American Forefathers
Please enjoy this abbreviated list of issues with content related to the forefathers of America (Washington, Franklin, Paine, Adams, and more). A more comprehensive list may be found at http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers.American Forefathers
Please enjoy this abbreviated list of issues with content related to the forefathers of America (Washington, Franklin, Paine, Adams, and more). A more comprehensive list may be found at <a href="http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers">http://www.rarenewspapers.com/list?code=founding_fathers</a>.
From before George Washington was born...
Item #121028
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, London, 1730 See the photo for an example of this title from our archives. A "typical" newspaper from this period--from before George Washington was born. As the title would suggest, there are many advertisements, some quite fascinating. Also a partial red-inked tax stamp. An archival repair at the spine margin.Note that the photo is "generic"... See More
George Washington was just 2 years old...
Item #121035
THE COUNTRY JOURNAL, OR THE CRAFTSMAN, London, 1734 A nice "typical" newspaper from England from when George Washington was just two years old. Various news of the day and many ads, a few of which have small illustrations.Complete in 4 pages & measures 10 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches, nice condition. The photo below is "generic" but the issue you receive will ha... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #669851
April 03, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all o... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #653154
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1735/6
* Earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare
The double year reflects the two calendars in use at the time. My today's calendar the year is 1736.
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1... See More
America's first successful newspaper...
Item #654263
April 17, 1740
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Earliest of American newspapers to be had
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both Foreign and Domestick" which published just a singl... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #640312
October 22, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, October 22, 1743 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 & Americ... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #636458
March 03, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, March 3, 1743,4 (double-dated year depending on which calendar was used at the time)
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
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 b... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #652656
March 17, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, March 17, 1743/4 (year double-dated for two calendars in use at the time. Would be 1744 by current calendar).
* Rare colonial periodical
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 re... See More
Great foldout map of Genoa, Italy... Early Ben Franklin item...
Item #654924
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1747 Inside includes the well-known Ben Franklin item: "Speech of Molly Baker" (see hyperlink) To date, this is the earliest Ben Franklin appearance in a Gentleman's Magazine and perhaps within any British publication, as confirmed by the Franklin Papers, Yale University.
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Accoun
... See More
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Accoun
Reference to Ben Franklin & his lightning rod...
Item #638567
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1752 Items of interest in this issue include a nice print of: "The Porcelain Manufactory at Worcester" with the River Severn in the foreground. "Of the Man with the Iron Mask" "Ancient Forms of Mourning" "History of the Incas, Concluded" "Remarkable Cure by Electricity" "Cause of the Au... See More
Benjamin Franklin receives an award...
Item #636672
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1753 Near the back of this issue (pg. 538) is a small & inconspicuous item reading: "At the anniversary meeting of the Royal Society the prize medal of gold was voted to Ben Franklyn, Esq. of Maryland, for his electrical discoveries." Note that not only did they spell his name wrong but they have his home colony wrong.... See More
An award in Ben Franklin's honor... Indians kidnap several colonists...
Item #642755
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1753 Of particular interest is: "Annual Medal of the Royal Society" which has Ben Franklin's name on it. There is related text noting: "...This mark of distinction is double due to Mr. Franklin. It is due to him as a philosopher; it is due to him as a man. The successful experiments of this philosopher have given us probable ... See More
George Washington in the French & Indian War...
Item #664268
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1754
* Early George Washington
* French and Indian War
A very rare opportunity for a periodical which mentions George Washington long before he would become more famous 20 years later.
An inside page has a nice article titled: "Account of a Journey from Williamsburg to the French Fort near the Lake Erie in Virginia" which
... See More
* Early George Washington
* French and Indian War
A very rare opportunity for a periodical which mentions George Washington long before he would become more famous 20 years later.
An inside page has a nice article titled: "Account of a Journey from Williamsburg to the French Fort near the Lake Erie in Virginia" which
Benjamin Franklin's Plan for the Union... Albany Congress...
Item #639930
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1754 Inside under America is a July 29 report from New York about the famous Albany Congress stating that: "...on the 16 instant the lieutenant-governor arrived from Albany ...having settled matters to the entire satisfaction of all the nations of Indians that attended the congress at that place." Says commissioners from Philadelphia, Mary... See More
Early mention of George Washington...
Item #640774
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1755 * Early George Washington
* Governor Robert Dinwiddie
There are no less than two high points in this issue, the first being an article headed: "Gov. Dinwiddie's Speech to the Assembly of Virginia" in which he relates various reports from the French & Indian War, including mention of "...general Braddock, command... See More
New colony of Georgia... re: Franklin's lightning rod... Judaica...
Item #664269
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1756 Regarding America... There is an article near the front: "Account of American Affairs", which is continued from a previous issue & includes talk on "New Forts in America". There is also a detailed account of Oglethorpe's English colony at Georgia, now 22 yrs. old & still suffering from "want of inhabitan... See More
Early map of the Caribbean Islands...
Item #642767
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1756 The first two pages are devoted to the "Caribee Islands" [Caribbean] primarily limited to text on Barbadoes (see photos for portions). But of greater significance is the great and desirable foldout map labeled: "A Map of the CARIBBEE ISLANDS Shewing which belong to England, France, Spain, Dutch, & Danes...". This map fold... See More
Map of the Coast of France... Map of a portion of India...
Item #639929
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1757 Articles include: "Curious Accounts of the Present Comet" which includes a nearly half page print relating to it (see images); "Account of Medical Observations & Inquiries" "Aneurysm of the Aorta" "Fire Engine--Earthquakes--Microscopical Observations" and more.There is also a nice & lengthy: &... See More
Pithy observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #663066
September 04, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759
* "Political Aphorisms...", by *Benjamin Franklin (?)
The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information). Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which ... See More
Talk of Franklin's electricity experiments...
Item #660938
September 27, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 27, 1759
* Benjamin Franklin
* Electricity experiments
* Lightning rod
Pages 4 and 5 contains text from a work: "...On the Advancement of Science" which includes sections on medicine, experiments on animals, metaphysical experiments, etc. as well as a section: "Of Electricity". In this latter section are reports on Benjam... See More
Newspaper with the famous Ben Franklin imprint, with good content as well...
Item #642537
January 03, 1765
PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, January 3, 1765
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (rare)
This is perhaps one of the most famous newspapers of the colonial era, almost entirely because it was printed by the partnership of Franklin & Hall as indicated by the imprint at the bottom of the back page which lists him by name, and identifies him as the Postmaster as well: "Printed by B... See More
The doctrine of original sin... James Logan's legacy to Philadelphia...
Item #640673
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1766 Most of a column is taken up with: "American News".Articles within this issue include: "Logan's Legacy to the City of Philadelphia" being a library of books, "On the Doctrine of Original Sin", "A newly Discovered Power in Spiders" which includes an illustration, much on: "Considerations on... See More
Engraving of the Corsican chief Pascal Paoli... Article by Ben Franklin...
Item #642804
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768* Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
* Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica
* Early fire engine
* Reports from America, including Indians
Taking nearly two pages is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin, although signed: "Medius" (see https://founders.archives.gov/docum... See More
Governemnt's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #639469
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse. Also within this issue is a mention of "A Portugal... See More
Government's role in the public welfare vs. debt...
Item #644502
May 14, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, May 14, 1768 Inside is an interesting article on the role of Government and Providence in relation to public welfare and government debt. It begins: "The political disease seems to be near a crisis...". Several hundred years later the topic continues to be at the forefront of public discourse. Also within this issue is a mention of "A Portugal... See More
Regarding Ben Franklin's "A Magic Square of Squares"...
Item #652752
July 01, 1768
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1768 (offered at a significantly reduced price - see note regarding the magic square plate)
Perhaps the most notable content is the article on an inside page titled: "Surprising Properties of Numbers placed in Dr. Franklin's Magic Square of Squares," which is a fascinating article describing Benjamin Franklin's amazing numerical puzzle... See More
Canton (Guangzhou), China...
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #649134
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1770 Perhaps the most intriguing item in this issue 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 (see). A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squa
... See More
Prelude to the Revolutionary War...
Item #569699
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 28, 1774 Most of the front page is a report headed: "The Journal of a Voyage...for making Discoveries towards the North Pole by the Hon. Commodore Phipps..." (see for beginning). A full column on pg. 2 has reports from Boston (see) concerning strained relationships with England, and mentioning Ben Franklin (see). This is followed by a lette... See More
Ben Franklin... The "second" Boston Tea Party...
Item #640255
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1774 * The Second Boston Tea Party
* Dr. Benjamin Franklin
Among the articles in this issue are: "...Address & Petition presented to the King...previous to his Majesty's signing the Bill for the better Government of Quebec" "Conjectures Concerning the Phenomenon of Saturn's Ring" "A Wonderful Improvement... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #633692
November 16, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 16, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead o
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead o
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #649969
November 30, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, November 30, 1774 If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a
... See More
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #649963
December 07, 1774
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
... See More
* Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon
If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead
Wealth of interesting commentary from just before the outbreak of war...
Item #666066
February 17, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Feb. 17, 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.
Fully half of the front page is taken up with an interesting article headed: "Observations On Taxing America". Notewor... See More
Benedict Arnold destroys the British fort at St. John's, Canada... Much on the troubles in America... The Gunpowder Incident...
Item #656497
June 16, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, June 16, 1775 This newspaper was published 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. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title from colonial Virginia.
The front page has a report which reports on the: "...The rise & progress... See More
Battle of Bunker Hill... The Gunpowder Incident...
Item #644253
July 01, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, July 1, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* American Revolutionary War
* The gunpowder incident
The most significant content would be a fine account of the very historic Battle of Bunker Hill, being a letter datelined: "Watertown, June 22" and includes in part: "Before this reaches you, you will doubtless hear of the eng... See More
Two accounts of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and two of Washington being named commander-in-chief... Thanks to Patrick Henry...
Item #656585
July 07, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 7, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
* Very rare American Revolutionary War era publication
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 W... See More
George Washington is commander-in-chief...
Item #645300
August 05, 1775
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 5, 1775
* George Washington becomes commander-in-chief
* Continental Army - American Revolutionary War
Page 2 has an: "Extract of a Letter dated Philadelphia, June 20" which notes that Congress intends to make two proposals: "First, that they will submit to an absolute restriction of their trade for the benefit of Great Britain upon... See More
Causes & Necessity For Taking Up Arms...
Item #645303
August 15, 1775
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 15, 1775
* Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms
* Second Continental Congress resolution
* re. American Revolutionary War
An inside page has a letter which makes reference to Ben Franklin and the American situation, including: "...but whether Mr.Burke may deserve chastisement or not should Dr. Franklin & the Americans be scourged o... See More
British plan for conquering America... British soldiers complain... A price on Washington's head...
Item #662284
November 11, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1775
* American Revolutionary War at the beginning
* Pennamite-Yankee War - Wyoming Valley
* General George Washington bounty
Most of the front page is taken up with a lengthy document concerning the Pennamite-Yankee War, an intermittent conflict between settlers from Connecticut, who claimed the land along the North Branch of the Susqu... See More
On proposing peace with the Americans... Franklin's son on independence...
Item #662676
November 25, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 25, 1775
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
Page 2 has: "...Lord North's motion for a reconciliation with the Americans..." dated Feb. 20, 1775, which is followed by his explanation of it, in all taking most of a column. It includes: "The Tea-act also will be repealed if asked for."... See More
Arguing against American independence...
Item #663813
March 09, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "The following rules... See More
George Washington on aiding the enemy...
Item #661436
May 04, 1776
PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, May 4, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Half of the front page is a letter signed by: A Settled Citizen" which r... See More
Battle of the Cedars, a truce meeting with Washington, and much more...
Item #662285
July 27, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1776
* Battle of the Cedars
* Invasion of Canada campaign
* John Hancock & George Washington
This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city. Note that this issue is just the second published since it printed the De... See More
Attempts for a peace proposal: colonies will not denounce their independence...
Item #639491
October 02, 1776
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 2, 1776
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
* Post Declaration of Independence
Most of the front page is taken up with several correspondences among Lord Drummon (with proposals for a peace treaty) and George Washington, and the Continental Congress. It begins with a letter from Drummond dated Aug. 17, 1776 beginning... See More
The battle for New York…
Item #644101
October 15, 1776
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Oct. 15, 1776
* Battle of Long Island - Brooklyn
* George Washington vs. William Howe
* Rare Benedict Arnold mention
Included is a noted that: "This Day were Published" various maps of the American colonies as noted. "London" on page 6 reports that: "…on the 8th New York was attacked by our men of war, etc." and that: "&... See More
Terrific "Extra" issue reporting the historic battle of New York...
Item #662478
December 31, 1776
THE LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, England, December 30, 1776 and January 2, 1777
* Battle of Long Island - New York
* American Revolutionary War
* General William Howe victory
"Extraordinary" issues were printed when notable news was received outside the regular printing schedule, and issue as such to get into circulation as quickly as possible. Typically such Extraordinary... See More
Revolutionary War content in a British newspaper...
Item #664534
January 04, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 4, 1777
* Revolutionary War
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
A page 2 item from Philadelphia headed "America" is concerning supplies for the army, noting: "...sundry inhabitants of these United States to keep supplies from the army or promote their own interest have purchased considerable quantities of clothing & refuse to dispos... See More
Terrific front page from the Revolutionary War...
Item #666338
January 11, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 11, 1777
* Great ftpg. Rev. War content
* General John Burgoyne
* Benjamin Franklin
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific item headed: "An Appeal to the Unprejudiced or a Vindication of the Measures of Government with Respect to America" which is a great statement on the need for the Revolutionary War. A nice issue for ... See More
Congress rallies the troops...
Item #666873
January 16, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 16, 1777
* Benjamin Frankin, Ethan Allen & more
* Revolutionary War original from the enemy
Page 2 has a items concerning an officer at Boston addressing General Howe upon his retreat from the heights of Boston. And a short note from Ticonderoga, followed by a report from New York noting: "...General Howe has wrote for more troops...Whateve... See More
Washington crosses the Delaware... Franklin vs. Howe...
Item #660004
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, May, 1777
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
... See More
* General George Washington
* Crosses - crossing the Delaware
The prime content is an excellent letter written & signed by G. Washington dated "Headquarters, New Town, Dec. 26, 1776" which describes his crossing of the Delaware River, reading in part: "I have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the success of
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P.O. Box 3636
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Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
