Lead-up to a Nation (1768-1776)
At Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers, we feel like we’re stepping onto the field for our very own Super Bowl—only this time, the stakes are historical! As we begin the 12-month countdown to the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we are honored to be part of this extraordinary moment in time.
To commemorate this milestone in our nation’s story—the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government—we’re thrilled to launch a special series that brings the past to life. Starting this month, and several Fridays each month between now and the official anniversary on July 4, 2026, we will highlight pivotal pre-Independence Day events exactly as they were covered in the printed news of the day.
As the year progresses, we’ll also shine a spotlight on the U.S. Constitution, the remarkable framework that has kept our Republic “between the bumper rails” for nearly 250 years. And of course, we’ll celebrate We The People and the visionary Founding Fathers whose bold leadership helped lay the foundation for a new nation.
As George Washington so aptly stated in his very first State of the Union Address in 1790, “The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” We at Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers are proud to honor that enduring legacy—and we would be delighted if you would join in the celebration.
Lead-up to a Nation (1768-1776)
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<div dir="auto">
At Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers, we feel like we’re stepping onto the field for our very own Super Bowl—only this time, the stakes are historical! As we begin the 12-month countdown to the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we are honored to be part of this extraordinary moment in time.<br />
<br />
<img alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-15284" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" sizes="(max-width: 245px) 100vw, 245px" src="https://blog.rarenewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/529174703_1339021678231259_6825746465583178907_n-245x300.jpg" srcset="https://blog.rarenewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/529174703_1339021678231259_6825746465583178907_n-245x300.jpg 245w, https://blog.rarenewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/529174703_1339021678231259_6825746465583178907_n-836x1024.jpg 836w, https://blog.rarenewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/529174703_1339021678231259_6825746465583178907_n-768x940.jpg 768w, https://blog.rarenewspapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/529174703_1339021678231259_6825746465583178907_n.jpg 900w" style="height: 125px; max-width: 100%; float: right; padding: 0px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; display: inline; width: 102px;" /></div>
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<div class="x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(248, 241, 229);">
<div dir="auto">
To commemorate this milestone in our nation’s story—the anniversary of the greatest experiment in democracy and self-government—we’re thrilled to launch a special series that brings the past to life. Starting this month, and several Fridays each month between now and the official anniversary on July 4, 2026, we will highlight pivotal pre-Independence Day events exactly as they were covered in the printed news of the day.<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(248, 241, 229);">
<div dir="auto">
As the year progresses, we’ll also shine a spotlight on the U.S. Constitution, the remarkable framework that has kept our Republic “between the bumper rails” for nearly 250 years. And of course, we’ll celebrate We The People and the visionary Founding Fathers whose bold leadership helped lay the foundation for a new nation.<br />
</div>
</div>
<div class="x14z9mp xat24cr x1lziwak x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; background-color: rgb(248, 241, 229);">
<div dir="auto">
As George Washington so aptly stated in his very first State of the Union Address in 1790, “The establishment of our new Government seemed to be the last great experiment for promoting human happiness.” We at Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers are proud to honor that enduring legacy—and we would be delighted if you would join in the celebration.</div>
</div>
The Bennington Mob... Gage coming to America...
Item #602070
April 07, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 7, 1774 Page 2 has an item noting: "Yesterday some dispatches arrived in town from Governor Hutchinson, of Massachusetts Bay...We hear that Lieut. General Gage is preparing to embark for Boston in New England in consequence of his appointment to succeed Governor Hutchinson during his Majesty's pleasure." A fateful decision that would set the... See More
Creating Trumbull County...
Item #602021
March 03, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 3, 1774 An inside page has over a full column concerning how to deal with the American situation. See photos for the full text.
Another page has reports from Boston and New York headed "America" and includes: "...on Thursday last the Tea, which was saved out of Capt. Loring's brigantine, was landed at the Castle by order of the Officer... See More
Great report on non-importation in Boston...
Item #601354
November 30, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 30, 1769
* Non-Importation agreement
Page 6 has most of a column headed: "America" with reports from Boston, New Haven and Williamsburg, the former having a great report concerning non-importation, including: "We are assured that the merchants of this town, considering that the period to which their late agreement to withhold the impor... See More
Americans resolved not to submit to the yoke of oppression...
Item #601345
November 09, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 9, 1769 Page 6 has a great letter from a gentleman in Boston to a friend in London, beginning: "The Americans are firm & resolved not to submit to the yoke of ministerial oppression: All the merchants have entered now into bonds not to import any goods from England upon any terms whatsoever..." with more (see).
Eight pages, 8 by 11 1/4 inche... See More
News from Charleston and Boston...
Item #601333
October 10, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 10, 1769 Page 6 has a brief report from Charleston concerning: "...the Indians in that quarter behave with much insolence since the King's troops have been withdrawn...". The back page has a letter from Boston.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 1/4 inches, very nice condition.
Angry that the governor dissolved the General Assembly...
Item #601268
August 26, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 26, 1769 Page 2 has most of a column taken up with reports headed "America" with Boston, Williamsburg, and Philadelphia datelines. The Boston report ends with: "...Resolved...when the governor of the Province had wantonly dissolved the General Assembly & arbitrarily refused to call another upon the repeated dutiful petition of the people." T... See More
Non-importation in South Carolina...
Item #601145
August 12, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 12, 1769 Half of page 6 is taken up with a very nice report from South Carolina concerning the work of that colony to compel all residents & merchants to abide by a non-importation agreement, and also that they will: "...encourage & promote to the utmost of our power, the use of the North American manufactures in general, and those of this pro... See More
Peace with the Indians at Detroit...
Item #601128
July 25, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1769 Page 2 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Philadelphia & New York, the latter noting: "...the disputes with the Indians at Detroit were amicably adjusted & peace again settled...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 1/4 inches, very nice, clean condition.
Essay II from Atticus on tensions between England & America...
Item #601087
July 08, 1769
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 8, 1769 The front page has half a column headed: "America" with datelines from Boston, Charleston & Philadelphia. The Boston report concerning exposing those merchants who chose not to conform to the non-importation agreement, noting in part: "Inasmuch as some persons among us have...preferred their own supposed private advantage to the ... See More
Reports from America...
Item #599705
January 09, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 9, 1773 Inside has most of a column headed: "America" with two reports datelined New York and one from Boston (see).
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, some fold foxing, nice condition.
Boundary dispute with the Cherokees...
Item #597350
December 25, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 25, 1770
* Cherokee Indians
Page 2 has a short item headed "America" with a Charleston dateline concerning a meeting with Indians over a border dispute.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.
News from America...
Item #597349
June 29, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, June 29, 1773
* New York-Massachusetts boundary dispute
Inside has a report headed: "America" which includes a report of a planned meeting between the governors of New York & Massachusetts over the boundary line dispute. Also reports from Newport, New London, and Philadelphia (see).
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches, very nice condition.... See More
Critical of Boston failing to honor the Non-imporatation Agreement...
Item #596510
September 22, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 22, 1770
* Non-importation agreement
The top of page 3 has an item headed: "Intelligence True & Extraordinary" which is a critical report on the Bostonians failing to hold to the non-importation agreement, noting: "There are now lying on the tales of New York Philadelphia, Virginia, Carolina...pamphlets containing an authentic lis... See More
Need to unite on the non-importation issue...
Item #596362
October 18, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 18, 1770
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Page 6 has reports headed "America" from Boston, Newport, Marblehead, Philadelphia & New York, including: "...Resolved, That we will adhere to & support the non-importation agreement...so long as a majority of the colonies who have entered into similar agreements shall adhere to & p... See More
Foldout plate of a castle...
Item #593600
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1770 Within this issue are 3 1/2 pages on: "A Curious Description of Dalkey and Its Seven Castles" which is accompanied by a foldout print of one of the castles. This print measures 8 by 10 inches & is in very nice condition (see). Also in this issue: "On the Disparity of the Language of N. and S. Wales" and much more.Near the ... See More
Rare title from London...
Item #587909
November 24, 1772
THE MIDDLESEX JOURNAL OR UNIVERSAL EVENING POST, London, November 24, 1772 News reports from various places in Europe, with the back page having an item concerning crops in America.
Four pages, folio size, partial red tax stamp at the bottom of page 1, very nice condition.
Supporting the Non-Importation agreement...
Item #586322
July 21, 1770
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 21, 1770
* Non-Importation agreement support
The front page has an item headed "America" with a Boston dateline, noting in part: "....sense of our merchants, traders, etc. respecting the non-importation agreement, as meeting was called the day following at Faneuil Hall...it was voted almost unanimously that we would still strictly adhere to ... See More
From colonial Boston...
Item #585508
May 16, 1768
SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, May 16, 1768 The front page is taken up with a wide variety of news reports from London including one item noting: "...the colony agents have orders...to obtain an act of Parliament for the encouragement of the linen manufactury in North America...". An inside page has reports from "Boston" including: "...considering them too... See More
Much on the Mississippi...
Item #583782
August 29, 1772
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 29, 1772
* Early Mississippi & Ohio Rivers
Page 2 has a report which includes: "...The public, in the various conversations which have arisen on the subject of the new settlement in North America, generally confound the Mississippi with the Ohio; whereas the two rivers are very distinct; the first is capable of admitting the larges... See More
News from America...
Item #583755
September 13, 1773
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 13, 1773
* Native American Indians
Page 2 has a full column of reporting under "America" with reports from Charleston with much on the situation with the Cherokee & Creek Indians, and also bits noting: "...vessels belonging to Rhode Island...carried into New Providence are, we hear, both condemned. One of them had 18 ch... See More
Value of the Ohio River...
Item #582086
August 24, 1772
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 24, 1772
* Ohio River value ?
* Pre Rev. War era
Page 3 has a paragraph noting: "The Ohio, though a very extensive river of North America...is cut off from all possible intercourse with a foreign commerce & has no connection whatever with the sea..." and a bit more (see photos). Four pages, folio size, red ink tax ... See More
Holding to the non-importation agreement...
Item #581942
August 28, 1770
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 28, 1770 Inside under: "AMERICA, Philadelphia" is a report of: "...English goods arrived here...which were purchased by two shopkeepers...contrary to the non-importation agreement; upon which the committee of merchants sent for them & represented the impropriety of their conduct, which they readily acknowledged & the good were i... See More
Two Ben Franklin letters... In support of the Jews...
Item #579509
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1768 A very nice magazine from the "mother country" not long before the Revolutionary War, with a wide range of varied content, including news of the day, political reports, literary items, and other unusual tidbits. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907... See More
Colonial Boston imprint...
Item #569965
June 06, 1768
SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 6, 1768 This is the four page "Supplement" issue to the regular eight page newspaper of the same date. Almost all of the four pages are taken up with reports from London, although the back page has most of a column headed "Boston" (see).
Complete in four pages, measures 8 1/2 by 10 1/2 inches, very nice condition. A... See More
The troublesome Americans...
Item #568901
December 08, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 8, 1774 The ftpg. includes some reports from the: "House of Commons" with American mention, including: "...his Lordship introduced several pertinent observations on the present spirit of the Colonists, their resolves, meetings, and in particular their intended non-importation agreement..." (see photos).
An inside pg. has most of... See More
Reacting to the Boston Port Bill...
Item #568866
June 18, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 18, 1774 Almost the entire front page is taken up with: "A Review of the Present Administration", being a review of a pamphlet of this title and which gives much attention to the results of the Boston Port Bill . The photos show most of the article, which begins: "The Boston port bill is a measure planned with the utmost wisdom & policy.... See More
House of Commons...
Item #568853
April 30, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 30, 1774 Page 6 has some reports from the House of Commons, which includes some talk of the Administration of Justice Act for Massachusetts (see). There is some additional discussion on the back page as well.
Much other news, mostly European, plus a wealth of ads as well. Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, partial red ink tax stamp on page 2, and in ve... See More
Supporting the Americans... Trouble with the Creek Indians...
Item #568847
April 16, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 16, 1774 Over a full column on page 6 is taken with with a report from Charleston relating to the trouble with the Creek Indians (see photos).
The back page has an item which notes: "A writer treating of the present disputes relative to the Bostonians says, 'It is true, we did assist America in the late war, but did they not assist us, for whils... See More
On the Boston Port Bill and more...
Item #568728
June 21, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 21, 1774 An inside page has over a full column beginning: On perusing in your paper of May 31, an extract from a pamphlet, entitled Considerations on the Measures carrying on with respect to the British Colonies in America, some reflections occurred to me on that Authors reasoning, which I would wish to communicate to the public through your paper and it i... See More
Counterfeiters beware...
Item #568280
July 20, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 20, 1773 An inside page has: "Animadversions on the late Act for Preventing the Clipping and Diminishing of the Gold Coin of this Kingdom". Another report headed: "America" is concerning: "...the island of St. Vincent, the Carribs, formed into small parties in the night, plunder the inhabitants & render property extremely insec... See More
Creating the Committee of Correspondence...
Item #568278
July 13, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 13, 1773 An inside page has over half a column headed "America" with news reports from New York and Newport, Rhode Island, the former noting: "...from Surinam...who informs us that the disturbances with the Negroes at that settlement were settled by a smart engagement in which many of them were killed..." and also: "...letters from... See More
The governor forbids illegal meetings to consider the Acts of Parliament...
Item #568276
October 11, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, October 11, 1774 A brief report notes that: "...letter from Mobile, in West Florida, mentions that the town of Villa Real, near New Orleans, had in the night been set upon by a large party of Indians who murdered several of the Spaniards..." with a bit more (see).
The back page has a significant report, being a proclamation signed in type by th... See More
Suffering through the blockade...
Item #568068
July 12, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 12, 1774
* Boston, Massachusetts shipping blockade
Inside has an "Extract of a Letter from Boston" which begins: "We shall soon be in a deplorable situation in this town; no vessels are now permitted to enter the port & none will be allowed to depart after the 14th..." and ending: "...I intend removing to Salem during the... See More
Southern United States in 1773...
Item #568022
December 02, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 2, 1773 An inside page has a report headed: "America" with a Charleston dateline, beginning: "Letters from West Florida inform us that it is thought the seat of government will be removed to the Mississippi & that a new Custom House is actually established at Manchack..." (see). Other news and ads of the day.
Eight pages, 8 1... See More
The troublesome Americans...
Item #567994
December 08, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 8, 1774 The ftpg. includes some reports from the: "House of Commons" with American mention, including: "...his Lordship introduced several pertinent observations on the present spirit of the Colonists, their resolves, meetings, and in particular their intended non-importation agreement..." (see photos).
An inside pg. has most of t... See More
Trouble brewing in America...
Item #567993
December 06, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 6, 1774 The entire front page is taken up with a review of a pamphlet titled: "The Interest of the Merchants and Manufacturers of Great Britain in the present Contest with the Colonies stated & considered", which begins with: "This writer begins with shewing the great obligations the colonists have been under to Great Britain from
... See More
Pre revolutionary war tensions...
Item #567953
November 19, 1774
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, November 19, 1774 Page 2 has a report from New York noting the arrival of a ship which ran afoul of a French ship (see).
Page 5 has 2 desertion ads, with particulars (see).
Most of a column on the back page is an: "Extract of a Letter from Boston, New England" reporting in part: "...acquaint him that with grief, this county has viewed an exertion for... 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
Trade with American Colonies...
Item #567709
October 21, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, October 21, 1773
* Trade with American Colonies
An inside page has some discussion on the value of trade with the colonies and elsewhere (see), taking most of a column (see).
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, nice condition.
The king shuts down the land office...
Item #567665
November 02, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 2, 1773
* Early North Carolina
* The king shuts down the land office
A small item on pg. 2 headed "America" has news from Baltimore noting that in North Carolina: "...his Excellency Governor Martin hath received instructions from his Majesty for shutting up the Land office in that province, & that similar orders are s... See More
Dueling... King's Proclamation...
Item #567652
November 20, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, November 20, 1773 The entire front page is an article concerning dueling (see for beginning). An inside page has a few brief reports headed: "America".
The back page has "By the King, A Proclamation" for rescheduling a session of Parliament (see).
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, nice condition.... See More
Trade with American Colonies
Item #567596
October 21, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, October 21, 1773
* Trade with American Colonies
An inside page has some discussion on the value of trade with the colonies and elsewhere (see photos), taking most of a column (see photos).
Eight pages, about 8 1/2 by 11 inches, and in nice condition.
The trouble with trade with the colonies...
Item #567595
October 19, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, October 19, 1773 The entire ftpg. it taken up with a very early article on the benefits of eating whole grains, titled: "The Great Advantage of Eating Pure and Genuine Bread".
An inside page has a letter: "Encouraging the Consumption of British & India goods, by Luxury in the Colonies..." which includes: "...But our trade wit... See More
Joshua Reynolds is knighted...
Item #563196
May 01, 1769
THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 1, 1769
* Sir Joshua Reynolds knighted
* 18th century English painter
Page 2 has a brief report noting: "Friday his Majesty was pleased to confer the honour of Knighthood on Joshua Reynolds, Esq., President of the Royal Academy of Paining, etc. He is the first Limner who has had that honour conferred on him since the reign of Charles II.&qu... See More
Virginia awaits Parliament's response on taxation...
Item #215539
June 08, 1770
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, June 8, 1770 An inside page has a letter from Virginia which includes: "The colonies wait silently for the determination of parliament concerning the revenue act. They have done all in their power to prohibit or retard the sale of British commodities but a view of our imports will show how ineffectual their efforts have been & how useless &
... See More
Foldout plate of Rheims Cathedral...
Item #212736
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1773 A feature of this issue is the very nice foldout print (in reddish ink) titled: "Elevation and Geometrical Profile of the Abbe Church of St. Nicaise at Rheims". For more on the Rheims Cathedral see the web. The plate measures 8 by 10 1/2 inches and has a related article.Also a full page plate titled: "Curiosities found in the... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
