Historic Newspapers: Slavery & Abolition

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1735 

* The speech of a free negro - Moses Bon Saam

Without question the most noteworthy item is the speech by Moses Bon Saam, a free negro from Jamaica, which takes about 3 columns.
Bon Saam wrote this speech to his followers, runaway slaves planning to organize their own independent society in the interior of Jamaica. Affirmations of racial pride & a rudimentary theory of Black Power are found in this speech. It remains curiously relevant nearly 300…

THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740 

* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
* Ad for sale of a "healthy negro woman"

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 single issue in 1690 before being suppressed & destroyed by the Royal Governor of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1760 

* Battle of Quebec
* Slave insurrection in the West Indies
* 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 includes a full page plate (see photos). Another plate accompanies the article: "New Way of…

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 the Creek Nation, about stopping the trade to the Chickasaws is dropt..." with more reports concerning the French &…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 12, 1765  The front page has reports headed: "America" including a note of boats in the Upper Lakes being destroyed by enemy Indians, etc. The back page has an item from Jamaica that begins: "A fellow here, a gold coast Negro, whom I bought two years since, & can already speak English, has made a discovery...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, very nice condition.

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, is computed by some persons to amount to 200,000 pounds sterling; a great addition to our internal stock, as it is not…

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 had a letter of recommendation from a merchant at Boston to a bookseller in London, and is shortly to be…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1773

* Phillis Wheatley poem & biography
* Famous Woman servant turned poet

  Near the back is a printing of a poem titled: "On Recollection" which was written by the famed black poetess Phillis Wheatley. This piece also includes a brief biography of her.
Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American poet and the first African-American woman whose writings helped create the genre of African American literature. Born in Gambia, she…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War

The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of her rights...". Also on the front page is: "A Plan for Reducing the Rebellious Colony of New England & for the…

THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 16, 1775 

* Creation of Continental Currency 
* American Revolutionary War funding
* re. Battles of Lexington & Concord 

A very significant issue in the financial history of the United States, as the front page reports the first issuance of Continental Currency to support the Revolutionary War. Datelined: "Philadelphia, In Congress, Thursday, June 22, 1775" it reports: "Resolved, That a sum not exceeding two millions of…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

(editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western…

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 printing of: "Common Sense".
Page 2 has numerous reports which relate to the Revolutionary War, bits…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1780  Inside has a lengthy & very detailed letter from Lord Cornwallis to Lord Germain on the battle of Camden, S.C., which begins: "It is with great pleasure that I communicate to your lordship an account of the...victory obtained on the 16th inst. by his Majesty's troops under my command over the rebels of the southern army, commanded by General Gates...". This report continues to take two pages & is signed in type: Cornwallis.
There is much war content…

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 Quakers' address to Congress on their concern for the slave trade (see), and also half a column on: "American Intelligence" which includes…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1784  Certainly the most interesting content in this issue is the great & lengthy text (continued from the June issue) on a review of a new publication, headed: "Captain Cook's Voyage--Relation of the events that led to the murder of Capt. Cook...". This report takes nearly 3 pages, portions seen in the photos, and includes the details of the murder of Capt. Cook by the natives of Hawaii: "...What followed was a scene of the utmost horror &…

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 officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

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 officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal  for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

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, is now completely equipped at Deptford..." with a bit more.
This was the HMS Bounty, under the command of…

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, after supplying the ships with sea stores, means to purchase live stock of every kind the country affords & then to…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 12, 1788  

* Slavery on the Island of Jamaica 
* Revisions to current slave laws 
* Still legal but with certain exceptions
* Early movement towards eventual abolition 

Page 6 has a historically significant report from Jamaica beginning: "Our slave laws have been revised & consolidated & several regulations made in favour of the negroes...".
Among them are: "Every possessor of a slave is prohibited for turning him away when incapacitated by…

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" "Of the Bastille..." "A Diverting Instance of Indian Retaliation" "The Introduction of the Slave Trade into England" "British…

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, nice condition. Page two contains a full, well-inked, red tax stamp.

Manumission: Emancipation; the act…

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.

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The Way to Wealth" signed in type: Richard Saunders (pen name of Benjamin Franklin); a full page: "Letter from Dr. Franklin to

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 noteworthy address as it is Franklin's strongest moral statement on the subject of slavery.
Franklin did not speak out…

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 red tax stamp appears on page 3.
Four pages, nice condition.

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) and other landmarks across what is now Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, to "Queen Charlotte's Island". Northern and…

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 "Hudson's Bay", "Lake Winiping (now Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba) and other landmarks across what is now Saskatchewan, Alberta and…

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 to the Speech of William Wilberforce".
Further on under the heading: "America" is text including: "...General Wayne had been dispatched…

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 liberty to the New World...". Ben Franklin had just died a few months previous. Also a very early items concerning the Northwest Coast of America:…

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, October, 1790  Articles include: "Remarks on Capital Punishment" "Sketch of the Nature & Causes of Diseases" "Short Account of Mr. McGillivray" who was the famous chief of the Creek Indians; "On the Architecture of America" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Lady in France".
Most of a page is taken up with: "The Whistle--A True Story. Written by Dr. Franklin to his Nephew"; a letter: "...on the Manufacture of Wine from the Grapes of America..."; an interesting…

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 administration..." with more on the economic situation of the new country.
Included are all 3 plates called for.
Complete in 96 pages, full title/contents…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1792

* 2nd - Second Militia Act of 1792 
* President George Washington signs
* Fort Lafayette - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Major General Anthony Wayne 

Most of the front page is taken up with a Act of Congress now known as the Second Militia Act, signed in script type by the President, Go. Washington on May 8, 1792.
It is officially entitled: "An ACT More Effectually to Provide for the National Defense by Establishing a Uniform Militia Throughout…

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 much more (see). Another item: "Substance of a Speech Intended to have been Made on Mr. Wilberforce's Motion for the Abolition of the…

SUPPLEMENT TO DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 14, 1792  This is a single sheet that is almost entirely taken up with advertisements that would not have fit in the "regular" issue. One is for: "The Time of a Negro Woman For Sale..." & another: "Twenty Dollars Reward" for 2 runaway: "...young Negro lads..." with details.
Complete as a full size single sheet, wide margins, nice condition.

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: "Six Dollars Reward" for a runaway slave. (see)
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, tiny binding holes along the spine,…

GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 19, 1794  

* 18th century America publication

The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. The front page features 5 illustrated ship advertisements. Half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the "Federal Legislature". Among the back page ads is one for a: "Run Away...in the state of Virginia...a Negro man slave by name Isaac..." with more detail.
Four pages, tiny…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 17, 1794  

* President George Washington 
* French officer Louis de Tousard

The front page begins with an Act of Congress, giving a pension for life to Lt. Col. Tousard. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Louis de Tousard was a French artillerist who served in the American Continental Army under La Fayette, and later was given a U. S. commission. Tousard wrote two very influential books: one was a proposal for a school for…

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.

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.
Four pages, light damp stains, nice condition.

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.

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 Baltimore-town..." with all XXII sections.
Page 3 has a letter to Congress signed in type by the President; Go. Washington.
Page 4…

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.
There are several runaway slave ads with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes…

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 slave ads, with much detail.
Four pages, purple-colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of…

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 but causes no loss of readability, otherwise in very nice condition.

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.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of readability, otherwise in very nice…

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: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...to…

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 to: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796 

* President George Washington

The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details. 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.…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 21, 1796  The front page features 20 illustrated ship ads, as well as an ad: "FOR SALE, A likely , healthy NEGRO WENCH..." with details.
Page 3 has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. The back page has a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but…