Slavery & Abolition
Slavery & Abolition
The speech of Moses Bon Saam, a free negro...
Item #650324
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1735 Without a doubt, the most noteworthy item is the text the speech made by Moses Bon Saam, a free negro from Jamaica, which takes about 3 columns (see images). More can be discovered regarding this speech at: Moses Bon Saam.A quite comical article is in regards to the benefits of flogging: "A New Dissertation on Flogging", which... See More
Mention of importing iron from America...
Item #605913
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1738 A very nice pre-Revolutionary War magazine from the "mother country" 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 19... See More
America's first successful newspaper...
Item #654263
April 17, 1740
THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Earliest of American newspapers to be had
This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both Foreign and Domestick" which published just a singl... See More
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
The decision in the James Somersett slave case... News from America...
Item #640258
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1772 * Somersett's case
* Slaves - slavery
Certainly the most significant report in this issue is the court decision in the James Somersett court case, the slave purchased in Virginia then taken to England, escaped & eventually recaptured. This case ultimately determined that slavery was unsupported in England. This was a landmark sl... 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
The precedent-setting case of American slave James Somersett...
Item #667890
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1773 * Somersett's case
* Slaves - slavery
Certainly the most historically significant item in this issue is: "An Argument in the Case of James Somersett, a Negro, Lately Determined in the court...attempted to be Demonstrated the Present Unlawfulness of Domestic Slavery in England" which takes about a full page.
This case i... See More
Trouble with Indians...
Item #638465
November 18, 1773
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 18, 1773 Half a column on an inside page is headed "America" with reports from New York and Charleston, including one beginning: "The Seneka Indians have killed four Frenchmen & robbed a canoe..." and another report concerns the slave insurrection in Honduras (see). The same page has over half a column taken up with a letter f... See More
The Boston Port Bill and the colonists' problem with England's power over the colonies...
Item #659920
July 01, 1774
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1774
* Boston Port Bill reaction
* Pre Revolutionary War tensions
Among the articles is: "The Speech of Moses Bon Saam, a Free Negro, to the Revolted Slaves in ...the West Indies" which takes nearly 1 1/2 pages.
In: "Review of New Publications" is: "Thoughts on the Act for Making More Effectual Provision for the Gover... 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 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
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
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
A Tory newspaper from the Revolutionary War... Much concerning the war...
Item #666223
April 18, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, April 18, 1778
* Rare Tory (pro British) issue from America
* Revolutionary War original reporting
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 a &q... See More
Essay on free trade... From during the Revolutionary War...
Item #666265
January 06, 1780
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 6, 1780 A famous title that has very ornate lettering and an engraving of a ship in the masthead. Notable content includes, on the ftpg: "A Third ESSAY on FREE TRADE and FINANCES , humbly offered to the consideration of the Public. By a CITIZEN OF Philadelphia". It continues on pg. 2 and is to be concluded in a futur... See More
Decorative masthead... Runaway reward ad...
Item #664272
February 01, 1783
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Feb. 1, 1783
* Nice masthead
* Rare publication
The front page is entirely taken up with ads including an: "Eight Dollars Reward" ad for "...a likely [Black] Wench..." with details, and a "Ten Dollars Reward" for a runaway "...[Black]Man named Adam...".
Page 2 has a small bit noting: "From the k... 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
On Ben Franklin's water spouts, with a print...
Item #643620
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1788 * Benjamin Franklin on water spouts
* Post Revolutionary War era
Perhaps the most interesting article is: "Dr. Lindsay on Dr. Franklin's Doctrine of Water-spouts" which comments on Ben Franklin's work (see for portions). This article takes 2 1/2 pages and one of the plates includes prints of various water spo... See More
Commodore Phillips & Botany Bay, Australia...
Item #661707
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, April, 1788* Botany Bay, Australia - Admiral Arthur Phillip
* Northern plantations act to discourage the slave trade
Within this issue 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 ... See More
Establishing a penal colony in Australia... Mention of Franklin...
Item #640612
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1788 * Botany Bay, Australia
* Penal Colony - Convicts
* Early chess - Benjamin Franklin
Near the back under the "Domestic Occurrences" heading is a report reading: "By the last accounts received from the fleet from Botany Bay, they arrived at the Cape of Good Hope on the 13th of October last and expected to sail again about t... 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
The 1st African-American slave to formally practice medicine...
Item #660785
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), January, 1789 * James Derham, esteemed and promoted by Dr. Benjamin Rush - 1st African American (and slave) to officially practice medicine
* Thomas Fuller - an uneducated slave with incredible mathematical ability
* Reflections upon Lexington & Concord
The most noteworthy article begins on page 61 under the heading, "At a meeting of the ... See More
The English will not abandon the settling of Australia...Wilberforce & slavery...
Item #643851
May 28, 1789
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 28, 1789
* African slave trade
* William Wilberforce
* Botany Bay - Australia
Page 7 has a brief item from Parliament headed: "Botany Bay" reading: "Mr. Hussey asked whether it was the intention of Ministers to prosecute the scheme of forming a settlement in Botany Bay? Mr. Pitt said that from the accounts hitherto received fr
Maryland poem 'The Slave'... Description of America's first capitol building...
Item #670165
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, June, 1789 This is the 6th issue of this uncommon magazine by famed publisher Isaiah Thomas. When it comes to noteworthy content, it is hard to know where to begin.Starting from the back is the poem: "The Slave," (author anonymous) which is a thought-provoking anti-slavery poem printed in the slave-state of Maryland. Also interestin... See More
Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #665280
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
Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America...
Item #651434
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 "Huds... See More
The slave trade... William Wilberforce... General Wayne slaughters the Indians...
Item #629877
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1790 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" (see). Also a review of a new book: "The Slave Trade Indispensable; in Answer to the Speech of William Wilberforce". Further on under the he... 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
Rare title with the original outer wrappers...
Item #646465
October 01, 1790
THE MONTHLY REVIEW ENLARGED, London, October, 1790 This very uncommon title still has the blue/green outer wrappers. These wrappers are in remarkably nice condition as more typically they are quite worn.
The front wrapper includes the title/index page. Among the articles included are: "Bruce's Travels to discover the Source of the Nile" concluded; "Governor Philip's V... See More
America is flourishing economically...
Item #629130
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
Obituary of naval hero John Paul Jones...
Item #642035
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1792 (note the typesetting error of the date on the titlepg.)* John Paul Jones death - pirate ?
* Revolutionary War naval commander
* "Father of the American Navy"
The most interesting item in this issue is the obituary for John Paul Jones. As can be seen in the report he does not get good press in this British publication (not s... 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
Dunlap & Claypoole's...
Item #660480
November 30, 1792
DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1792
* Runaway slave ads
The front page is filled with ads including 23 illustrated ship ads. A few more inside as well.
Various news of the day inside, plus more ads including at least two "Four Dollar Reward" ads, one for a runaway mulatto slave.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, great c... See More
18th century Negro boy for sale ad...
Item #675510
December 16, 1794
GENERAL AURORA ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 16, 1794
* Rare 18th century American title
* Runaway slave advertisement
Eighteenth century American publications are somewhat scarce. The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. Contains news of the day with several advertisements including one on the front page for ... See More
Item #665033
January 10, 1795
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Jan. 10, 1795 The ftpg. is filled with ads including one for: "A Negro Man" in jail presumed to be a runaway; and one for a lottery: "For the Improvement of the Federal City".
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, great condition.
This was the home of the nation's capital at the time while awaiting the completion of th... 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.
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #670449
May 20, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 20, 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 op... See More
William Cobbett's famous 18th century newspaper...
Item #670671
June 19, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 19, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
* 4 runaway slave advertisements (lightly inked)
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 ... See More
1797 Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #670809
July 01, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 1, 1797
* Rare 18th century American title
* 4 slave advertisements
The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads including one for a runaway slave. The back page has 3 more slave ads. News of the day and other advertisements of the day.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a few tiny binding slits al... 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...
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
18th century Philadelphia...
Item #675516
February 28, 1798
GENERAL AURORA ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 28, 1798
* Rare 18th century American publication
Eighteenth century American publications are somewhat scarce. The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. Contains news of the day with several advertisements, including one for a runaway slave on the back page.
Four pa... See More
1798 Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #669790
March 23, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 23, 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. Page 3 has 2 runaway slave ads. Another one appears on the back page. (see) New of the day and other advertisements of the day.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a few... 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 #670815
September 04, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 4, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* Runaway slave advertisement
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 18 illustrated ship ads. One runaway slave ad is on the back page. (see)
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages in good condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisements...
Item #671015
September 13, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Sept. 13, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (5) Slaves advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 14 illustrated ship ads and 1 runaway slave ad. Three more slave ads are on page 3. And one more on the back page. (see)
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, a little foxing, nice condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisements...
Item #670828
October 06, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 6, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (3) Slaves advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 7 illustrated ship ads and 2 runaway slave ads. Two more slave ads are on the back page. (see)
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, a little foxing, nice condition.... See More
18th century Baltimore... Slave advertisements...
Item #674589
October 17, 1798
FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Oct. 17, 1798
* Rare 18th century American title
* (4) Slaves advertisements
The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 13 illustrated ship ads and 2 slavery related ads. Page 3 has two more and the back page has another one. (see)
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, minor light damp staining, generally very nice.... See More
Turn of the century....
Item #596554
July 12, 1800
WEEKLY MUSEUM, New York, July 12, 1800 Various news of the day. Page 2 has a poem titled: "The Slave". Four pages, some staining, generally good.
U.S.S. Constellation victorious over the French frigate La Vengeance...
Item #645268
August 04, 1800
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Aug. 4, 1800
* USS Constellation vs La Vengeance
* United States vs. French Navy frigates
Page 2 has a nice report on the naval battle between the USS Constellation and the French frigate La Vengeance, a single-ship action during the Quasi-War (see the web for details). It was a victory for the U.S. Navy however the report here implies it was a victory for... See More
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our
gifts and birthday newspapers page.
History's Newsstand Blog
- The January (2021) Newsletter from Rare & Early Newspapers…
- Snapshot 1863… A slave mother’s attempted escape…
- Snapshot 1886… Mark Twain – yet another hidden gem…
- Announcing: Catalog #302 (for January, 2021) is now available…
Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
