Historic Newspapers: Catalog - Current Abridged

A PERFECT DIURNALL Of Some PASSAGES & PROCEEDINGS Of and in relation to the ARMIES In ENGLAND and IRELAND", London, January 28, 1649  (1650 by today's calendar)  Printed just beneath the title is: "Licensed by the Secretary of the Army Under His Excellency the Lord Fairfax."
Lord Fairfax was a general for Parliament during the English Civil War, fighting against Charles I, but he would be overshadowed by his subordinate, Oliver Cromwell.
As the title suggests this newsbook had a strong focus on

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1666  This is an extremely early issue of the world's oldest continually published newspaper, having begun just the year prior in 1665 and is still publishing today. This is issue #40 (the 17th titled The London Gazette).
As was the typical format for this newspaper it has various reports from many locations throughout Europe, many of which are military in nature. At the time of this printing the Great Plague was still ravaging Europe, particularly England.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 2, 1666  This is the oldest continually published newspaper in the world, having begun just the year previous to this published date, and it's still printing today.
Not only is this a very early issue (number 66) but it is from this significant year when the Great Plague was ravaging much of Europe, including England, and is also just two months before Great Fire of London.
Relating to the Plague, printed on the front page is a death report from the town of

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Dec. 17, 1668  An early issue of the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper, having started in 1665.
The back page has two mentions of America with: "...we are advised of the arrival of five ships belonging to the West India Company from America, richly laden...a great part of their cargo consisting of hides, bringing with them several sorts of animals taken by them in the Southern parts of America, intended for a present to his majesty..."

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 5, 1673  Most of the front page is taken up with Dutch affairs, under the dateline of "Hague, Feb. 6". The back page has a wealth of military accounts, and several advertisements near the bottom.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/2 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 5, 1673  Most of the front page is taken up withi Dutch affairs, under the dateline of "Hague, Feb. 6". The back page has a wealth of military accounts, and several advertisements near the bottom.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/2 by 11 inches, very nice condition.

THE IMPARTIAL PROTESTANT MERCURY, London, England, Jan. 10, 1681/2  This single-sheet newspaper is a fascinating paper published during this time of struggle between Catholics and Protestants in government.
News is entirely from England & Scotland, with more than a column taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, some very light damp staining, nice condition.

THE PRESENT STATE OF EUROPE OR THE HISTORICAL & POLITICAL MONTHLY MERCURY, London, England, October, 1698.
This is an 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: "... Giving an Account of 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 OBSERVATOR'S TRYAL AND DEFENCE THIS GOOD DAY, London, Nov. 4, 1704  A very rare newspaper to say the least, as it is not listed in Crane & Kaye, nor can anything be found about this title on the internet.
The Observator was published by John Tutchin beginning in 1702. It was vocal in its denunciations of Queen Anne and her Tory ministries. The paper was written in dialogue form, where "Observator" and "Countryman" speak to one another.

In December, 1703, The Observator was arraigned for

London pamphlet from 1707. The full title page notes in part: "A SERMON Preach'd before the QUEEN, in the Royal Chapel at St. James's, on Sunday February the 23d, 1706/7" with more, London.
Complete in 16 numbered pages, 4 1/4 by 6 1/2 inches, very nice condition.
Note: the year "1706/7" would be 1707 by the current Gregorian calendar, 1706 by the older Julian calendar, both of which were in use for a period of years. 

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 22, 1708  Over half of the front page is taken up with: "By the Queen, A PROCLAMATION For a Publick Thanksgiving" and: "By the Queen, A PROCLAMATION For A General Thanksgiving".
Single sheet, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, small hole causes no loss of readability, very nice condition.

MEMOIRS OF LITERATURE, London, March 13, 1710  Not just a very uncommon title, but this is the very first issue published. There is no news of the day but rather editorials and literature reviews. 
Four pages, 8 3/4 by 13 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE SPECTATOR, London, Jan. 17, 1712  This is one of the more famous "coffee-house" newspapers of the early 18th century, done by the famed Addison & Steele, about whom much can be found on the internet.
A single sheet newspaper, 7 1/2 by 11 3/4 inches, great condition.

THE WEEKLY JOURNAL OR SATURDAY'S POST, London, Aug. 6, 1720  This title has one of the more beautiful & intricately engraved mastheads to be had, and is a nice display issue as such.
Among the news accounts on page 3 is: "The Lords of the Admiralty having appointed the Swallow & Enterprise for the coast of Guiney to clear those seas of the Pirates, who are a great annoyance to the African Company trading in those parts...".
Page 4 has: "They write from Boston in New England...that the Governor

THE POST-BOY, London, England, Oct. 28, 1727  The front page begins with a report noting in part: "...expectance of the safe return of the Spanish galleons from the West Indies..." with much more on this.
A single sheet newspaper, 8 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on page 2, great condition.

THE COUNTRY JOURNAL: OR THE CRAFTSMAN, London, Jan. 18, 1734-5  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

NOVELLE LETTERARIE DELL' ANNO MDCCXXXX, Florence, Italy, Jan. 1, 1740  A small-size newspaper from Italy, the title translating to "Literary Novels of the Year 1740".  Totally in the Italian language.
Eight pages, 6 3/4 by 9 1/4 inches, very nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1755  Among the articles are: "Secret of the Fire-eating Art" "An Account of some New Experiments on Human Blood" "Life of a Modern Physician" "A Letter from R. Brook, M.D. in Maryland..." concerning Fahrenheit's thermometer; "New Improvement of the Barometer" which includes a nice illustration of it; "An Account of Canada, Given to the Governor of New York" which takes over a full page, and has as a page heading: "Journey from Quebeck to

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 20, 1759  The front page has a congratulatory address to the King of England from the officials of the city of Gloucester, England, on the great successes in North America, with reference to the capture of Quebec and the death of General Wolfe.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 15, 1760  Page 6 has nearly a full column of reports headed: "America" with New York datelines.
The reports are on the French & Indian War, blurts including: "...from Charles Town in South Carolina to...General Amherst...relating to Indian affairs, & we hear that 600 Royal Scotch & 600 of Col. Montgomery's Highlanders are...to embark for that province...in order to curb the insolence of the Cherokee Indians."
More concerning the Indians, and then news on war

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1760  Inside has a notable & lengthy article: "An Account of the Taking of Montreal & the subjecting all Canada to the Crown of Great Britain, from the Letters of Maj. Gen. Amherst...". This report takes over 3 pages.
It is followed by another nice article: "Description of the Town of Mont Royal, commonly called Montreal..." and this is followed by: "Translation of a very Extraordinary Letter...Before the Arrival of our Troops at Montreal".  The

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 30, 1763  Page 4 has half a column headed: "America" datelined from Charleston, concerning Cherokee Indians & their visit to England, with some comments regarding the French.
One bit mentions: "...The generality of the Indians were much pleased with the accounts their countrymen gave them of their reception in England and off he grandeur of the King and nation..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1765  The issue begins with over 3 pages taken up with a notable report: "Review of Dr. Brown's Thoughts on Civil Liberty" of which much can be found on the internet. 
Also included: "Some Account of the City of Oxford" and "Proceedings Relative to the Discovery of Longitude" and more.
Over a full page is a: "Proclamation" by George Johnstone, governor of West Florida, which begins: "His Majesty having been...pleased to give to me instructions for the

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 17, 1766  The back page has a small item noting: "Letters from Charles Town, South Carolina, inform that pursuant to an order of the General Assembly, all pack-horse traders to the Indian country are obliged to take out licenses which were calculated to prevent many frauds hitherto greatly complained of by the Cherokees."
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, partial red tax stamp on page 2, nice condition.

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England (now spelled Gloucester), Dec. 5, 1768  Various British news reports throughout, with its finest feature being the handsome masthead with two detailed engravings and the ornate lettering. This is from the period when the troubling relationship between England and America was coming to a head. The Boston Massacre would be less than 2 years away.
Page 3 has a brief item noting: "...were of opinion that the people of America should be compelled to submit to the

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Sept. 11, 1769  The front page begins with the list of the five points of historic Boston Non-Importation Agreement.
The merchants of Boston, taking into consideration the deplorable situation of the trade, and the many difficulties it presents for the American colonists, and the large sums collected by the officers of the customs for duties on goods imported, the heavy taxes levied to pay the debts contracted by the government in the French & Indian War, decided to act

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770  Perhaps the most intriguing item is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares" and various other aspects of such a town. No doubt many 18th century towns in the colonies were laid out using this plan.
Also of great interest are

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, April 29, 1777  Page 3 has some news items on the war in America, including: "That General Howe had a very narrow escape of being made prisoner in Jersey...this party were almost surrounded on a sudden when another corps of American was discovered marching towards them..." Also: "That several skirmishes had happened in Jersey...In one of these skirmishes Col. Harcourt had a very narrow escape...". "That 11,000 New England troops...had come into the province of

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 5, 1777  Page 2 has a short item noting that: "...a brig is arrived there from New York with advice that both Sir William Howe's and Gen. Washington's army were within five miles of each other the 2nd of May, and that the latter were determined to give the former a battle."
And another page has a brief item: "...a vessel arrived there from Philadelphia with an account that the army, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, had routed & defeated upwards of 7000

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Nov. 4, 1777  Simply a terrific wealth of content on the Revolutionary War.
Page 2 begins with a fine letter from General Howe to Lord G. Germaine concerning events near the Chesapeake Bay. This is followed by a: "DECLARATION" signed in type: W. Howe, in which he offers pardon to all soldiers who left their ranks to join the American forces if they return to their allegiance to the King.
Then another letter from Howe to Germain with good content, and then a

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

MIDDLESEX JOURNAL & EVENING POST, London, July 1, 1779  Most of the ftpg. is taken up with continued report of "A Further Account of the Debate in the House of Commons...Relative to the Howes' Papers". More on this on the bkpg. This was an examination of the action of General Howe in America during his time in command of British forces. 
Page 2 has a report from New York noting in part: "The rebellion still continues, though we think it weakens fast, and we are not without hopes that the

THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Nov. 2, 1779  The back page has a report from Philadelphia which begins with: "On Sunday last the 4th of July, being the anniversary of the day which gave freedom to the vast republic of America..." with a report a a religious ceremony to honor the historic anniversary.
This is followed by a letter from an officer at Bedford Camp, Long Island, which provides an account of actions in that vicinity. Bits include: "...Almost every ship in the fleet was reduced to

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE OR UNIVERSAL REPOSITORY, London, January, 1781  This issue include a nice fold-out map titled: "A Plan of the Town of St. Helier in the Island of Jersey" in the English Channel. There is a related, & very descriptive, article on Jersey as well. The map folds out to measure 8 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches.
Near the back are reports headed: "America" with a Charleston dateline. It also includes a report from "South Carolina" which is a report of the battle of Blackstocks Farm,

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 26, 1781  A nice feature of the masthead is a great engraving taken after one done earlier by Paul Revere, showing a patriot soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll reading "Independence" in the other.
The front page has a letter from LaFayette to General Greene concerning actions with the British in the Battle of Spencer's Ordinary. The front page has two desertion notices as well.
Page 2 begins with: "...an account of the

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR THE NORTH-AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, Feb. 20, 1782  The top of page 3 features a: "PROCLAMATION", signed in type by: George Washington. It mentions in part: "Whereas there is good reason to believe that there are many deserters from the Continental army...finding themselves deluded by false promises, would willingly return to their colours...Therefore, from motives of humanity...I have thought fit to issue this my proclamation offering free pardon to all

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 16, 1782  Most of a column on pg. 4 is taken up with: "PEACE WITH AMERICA - A BILL Presented to the House of Commons...to enable His Majesty to conclude a PEACE, or TRUCE, with the Revolted Colonies in North America." (see for full text). This was the first step towards ending the Revolutionary War.
Page 5 has very lengthy discussions from the House of Commons which includes much reflection on the Revolutionary War, its cause, and what was done wrong.
One bit

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 22, 1784  Page 4 has a report referencing the nation's capital being at Annapolis, Maryland, where it was from just Nov. 26, 1783 thru Aug. 19, 1784, less than 8 months. Such newspaper reports are difficult to find.
"The American Congress was not sitting on the 4th of December last, their next meeting was to be at Annapolis, in Maryland; and the first business is to take into consideration the requisitions of the states of South Carolina, Virginia, and

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, July 21, 1785  Perhaps the best feature of this issue is the very displayable masthead featuring a great engraving of the U.S. Seal.
The front page is taken up with the continued "History of America". Pages 2 & 3 have various news reports, most from New York, including mention that John Rutledge was named ambassador to the Netherlands, plans for a treaty with the Oneida Indians, a report concerning the commencement of Harvard College, and

PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1786  Page 3 has a report noting in part: "...from Connecticut that the Susquehanna Company are perfectly satisfied with the late donation of Congress of a tract of land to the westward of Pennsylvania, in lieu of their claims to the lands at Wyoming, and that the conduct of that incendiary Ethan Allen is severely condemned by them...".
In 1786, Connecticut ceded its claims to land in the Wyoming Valley (part of Pennsylvania) to the

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 4, 1787  A very nice newspaper from the city where the Constitutional Convention was in session at the time this issue was printed.
Pages 2 & 3 have a letter signed by Alexander McGillivray, the principal chief of the Creek Indians. Page 3 has a letter beginning: "One of  your correspondents supposes it is 'laughable' matter that the distresses of America should be redressed by a new federal government..." with more.
Four pages,

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1788  Articles include: "The Life of John Winthrop" "An Essay on Civil Liberty, by Hume" "A Tract on the Unreasonableness of the Laws of England in Regard to Wives" "An Historical Account of the First Settlement of the Swedes in America" which takes 3 pages; "Origin of the Society Called Dunkards" and much more.
The last leaf--taken from another issue, slightly smaller with various creases & irregular at the margins--has: "Intelligence" with news

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, January, 1789  This is the very first issue: volume 1, number 1, and printed by the famed printer Isaiah Thomas, the founder of the American Antiquarian Society & patriotic printer.
Contains an eclectic mix of articles including: "Essay on Education" "On the Supreme Being" "The Origin of Musical Notes" "A Curious Account of the Nervous System" "Necessity of Forming Religious Principles at an Early Age" "New Discovered Islands in the Pacifick Ocean" which

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 14, 1789   A great issue from this formative year for the federal government, with much of the content discussing the new Constitution, etc.
The front page has the Senate's response to Gov. Clinton's address to the New York legislature, with his response signed in type: Geo. Clinton.
Page 2 has a report from Savannah which includes: "...the Convention...to convene as soon as may be, after official information was received that nine states had adopted the

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789  This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to the Congress. Eleven days later, it was submitted to the states for ratification. But as the people began to examine the document, they came to share the sentiments of those who advocated that the Constitution include a set of specific guarantees--among them,

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1789  The front page has 4 letters signed in type by Isaac Newton from 1725-7.
Other articles include: "Christianity in No Danger from the Attacks of Modern Jews" "Original Description of Lisbon Soon After the Earthquake" "Misrepresentation of the Carolina Grass Rectified" and much more. Near the back is much under the heading: "Accurate Statement of the Late Revolution in France" taking nearly 7 pages.
Of interest is news headed: "America" which

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Dec. 26, 1789  A page 3 report from Boston dated December 16 concerns the ratification of the Constitution by all of the states, except Rhode Island which did not participate in the Constitutional Convention.
The report reads in full: "The Twelve States of America, convened in Federal Convention, which proposed the Constitution, have now all adopted, ratified and confirmed it. The Edifice may now be declared complete--and on its completion we cordially

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, June, 1790  This title was one of just a small number of successful American magazines of the 18th century.
Among the articles are: "Extracts from the Last Will & Testament of his Excellency Benjamin Franklin" which takes nearly 4 pages and includes the "Codicil" with many particulars (see); "Remarks on the State of American Manufactures & Commerce" which takes nearly 6 pages; "Notes on the State of Pennsylvania" "On Maple Sugar" "Diligence, Industry,

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, July 7, 1790  Most of the middle column on page 2 is taken up with three Acts of Congress, all headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle and each signed in type by George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Much of page 3 is taken up with reports from Congress. Page 3 also has several "Appointments" by the President, as well as reports on the celebration of the 4th of July.
The back page has an article: "Catholicism" and a continuation of

DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 25, 1791  Page 2 has a brief item: "The President has appointed the following gentlemen to receive subscriptions to the Bank of the United States...". The list includes David Rittenhouse among others.
The front page includes 9 illustrated ship ads, plus one featuring a plow.
Four pages, various tears at margins with minor margin loss not affecting text. Various archival mends at margins as well.