a swift sailing galling with ballast, which came out from thence on Sunday morning last, being sent express from the States to their Plantations in America carrying to them the treaty lately concluded at Breda...".
This is one of the earliest reports we have seen of a notable news report, the Treaty of Breda, being…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 19, 1684  (1685 by today's calendar)  The front page has a report from Edinburgh mentioning the arrival of: "...the most sorrowful news of the death of our late Gracious Sovereign..." and also on the front page is a document beginning: "For as much as it hath pleased the Almighty God to call CHARLES the Second...from a Temporary Crown to inherit an Eternal in the Heavens..." and mention of the succession of James Seventh (actually James II).
Pages 2, 3 and 4…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, May 16, 1691  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…

London pamphlet from 1707. The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd before the QUEEN, in Passion Week, 1702. At Saint James's Chapel" with more, the second edition, London, 1707.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, very nice condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 19, 1707  One of the more notable events of the early 18th century was the formal union of England & Scotland, through the Acts of Union ratified by both Parliaments, and taking effect May 1, 1707, thus creating Great Britain.
Over half of the front page is taken up with addresses from various towns congratulating the Queen on this notable event.
Complete as a single sheet, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, great condition.
 

A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, April 24, 1708  From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is: "...one of Daniel Defoe's greatest, but least known, works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical. It had a tiny original print run of just 400, making this a very rare title.
Defoe's "Review" played a significant role in the birth of the modern press. It was not so much a newspaper dealing in facts but a…

THE POST BOY, London, England, March 15, 1717  A very handsome newspaper as it features two ornately engravings in the masthead, plus an ornate & large first letter in the text.
The top of the back cage has much detail on the publishing of a book: "A Journal of a Voyage Performed by Monsieur de la Sale, to the Gulph of Mexico; to find out the Mouth of the Mississippi River: Contains an Account of the Settlements he endeavored to make on the Coast of the aforesaid Bay; his unfortunate Death; and…

FOG'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, Jan. 31, 1731 A quite rare title from England with a very early date and a partial red tax stamp in a lower corner of the front page. Various news of the day both from England and the rest of Europe.
Four pages, approximately 10 by 13 inches, a bit of foxing, overall very good. The image shown is only representative of the look (format) and condition of the issue you will receive.  Actual dates vary, but will be dated in 1731.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1731 This was the very first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, and also the very first general interest magazine in the world--and this is from the very first year of its existence. 
This title began in 1731 and ran through 1907.
Most of the issue is taken up with: "A View of the Weekly Essays in this Month" which as a report of items in the various newspapers of the day, including The Free Briton, The Grub Street Journal, the Universal…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1737  There are two reports in this issue concerning America, one headed: "An American Story" which concerns Mexico. The other is the King of Spain's order to his governors in America.
Among the other articles noted in the table of contents are: "The Salt Tax a Heavy Burden" "Taxes Mortgaged to the South Sea Company Most Grievous" "A Mathematical Problem & two Others Solved" and more.
Near the back is a section headed: "Historical Chronicle" with news…

Large sheepskin document from England "This Indenture" in ornate lettering at the top with engravings within, dated near the top: "...in the year of or Lord one thousand seven hunbdred and forty-two..." followed by various details. There are five red wax seals next to signatures at the bottom.
This is an unusual two page document with a blue embossed tax stamp in the margin on each.
This document folds out to measure 22 by 29 inches. Several folds, very handsome handwriting, nice condition. A…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1748  The issue begins with an: "Extract of a Letter Giving an Account of a Survey of the N. West Coast of England..." with a small print on page 4.
Also in this issue: "Of the Invention of Shorthand" with a full page of characters of words; "An Anti-Jacobite's Creed, Alluding to Indiscriminate Charges in the Jacobite Journal" "The Importance of Nova Scotia" and much more.
The map called for is lacking.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, full…

LLOYD'S EVENING POST & BRITISH CHRONICLE, London, Sept. 30, 1757  Nearly 2 pages are taken up with a: "Continuation of the Contest in American Between Great Britain and France..." ..."A Triple Union of Our Colonies in North America Proposed, to Retrieve our Present Losses & to Prevent the Like for the Future" which continues in a future issue.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, loss at the back leaf spine margin does not affect text, very nice condition.

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, May 19, 1759  Nearly half of an inside page is taken up with reports headed "America" with datelines from Philadelphia and New York with much of the reporting on events in the Caribbean and Canada.
One report notes: "Extract of a letter from Fort Frederick, St. John's...Lieut. Hazzen [Hazen] of the rangers came in from a scout...brought in with him six French scalps and six prisoners...has been to St. Ann's... where it was expected he would have found a strong…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 7, 1763  Inside has a report headed: "America" with a dateline of Charleston, beginning: "Monday last arrived here 69 Irish Protestants from Belfast to settle in this province..." with more (see). The bkpg. has a short item concerning Rev. George Whitefield, signed in type by: John Wesley.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, minor foxing to the front page, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 18, 1764  Page 3 has a report headed: "America" with datelines from New York and Boston, one report noting: "...Andrew Elliott, Esq., who is appointed collector of his Majesty's Customs..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 19, 1765  Page 5 includes news from Charleston that: "...an Indian belonging to one of the parties of Cherokees which went out against the enemy Indians last summer...was taken by the enemy Indians...On the night foxed for committing him to the flames, he happily made his escape & got back to the Cherokee nation...he was carried to a good French settlement where he remains during the whole time of his captivity...the French gave them strong talks, with guns,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 13, 1766,  Most of page 6 is taken up with various reports from America, mostly from South Carolina, and much of it relates to the Stamp Act. There is some reporting on stamp distributors refusing to do their work, one bit notes: "...Mr. Caleb Lloyd, appointed by the Hon. the Commissioners of the Stamp Office...to be distributor of stamp papers in this province, has signified to me ...that he is determined to adhere to his public declaration, not to issue…

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE FOR THE YEAR 1767, London. This is the "supplemental" issue published at the end of the year and having on the front page the table of contents and the title.
Within are articles including: "A Remarkable Lawsuit on a Case of Gaming" "Strictures Upon the Game Laws"  "Edicts in France Against Gaming" and an interesting article: "Remarks on the Boston Association" which includes: "...It would be to no purpose at present to renew a discussion of the merits of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1775  The first five pages contain a lengthy report on: "...address to his Majesty respecting the Situation of Affairs in America" which includes: "...The army might proceed to hostilities, it might be defeated, the Americans might prevail, we might be for ever stripped of the sovereignty of that country..." with so much more.
There is a review of a publication: "Taxation No Tyranny: an Answer to the Resolutions and Address of the American Congress" which…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 4, 1775  This is a wonderful issue with a wealth of news reports on the historic Battle of Bunker Hill.
All related reports--and there are many--are shown in the photos, however a few bits extracted from them include: "...The prevailing opinion is, that Boston is destroyed before this time. Whether the general chuse to march out or not, the Americans will decide their fate...The other provinces will all join the Massachusetts in good earnest. The army…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 22, 1775  Page 3 has a letter from New York which includes: "...wait upon our Provincial Congress now sitting in this city with the news that the Indian nations are determined not to act against the Colonies...that even the Canadian Indians are our friends...A regular army of 70,000 men is to be immediately raised; all ranks of people are in arms. Seventeen regular companies are already formed in this city who have no pay & provide themselves with…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY Etc., Worcester, Nov. 6, 1776  This newspaper published by the famed Isaiah Thomas is undoubtedly one of the more significant & notable titles of the Revolutionary War era.
It is worth noting that the famed printer Isaiah Thomas was the publisher, having begun this newspaper in 1770. An ardent patriotic, as the previous extended title to his newspaper would suggest: "...Or American Oracle of Liberty", Thomas was a constant target of the Royalist government. He began…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 27, 1777 A page 2 item notes: "...the cruisers from this island (Antigua) have been very successful against the Americans & almost knocked up their trade by the many captures they have taken."
An inside page has some reports from America, and another page includes: "...a provincial Captain named Martinhad, near Morristown, been shot by a scouting party of the Rebels who mistook him for an English officer." The back page has reporting from the House of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, June, 1777  Nearly five pages are taken up with: "Debate in the House of Lords...Relative to the American War" which obviously has much concerning the Revolution, including reference to America declaring itself independent.
Another page has a "Proclamation" signed in type by William Howe, from New York, on "...Restoring peace to the colonies..."  which is good reading. Near the back is a great & detailed: "Extract of a letter from Howe to Germaine" from…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 11, 1777  Nearly half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Revolutionary War, a few bits of which include: "...that Gen. Howe had landed the 16th at Baltimore & proceeded to...40 miles from Philadelphia where General Washington's army was encamped...that General Clinton was setting out on an expedition supposed for North River...the rebel general Sullivan had landed on Staten Island & retreated next morning with the loss of 900 men...another…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1778  An inside page has a graphic depiction of a: "Plan of the Encampment of a Battalion of Six Companies of Infantry" with related text. An article reports on Burgoyne and the charge against him of: "...employing savages...ever esteemed the Indian alliances, at best, a necessary evil..." with more.
Another page has "Gen. Washington's Letter to Gen. Burgoyne" signed in type: Geo. Washington. This is followed by a report concerning military actions in the…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779  A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years, from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This issue has much fine war content.
Page 3 has: "...a letter from his Excellency General Washington, to the Hon. Major-General Gates..." which mentions in part: "Gen. Sullivan arrived...at Tioga without loss or opposition. On the 13th he destroyed Chemung [Pa.] with all its plantations...The…

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Oct. 16, 1779  The front page has an item beginning: "General Washington to his army lately gave notice in orders in the following sentence: Holland yields us every aid we ask in the commercial line, and there are reasons to believe the period is not far distant when she will acknowledge our Independence...". And further on is: "...was reported yesterday that a Spanish Ambassador is now preparing to set out in great pomp for America; he is to go in a man of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780  The first article has: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.
Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, May, 1781  Content includes: "Debates in Parliament" includes talk on America. Another report is a review of the: "Journal of Captain Cook's Last Voyage to the Pacific Ocean, on Discovery, performed in the Years 1776, 7, 8 & 9..." which takes over 3 pages. 
Another report mentions in part: "...parties from Mr. Washington's army under the Marquis de Fayette were to proceed down the Elk by the way of Maryland, whilst a large body of Virginians militia under Mr. Nelson…

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 27, 1781  A wonderfully historic issue and nicely presented, as the details of Cornwallis surrendering to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The entire middle column of the front page is Washington's historic letter, dated at "Head-Quarters, near York, 19th October. 1781" and beginning: "Sir, I have the honor to inform Congress, that a reduction of the British army, under the command of Lord…

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE OR UNIVERSAL REPOSITORY, London, Supplement for 1781  Like most British magazines of the era, this title printed "Supplement" issue at the end of each year. It includes several pages on: "Sir James Lowther's Motions Against Continuing the American War", now that the news of Cornwallis' surrender has been digested.
Two full page plates are present.
Complete in 56 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, full title/contents page great, nice condition.

NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE AND GNERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Aug. 3, 1782  This is one of the less common title of the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a report from London noting: "...the new Administration are not without very sanguine expectations of being able to effect a general pacification on termw pertly honorable to this country...two gentleman, Messrs. Oswald & Whiteford, both formerly resident in America & gentlemen of the most respectable characters, were dispatched to Paris to confer…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 15, 1783  Page 4 includes discussion in the "House of Commons" concerning the "Provincial Corps" which also talks of events from the Revolutionary Wary. A few bits: "...Col. Duncan's corps had signalized itself greatly at the second battle of Camden under Lord Rawdon. Col. Fanning's regiment had...performed the most distinguished service...It was well known with what gallantry & zeal this regiment behaved at Rhode Island when it was attacked by the…

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, June, 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: "Account of the Large Rebel Frigate, named the South Carolina, from the Laying of Her Keel Until her Capture" which takes a full page. Also: "Emigrations From New York" which is a letter from "Agents for the Loyalists who removed last fall to Nova Scotia, and for such others as may incline to…

DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, Dec. 11, 1783  The front page has an interesting letter debating the possible uses for the "...M. Montgolfier's discovery...", the hot air balloon.
Page 3 has items from America with one item noting: "...a gentleman lately from Philadelphia that that city never appeared to be in a more prosperous way; its spacious streets are crowded with foreign merchants...". A bit from the S. Carolina Gazette as well. 
The back page has items from the N.Y. Gazette,…

THE ROYAL ST. JOHN'S GAZETTE, & NOVA SCOTIA INTELLIGENCER, (Canada), July 29, 1784  The rarity of this title is difficult to assess. I believe it to be the first 18th century newspaper from Canada we have offered in many years. This issue comes from our private collection.
It appears to have existed from just 1783-1784 with this title. This issue is volume 1 number 32.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a piece from a lower corner of the back leaf seems to affect only ads, others very nice…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 23, 1785  Page 2 has a report from New York with some news from the Assembly of the state which includes: "...very warm debates also have taken place upon the question of admitting Blacks, Mulattoes, Mustees, Quadroons...the the rights of citizenship; & the Senate have published their reasons in opposition to the Assembly, who formed a bill to preclude them from those rights..." (see).
Page 3 has a brief item: "A report prevails, that General Washington,…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Oct. 6, 1785  The back page has a letter to Ben Franklin from the General Assembly of Pennsylvania, congratulating him for his safe return to America from France. This is responded by him in part: "...I hope the peace with which God has been graciously pleased to bless us, may be lasting & that the free constitution we now enjoy may long contribute to promote our common felicity..." signed in type: Benjamin Franklin.
Four pages, a very…

THE BOSTON MAGAZINE, February, 1786  Long-time customers will recognize this as one of the scarce 18th century magazines. We haven't offered this title in many years.
It existed for 39 issues from October, 1783 thru December, 1786.
Complete in 48 pages, 5 by 8 inches, full title/contents page, disbound, very nice condition. There are errors in the page numbering.

THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Aug. 14, 1786  The entire front page is taken up with a very descriptive report on Kentucky. Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" by 
Governor James Bowdoin, and page 3 notes: "...was married in Washington County in...Maryland Major General Horatio Gates to Miss Mary Vallance..." with a bit more.
The masthead features a patriotic engraving taken from one engraved by Paul Revere in the previous decade.
This issue is from our private collection and is printed on very…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 12, 1787  Most of a column has: "Remarks on Manners, Government, Laws & the Domestic Debt of America, addressed to the Citizens of the United States of America".
This is a fascinating, cynical letter which begins: "Since the declaration & establishment of a general peace & since this country has had an opportunity to experience the effects of her independence...was expected that on the ratification of peace by the belligerent powers America would enjoy…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1788  Perhaps the most interesting article is: "Remarks on the Descriptions of the Pyramids of Egypt" which is very early on the exploration of the pyramids. King Tut's tomb was not breached until the 1920's. Included is a nice foldout plate with 5 views of it, two of which show interior chambers.
There is a "Letter to the Treasurer of the Society Instituted for the Purpose of Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade", plus much more.
Near the back are…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1788  Articles include: "To the Ladies on the Use of Cosmetics" "Interesting Extracts from the Life of General Putnam" which takes over 8 pages; "On the Religion, Language & Sciences of the Gypsies" "An Account of Campus Martius at the City of Marietta, Territory of the United States North-West of the River Ohio". Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory.  The accompanying foldout plate of Campus Martius is lacking,…