Founding Fathers (U.S.)
Founding Fathers (U.S.)
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
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #645581
March 10, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, Massachusetts, March 10, 1743,4 (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
* 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 t... 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
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #680015
April 14, 1744
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744 This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was 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 ... 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". 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: "Account of the Behavi
... See More
Nearly five pages are taken up with an: "Account of the Behavi
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
Poem to Ben Franklin with lightning rod reference...
Item #672279
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1754 * A poem to Benjamin Franklin
* Mention of his lightning rod
Near the back is a half page poem titled: "To Benjamin Franklin, Esq., of Philadelphia, on his Experiments and Discoveries in Electricity" which is dated from "Cooper River, S. Carolina, Sept. 20, 1753".
At the bottom of the poem are two footnotes, one... See More
Benjamin Franklin's Plan for the Union... Albany Congress...
Item #680655
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."It further states that commis... See More
Early mention of George Washington...
Item #661574
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
Extremely early mention of George Washington... French & Indian War...
Item #677102
December 04, 1758
THE NEW YORK GAZETTE OR WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 4, 1758
* Very early George Washington mention
* French and Indian war involvement
The front page features a very nice Address to the Lt. Governor & Commander in Chief of the colony of New York from the General Assembly concerning the French & Indian War, set in larger than normal type and taking two-thirds of the width of
... See More
* Very early George Washington mention
* French and Indian war involvement
The front page features a very nice Address to the Lt. Governor & Commander in Chief of the colony of New York from the General Assembly concerning the French & Indian War, set in larger than normal type and taking two-thirds of the width of
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
Newspaper with the famous Ben Franklin imprint...
Item #645715
June 19, 1760
PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, June 19, 1760 This is perhaps one of the most famous newspapers of the colonial era, almost entirely because it was printed by Benjamin Franklin 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. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL, at the New-Printing-Office, near the Mark... See More
The New York Tenant Riots...
Item #666929
August 26, 1766
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 26, 1766 Page 6 has most of a column headed: "America" with datelines from New York, Philadelphia, and Burlington, New Jersey.
The lengthiest report from New York has fine detail on the New York Tenant Riots aimed at the Rensselaer family.
Vast tracts of land were given by the British crown to the Van Rensselaer family. Tenants were treat... See More
The "white" negro boy... To John Hancock on the Stamp Act... Map of Bridgetown in Barbadoes...
Item #679166
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1766 * re. Stamp Act repealed
* John Hancock letter
* Bridgetown, Barbadoes map
One of the better items is a letter: "...from the Principal Merchants in London trading to the Colonies, to John Hancock, Esq., and the rest of the Merchants in Boston, on the Repeal of the Stamp Act" which has some great reading. This letter take... See More
Colonial Boston, with the Supplement issue attached...
Item #679116
June 06, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 6, 1768
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Under reports from London is: "...Letters from Boston, New England, mention that the late public spirit for establishing new manufactures was greatly subsided, the adventurers having met with nothing but disappointments in procuring materials, scarcity of money, & high price of wages." Else... See More
Indian troubles... Angry at the tax collectors...
Item #661836
June 13, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 13, 1768
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Included are reports under the heading "America" from Charleston, Philadelphia, Boston, Newport, & New York, including a letter "...from the Cherokee country, informs us...upper Cherokee towns are greatly harassed by several parties of Indians from the Ohio & Mississippi who kill ... 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
Ben Franklin urges moderation by England...
Item #673642
December 05, 1768
THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Dec. 5, 1768
* Benjamin Franklin
* Urges England to ease up
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
The publisher of this newspaper had Loyalist leanings, causing its demise before the formal outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
An inside part report includes a letter from Boston mentioning: "And now give me leave to ask what our mother country intends to do with us with... See More
Troubles in America... A colonial town plan print...
Item #648488
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
Events in Charlestown, SC - pre-Battle of Alamance...
Lead-up to the Revolutionary War...
Item #567722
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1771 Near the back is a full page headed "American Affairs" which includes: "Charles-Town, May 8. The General Assembly of the province of Georgia, met at Savannah on the 23d past. On the 24th the new elected Commons House of Assembly unanimously re-chose the Hon. Noble Wimberly Jones, Esq; for their Speaker; but he being disapproved ... 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
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #677502
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
Famous "Unite Or Die" engraving in the masthead...
Item #673309
April 05, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775
* 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 of th
... 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 of th
Much on the tensions with America: "God knows how this will end"...
Item #666073
April 14, 1775
THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), Apr. 14, 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.
Interesting that just 5 days after this issue was printed the battle of Lexington & Concord began the Revolutionary War.
The ftpg... 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
* Reference to the Gunpowder incident
* 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 ... See More
Two accounts of Bunker Hill, Washington becomes commander-in-chief, so much more. In a Virginia newspaper...
Item #655592
July 14, 1775
VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 14, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Siege of Boston
* George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief
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. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title from colonia... See More
The New England Restraining Act---extended...
Item #661535
September 02, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 2, 1775
* The New England Restraining Act
* Pre Revolutionary tension w/ England
* John Hancock gets married
Taking nearly one-third of the front page and most of page 2 is the extension of the very historic New England Restraining Act by Parliament. This was the King's response to the American colonies' decision to boycott Briti... 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
Provincial Congress meeting...
Item #667176
December 23, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1775
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including mention that
... See More
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early Revolutionary War
Front page report mentions the meeting of a Provincial Congress in Charlestown, South Carolina. Interesting ftpg. letter concerning a runaway slave on board a British ship. Pg. 2 has political reports from New York & Philadelphia, including mention that
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... Find an officer exchange for Ethan Allen...
Item #671552
August 07, 1776
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, August 7, 1776
* Battle of the Cedars
* Invasion of Quebec campaign
* John Hancock & Ethan Allen
The entire front page is taken up with an excellent account of the Battle of the Cedars in Canada which happened just a few months earlier, part of an inquiry of it by Congress which includes many "Resolves" signed in type on pg. 2 by: Joh... See More
The premiere issue of the war: the Declaration of Independence…
Item #673544
August 17, 1776
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, August 17, 1776
* Original Declaration of Independence... the complete text
* As reported from Great Britain
Certainly the overriding significance of this issue is the complete printing of arguably the most important document in American history, headed: "In Congress, July 4, 1776. A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America... See More
A plan to reduce America to obedience... Much on the war...
Item #597074
May 14, 1777
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 14, 1777 Over half of the front page is taken up with American news, including: "A Scheme for Reducing America to Obedience...by a Well-wisher to Government" (see). This is followed by reports from the New York Gazette which reports two military skirmishes, including: "...ordered out to attack a party of the rebels at De Lancey's Mi... See More
The Revolutionary War to end soon? Ben Franklin negotiating with the French...
Item #664535
June 21, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 21, 1777 Page 2 has an item concerning the Revolutionary War in America, with text including: "...that the congress had sent to Gen. Howe some proposals for a reconciliation, but such as they knew would not be accepted. It was supposed to be done to gain time. Gen Howe was...preparing to go on a secret expedition not to Philadelphia as it was thought;... See More
A Tory newspaper printed in occupied Philadelphia...
Item #654261
January 07, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, January 7, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
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. Rarely found today.
All of the front page is taken up with advertiseme... See More
Period report of the Battle of the Kegs...
Item #671052
February 11, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 11, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
* The Battle of the Kegs
* British Fleet in Philadelphia
This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surpris... See More
Mention of Dr. Franklin...
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #671967
April 01, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 1, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
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.
The front page includes an Act relating to detaining pers... See More
"Extraordinary" issue on the Battle of Monmouth...
Item #662937
August 24, 1778
THE LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY, England, Aug. 24, 1778
* Battle of Monmouth - New Jersey
* Sir Henry Clinton vs. George Washington
* American Revolutionary War
Such "extraordinary" issues were created when notable news was received outside the normal printing schedule and the publisher wanted to rush the news to the people as quickly as possible.
The purpose of this issue is t... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #651050
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East", and more.The most significant co... See More
America is not about to compromise with England...
Item #615582
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778 Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" includes reference to Ben Franklin; "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" , and more.The most significant c... See More
Ben Franklin on learning to swim... Holt Castle print...
Item #217171
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1779 Inside has nearly two pages on: "Useful Hints For Learning To Swim, In a Letter to a Friend, by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. F.R.S."Also within: "On the Fatal Effects of Revenge" and: "On Female Conduct" & so much more. Near the back are news reports of the day but I see no war-related content.
This issue does feature... See More
Ben Franklin on learning to swim...
Item #660024
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1779 Inside has nearly two pages on: "Useful Hints For Learning To Swim, In a Letter to a Friend, by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. F.R.S."Also within: "On the Fatal Effects of Revenge" and: "On Female Conduct" & so much more. Near the back are news reports of the day but I see no war-related content.
Complete in 48 pages, 5... See More
Much on the Revolutionary War...
Item #597929
February 13, 1779
EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779 Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise... See More
On the exchange of prisoners...
Item #655988
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779 Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee.Near the back under "American News&... See More
On the exchange of prisoners...
Item #597195
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1779 Inside includes the: "Second Letter from Admiral Gambier to the American Congress" which is his plea for the release of: "...an innocent officer imprisoned for being the bearer of a sealed packet..." with much more. This if followed be a letter signed in type by: Francis Lightfoot Lee (see for portions).Near the back under &... See More
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