Slavery & Abolition
Slavery & Abolition
America's first successful newspaper...
Item #689552
April 17, 1740
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Among the 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 s... See More
Map of Germany... French & Indian War...
Item #585531
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1760 * Battle of Quebec
* Map of the war in Germany
* French and Indian War
A feature of this issue is the "French Account of the Raising the Siege of Quebec" which takes over half a page (see for portions). There is also: "A Description of a Water Mill of a New Construction..." for grinding sugar cane in Jamaica, which in... See More
A slave uprising on board a slave ship...
Item #679848
August 20, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 20, 1772 The back page has a: "...Letter from on Board the Louisa, Capt. Laurence Hill, dated at James Town in Virginia" which begins: "We set sail from this place on the 2d of April bound to the Guinea coast for slaves..." when they came upon a boat crowded with men, very emaciated, rescued them, and inquired as to their situation. The... See More
A slave kills his master...
Item #667030
August 29, 1772
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 29, 1772
* Slave kills his master
Beginning on the front page & carrying over to take most of pg. 2 is a report from Boston concerning the Massachusetts Assembly making provisions for support of the governor, and the governor supporting the colony. Included are six "resolves" from the General Assembly concerning such arrangements.
Ther... See More
Reports from America...
Item #673198
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1772 Among the articles within are: "A Short Account of the Several sorts of Organ used for Church Service" "Quakerism Defended against False Representations" as well as "Description of Rochester Cathedral" which a nice full page plate of it as well; and "An Account of Two New Tortoises" which are ".... 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
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #664179
February 14, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, February 14, 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 entire front page is taken up with ads, one of which is for the printi... See More
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War...
Item #688263
April 15, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, April 15, 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 is entirely taken up with ads including one for a man wh... See More
Concerns for political troubles in creating a new government...
Item #650328
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1784 Among the articles are: "Ancient Customs Elucidated--The Feast of Yule" "History of the Race of Gypsies Further Illustrated" which takes nearly 3 pages; "An Account of the Experiments Made by the Aerostatic Machine of M.M. Montgolfier" the famous balloonist (see); and more.
There is over half a page on the Q... See More
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #667457
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American ... See More
Shays' Rebellion... Call for the Constitutional Convention...
Item #667615
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1787 The issue begins with the: "Form of the Constitution of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia". Also: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Captain Asgill while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington" concluded from the previ... See More
With the plate of the Juniata River...
Item #667450
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, August, 1788 This title has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, having begun in September, 1786 and lasting until December, 1792.Among the various articles are: "A Description of the River Juniatta" "An Account of the Foundation of New Smyrna in Florida & a Remarkable Insurrection in that Settlement" "... See More
The manumission of slaves... Marquis La Fayette...
Item #600170
November 15, 1788
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, November 15, 1788 Page 5 has nearly two columns with various reports from American regarding American Indians, as well as a brief article from New York from: "...The Society for promoting the manumission [freeing]of slaves, and protecting such of them as have been or may be liberated...", which mentions the presence of Marquis La Fayette among others.
Eight pages, ... See More
Parliament discusses the slave trade...
Item #682633
May 27, 1789
THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, May 27, 1789 Beginning on page 2 and carrying over to page 2 is a report headed: "Slave Trade" from the House of Commons, taking over half a page in total.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition.
Washington celebrated in Philadelphia en-route to his inauguration...
Item #673363
June 01, 1789
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1789 Among the articles are: "Extract from a Sermon at Bristol on the Slave Trade" "Description of a Tour Through the West of England" and so much more. But the best content is news headed: "America" which reports from Philadelphia: "...his Excellency George Washington, the President Elect of the United States, arrive... See More
On the Treasury Bill and compensations for various officers...
Item #686040
July 25, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, July 25, 1789 Half of the front page is taken up with an article headed: "Slave Trade" which is a report from a French society for the abolition of the trade. One bit notes: "...The abolition, therefore, of negro slavery was esteemed by the general United States & by the convention in which they were represented, not only a measure condu... See More
Founding months of the federal government...
Item #686035
August 04, 1789
THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 4, 1789
* From the 1st year of George Washington's presidency
* United States government (Congress) in it's infancy
Great to have this issue from the formative months of the new federal government, and from the city where it all happened.
Page 2 begins with reports from Congress noting the discussions at the time. Then a lengthy report on... See More
Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #665279
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789 One of the more successful magazines from 18th century America. Included is a lengthy: "...Report of the Secretary of the Treasury..." which takes 4 1/2 pages & signed in type by: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. Included also is: "Ingenious Toasts given at York, in Penna...in the Procession formed to Celebra... See More
George Washington, Ben Franklin, the Constitution...
Item #652892
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, November, 1789 This was one of the more successful titles.Among the many articles noted on the full title/contents page are an article with a rare illustration (seldom found in 18th century American magazines) of: "...a black boy without arms belonging to Mrs. Alexander..."; "Creoles of St. Domingo" "The Ancient Welsh" &... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #689565
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 * Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."
The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and "Hud... See More
On Ben Franklin's will... Northwest coast of America...
Item #638619
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1790 Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin] tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a free & enlightened city to the memory of a man who gave libert... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #669532
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1791 * First Bank of the United States creation
Certainly the most notable content is at the back where is found a significant report headed: Congress of the United States" with the text of the creation of the Bank of the United States.
It is titled: "An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of t... See More
Dr. Joseph Priestley... France eliminates knighthood...
Item #686807
September 28, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 28, 1791 A page 3 report says: "A subscription was opened in London, before Capt. Scott sailed, for the purpose of building a large and elegant Chapel for the Rev. Dr. Priestley." Joseph Priestley is credited with the discovery of oxygen.
There is much concerning the French Revolution including a page 2 item: "National Assembly - Abolition Of... See More
America in a flourishing state...
Item #629138
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1792 Inside has most of a column taken up with news headed: "America" which begins: "This country was never in so flourishing a state as at present; the increase of people, riches, and agriculture is almost incredible...The present war with the Indians has for while stopped emigration to the Western territories..." with m... See More
Reward advertisements for runaway slave & bitch...
Item #689227
January 07, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1793
* Rare 18th century American title
* Runaway slave & bitch advertisements
The front page is filled with advertisements. News of the day on pages 2 & 3. Page 3 also has a interesting ad for: "Bitch Lost; Fifteen Dollars Reward" which is for a runaway dog.
The bottom of the back page has a advertisement for:... See More
Indians, the French Revolutionary, Henry Knox, and more...
Item #683141
February 07, 1793
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 7, 1793
* Runaway slave - Negro ad
On the front page: "On the Happiness Attainable in the Last Moments of Life". Page 3 has a letter: "...from Rochdebout, on the Ottawa River, or Miami of Lake Erie..." which begins: "I congratulate you on the agreement of the council of the confederated Tribes, to the l... See More
Two single sheet "Extra" issues from 1794...
Item #688674
December 03, 1794
DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER EXTRA, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1794
* 18th century runaway slave ad
A single sheet "Extra" edition. The front page taken up with ads with a runaway slave ad headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" (see)
Complete as a single sheet issue, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.... See More
A letter from Horatio Nelson...
Item #665848
November 21, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov 21, 1795 Page 2 has a letter signed in type by the famous: Horatio Nelson, concerning recent naval events.
The back page begins with a poem titled: "Negro's Prayer".
Four pages, some foxing, good condition.
18th century Baltimore... slavery ads...
Item #689239
May 04, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 4, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* (2) slaves related advertisements
* Land for sale along the Potomac River
The full ftpg. is taken up with advertisements including 14 illustrated ship ads. The back page has 2 runaway slave ads. Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C. area. (see)
Four pages, nice condition.... See More
Work towards putting the Jay Treaty into effect...
Item #683306
May 23, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 23, 1796 The front page is filled with ads including 22 illustrated ship ads. All of page 2 is taken up with discussion on carrying into effect the Jay Treaty with England.
Three slave related ads appear on page 3. The back page is full of ads as well including three more slave ads.
Four pages, purple-tinted staining does not affect rea... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty... Slave-related ads...
Item #684638
June 01, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 1, 1796 Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For A Term of Years, A Negro Man about 22 years of age..." with details.... See More
Sale of a slave girl... Debating the Jay Treaty...
Item #684639
June 02, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 2, 1796 Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A likely healthy NEGRO GIRL..." with deta... See More
For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character...
Item #684640
June 03, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 3, 1796 Page 2 has reports from Converses including: "The bill for making appropriations for the support of the military and naval establishments of 1796, was read a their time and passed...".
Page 3 had an ad: "For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character..." and a bit more.
The back page has 2 runawa... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty...
Item #684578
June 11, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 11, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from Congress concerning debates on the controversial Jay Treaty with England.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A Likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.... See More
George Washington provides a patent...
Item #688478
June 13, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 13, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: &quo... See More
George Washington signs an Act of Congress...
Item #688477
June 18, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796
* President George Washington
Page 2 has an entire column taken up with: "AN ACT Making Provision for the Payment of Certain Debts of the United States" which is signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington.
The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 f... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress concerning the Whiskey Rebellion...
Item #688472
June 23, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 23, 1796
* re. The Whiskey Rebellion
* President George Washington
Page 2 has an: "ACT Making an Appropriation to Satisfy Certain demands attending the late Insurrection...", which provided money: "...to the discharge of certain incidental demands, occasioned by the trial of persons for crimes and offences... See More
18th century Baltimore...slave advertisements...
Item #688555
December 21, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 21, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) slaves related advertisements
The full ftpg. is taken up with ads including 5 illustrated ship ads & 4 slave related ads. The back page has another slave ad. (see) Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C. area.
Four pages, some light staining, minor margin wear, generally ... See More
Signed by Governor Sam Adams...
Item #669093
March 22, 1797
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, March 22, 1797 Beginning on the front page & ending on pg. 4 signed: Samuel Adams is "An Act ...Respecting Highways" in the state of Mass. Page 2 has: "Slave Trade"
Four pages, good condition.
From the earliest months of its existence... Negro for sale...
Item #674043
March 23, 1797
PORCUPINES GAZETTE & UNITED STATES DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 23, 1797
* Rare 18th century American title
All previous issues we have offered of this uncommon title were from 1798-9 with the porcupine in the masthead, but this issue is from the earliest months of its existence with a much different masthead.
Various news reports of the day, heavy with advertisements inc... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #688310
June 27, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 27, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
* 3 runaway slave advertisements
This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political o... See More
Honoring Horatio Nelson... Wilberforce on slavery...
Item #629229
SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1797 for Gentleman's Magazine, England. Within this supplement issue, which was published at the end of the year, is a report beginning: "Mr. Wilberforce said that it were only wasting the time of the House to go to any length into a subject which had already undergone such full & frequent discussions...suffered themselves to be influenced by their feelings; it... See More
Secret societies... Free Masons... Illuminati... numismatics...
Item #663594
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1798 The prominent feature of this issue would be the nearly 9 pages dedicated to the review of a new publication" "Proofs of Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of Europe, carried on in the Secret Meetings of Free Masons, Illuminati, and Reading Societies; collected from good authorities", by John Robison, Profe... See More
Nautical improvements...
Item #685681
February 17, 1798
THE WEEKLY MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, Feb. 17, 1798 An uncommon title which lasted only from Feb., 1798 thru June, 1799, during which time it was suspended for 6 months due to the death of the editor.
Mostly literary content but also: "Nautical Improvement" "Method of Obtaining & Preparing Tin in the Mines of Cornwall" "A Curious Anecdote of a Negro in France"... See More
1798 Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #671759
March 29, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 29, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* 3 runaway slaves advertisements
The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads. The front page has a runaway slave ad under: "Ten Dollars reward" Two more appear on the back page. (see) News of the day and other advertisements.
Four pages... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisement...
Item #688389
July 06, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 6, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) runaway slave advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 12 illustrated ship ads and 2 slave related ads. (see) Pages 2,3 & 4 have another slavery related ad.
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, damp staining at a few areas, generally nice.... See More
18th century Baltimore... 5 slavery advertisements...
Item #693318
September 10, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 7, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) runaway slave advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 9 illustrated ship & two runaway slave ads. Another one is on the back page. (see)
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages in nice condition.... See More
Recruitment ad for joining the U.S. military...
Item #675024
June 05, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 5, 1799
* From the year of George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter from Lord Nelson to his wife. Page 3 also has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government &a... See More
Latest news from 1799...
Item #686126
June 05, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, June 5, 1799 Most of the front page is taken up with the continuation of: "An Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" which carries over to pg. 2 & is continued in a future issue. It is headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has a short bit headed: "Trial of Fries" which relates, in an oblique way, to ... See More
Includes a document signed by Buonaparte...
Item #686129
June 08, 1799
THE SPECTATOR, New York, June 8, 1799 The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are taken up with a portion of the very lengthy Act of Congress on regulating duties on imports, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has a "Five Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway negro man, as well as reports on the Napoleonic War including a document signed: Buonaparte.
Four pages, ... See More
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