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
News from the French & Indian War...
Item #695145
December 31, 1761
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 31, 1761 The front page has over a full column of reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston, Boston, and Halifax in Nova Scotia. A few bits include: "...A gang of the Point Indians were returned from war against the Spaniards; they lost four men...and killed one Spaniard and a negro...The great bustle that was some time ago in... See More
Early report on the slave trade in America...
Item #699115
September 05, 1765
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 5, 1765 Pages 1 and 2 have reports headed: "America" with Charleston datelines. The first report is quite notable, as it is a very early reference to the importation of slaves.
It reads: "The value of the negroes imported into this province since the passing of the act for laying an additional duty, to take place the 1st of January nest, i... See More
Phillis Wheatley arrives in London...
Item #702240
June 22, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 22, 1773
* Phillis Wheatley's London arrival
* Famous Woman servant turned poet
Certainly the most notable report is found on the back page, which contains: "Last Thursday the celebrated negro girl Phillis, the Poet, whose extraordinary talents have lately been taken notice of in the News Papers, arrived in London from Boston in New England. She ... See More
Much like the Olive Branch Petition... Reaction by the soldiers to reading the "...Causes & Necessity of Taking Up Arms"...
Item #687100
July 26, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 26, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
* Post Battle of Bunker Hill
A terrific issue, as the entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with a terrific follow-up to the Olive Branch Petition, in fact, written just 3 days after it, in which the Continental Congress points out the many issues with its relations with England, detai... See More
Provincial Congress meeting (1775)...
Item #702716
December 23, 1775
PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1775
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American 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 men
... See More
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American 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 men
The American colonies and England... Gradual Abolition Act... Early naval battle...
Item #687146
March 25, 1780
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, March 25, 1780
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead engraving
The front page has a fine account of a furious naval engagement between Britain and France in the Revolutionary War, involving the frigate HMS Quebec and the frigate Surveillante of the French Navy. The battle ended in a French victory when Quebec was destroyed by an exp... See More
Reports from the closing months of the Revolutionary War...
Item #701131
April 09, 1783
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL, Philadelphia, April 9, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events - John Dickinson
Fully half of the front page is a lengthy letter: "To His Excellency John Dickinson, esq., President" of Pennsylvania, which relates to the paper currency of America. The balance of the front page is a letter: "To Robert Morris" that begins: "M... 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
Slavery... The controversial Huddy-Asgill Affair...
Item #696529
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
The HMS Bounty prepares for its fateful trip... A slave ship burns...
Item #704521
August 28, 1787
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 28, 1787
* Captain William Bligh prepares for voyage
* HMS Bounty - merchant ship - mutiny fame
* Fateful South Pacific Ocean expedition
The back page has an inconspicuous report noting "The ship which has been engaged by the Admiralty to make a voyage to the Society Islands for the bread-fruit which is to be transported to our West India settlement,... See More
Commodore Phillips & Botany Bay, Australia...
Item #668656
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, April, 1788 * Botany Bay, Australia - Admiral Arthur Phillip
* Northern plantations act to discourage the slave trade
Within is a report concerning Commodore Phillips at Botany Bay reading: "The Botany fleet arrived at the Cape on the 13th of October, after a passage from Rio de Janeiro of only five weeks & four days. Commodore Phillips, a... See More
Mention of Ben Franklin... Slave trade... Establishing a penal colony in Australia...
Item #704117
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1788 * Early chess - Benjamin Franklin mention
* Penal Colony, Botany Bay, Australia
Two pages have considerable detail regarding the game of chess which includes a mention of Benjamin Franklin. Near the back under the "Domestic Occurrences" heading is a report reading: "By the last accounts received from the fleet from B... See More
With the plate of the Juniata River...
Item #667449
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, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #704740
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789 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. This report is: "...in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 17th of September, 1789" concerning the indebtedness o... See More
Four documents signed by George Washington... Significant pronouncement by Franklin on slavery...
Item #701210
November 25, 1789
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely notewor... See More
Considering anti-slavery...
Item #701962
February 20, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 20, 1790 Most of the front page, all of page 2, and most of page 3 are taken up with detailed reporting on discussions in Congress, much of it concerning the public debt.
The back page has most of a full column taken up with "Letter No. 1" signed in type by: Rusticus, concerning the slavery issue. It begins: "I have see... See More
Item #692601
February 22, 1790
THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, Feb. 22, 1790
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
Various news reports from Europe. Over half of the back page is taken up with a detailed account of: "Observations on the Trial of a Planter For Slave Murder".
The front page has a detailed ad for chimney sweeps headed: "Sweeping of Chimneys". A full ... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #675445
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 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 "Hudson's Bay", "Lake Winiping (now Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba)... See More
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #675444
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 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 "Hudson's Bay", "Lake Winiping (now Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba)... 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
The slave trade... William Wilberforce... General Wayne slaughters the Indians...
Item #675452
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1790 * African slave trade
* William Wilberforce
* Indians massacred
Included is an interesting article on an: "Apparatus of Humanity" with a related full page print captioned: "Apparatus For Communicating Heat to Bodies Apparently Dead". Also a review of a new book: "The Slave Trade Indispensable; in Answer ... See More
Questioning the slave trade...
Item #647305
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, August, 1790 * The African slave trade question
A wealth of fine content in this 18th century American magazine. Among the articles are an item concerning McGillivrary and his education; some queries to Congress concerning the slave trade, one bit noting: "Whether congress have not full & clear power to prevent any citizen...from being concer... 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 #704193
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 ... See More
Abolishing slavery... America is flourishing economically...
Item #640633
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1791 Taking nearly 2 pages is: "An Expository Address to the People of England on the Late Memorable Decision Against the Abolition of the Slave Trade". Among the news reports near the back are a few items headed: "America" beginning: "America has now to boast a flourishing trade & a wise and upright administrat... 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
The Militia Act of 1792...
Item #701540
May 23, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 23, 1792 The front page contains in full the historic Militia Act of 1792, which allowed the President to temporarily take control of state militias in times of crises. It is titled: "An ACT to Provide for Calling Forth the Militia to Execute the Laws of the Union, Suppress Insurrections and Repel Invasions" and is signed in script type by the Presid... 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
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
Washington responds to concerns over the Jay Treaty...
Item #704242
August 19, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 19, 1795
* President George Washington
* Concerns over the Jay Treaty
Page 3 has the: "Answer" of the President to the concerns of the Selectmen of Boston over the controversial Jay Treaty, signed in type: George Washington.
Page 3 also has a report of a: "Negro Insurrection" in North Carolina.
... See More
A letter from Horatio Nelson...
Item #698550
November 21, 1795
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov 21, 1795
* Lord Horatio Nelson letter
* re. Royal Navy encounters
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
Runaway slave ads...
Item #684633
May 26, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, May 26, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* Slaves advertisements
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, A healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 3 has two runway slave ads headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" and "Five Pounds Reward" with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects... See More
Creating the Bank of Maryland... President Washington signs a letter...
Item #684636
May 30, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, May 30, 1796
* Bank of Baltimore, Maryland creation
* President George Washington letter
Much of pages 2 & 3 are taken up with; "An Act to Establish A Bank and Incorporate the Subscribers Thereto." which begins: "Be it enacted by the general assembly of Maryland, That a bank shall be established at Baltimo... 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 Congress including: "The bill for making appropriations for the support of the military and naval establishments of 1796, was read a third 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 runaway... See More
Slave-related ads in this Baltimore newspaper...
Item #684572
June 04, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 4, 1796 The front page has an ad: "For Sale, A Healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Pages 3 and 4 have more slave related ads headed: "300 Dollars Reward" "130 Dollars Reward" and "Fifty Dollars Reward" all with particulars.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section... See More
Slave-related ads in this Baltimore newspaper...
Item #684574
June 07, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 7, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, A Healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Pages 3 and 4 have other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of readability, otherwi... See More
Slave-related ads in this Baltimore newspaper...
Item #684575
June 08, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 8, 1796 Page 2 has a lengthy: "Address" by the governor of Mass., signed in type: Samuel Adams.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Pages 3 and 4 have other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.
Four pages, purple c... See More
Discussing the Jay Treaty... Runaway slaver ads...
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 #684602
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 provides a patent...
Item #684606
June 17, 1796
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 17, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
The back page 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 t... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
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)
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