Historic Newspapers: Australia - Botany Bay

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1786 

* The Nova Constellatio coin print
* Made for circulation in the American colonies

The most interesting item in this issue is the foldout plate which contains--among other prints--an image of the "Nova Constellatio" coin used in the colonies (see). The print shows both the obverse & reverse & has a date of 1785.
This was one of the earlier colonial coins, ordered by Gouverneur Morris & minted in Birmingham, England, exclusively for…

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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, May, 1789

* George Washington elected 1st president of U.S.
* From the enemy just after the Revolutionary War

  Certainly the most significant---and very historic--report in this issue is the account under the heading "America" of George Washington being elected the first President of the United States. The full text can be seen in the photos, however portions include: "The 4th of March, being the day appointed by the ordinance of Congress for…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1791  Included is an interesting article headed: "Botany Bay" being a letter from Mr. White, surgeon-general at Botany Bay datelined Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, New South Wales, April 17, 1790. This articles takes a bit over a full page.
This is followed by an article headed: "America" which includes a portion of President George Washington's speech to Congress on the opening of the current session relating to the incursion of Indians into settled…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1793

* George Washington re-election
* Botany Bay - Australia

There are several items of interest, one of which is several pages on the: "Minutes of the Proceedings of the National Convention of France" with much text on what should be the fate of Louis XVI.
This is followed by: "The Last Will and Testament of His Late Most Christian Majesty" which has near the beginning: "In the name of the Holy Trinity...This day, Dec. 21, 1792, I Louis…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 2, 1793  

* Early Australia w/ Arthur Philip
* The "Pitt" arrival to save starvation 

Page 3 has a report noting: "Yesterday morning letters were received...from Governor Phillip at Jackson's Bank New South 'Wales [Australia]. The...mention the arrival of the Pitt with a seasonable supply of provisions and necessaries for the colony...".
Four pages, red tax stamp on the front paste, good condition.

background: The arrival of the Pitt at…

KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, July 24, 1795 

* Penal Colony, Botany Bay, Australia
* Captain William Bligh in West Indies

A handsome issue of the 18th century, with two decorative embellishments in the masthead & ornate lettering in the title.
Page 2 has: "'Botany Bay" which is a letter which is descriptive of the what would become known as Australia. it notes in part: "I am happy to inform you that the more we clear of this country, the better we find it, and if we had only…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 28, 1796

* Early New South Wales, Australia

The back page has a report headed: "New South Wales" which is from Australia. Bits include: "...the natives in the immediate purlieus of the settlement were tolerably friendly...The different convicts, whose term of transportation has expired, have been relieved from any imposition of public work...The colony was very healthy."
Eight pages, 9 3/4 by 13 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on the back page,…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1796  Included is an interesting and quite descriptive article on the kangaroo, perhaps the earliest such report we have seen. Bits include: "...The Gamgarou, or, as Pennant calls it, Kangaroo, is a native of New South Wales and first discovered by that able and much lamented navigator Capt. Cook. The proportions of this animal are singular in a great degree, its hinder (or lower) parts being generally seen in an erect position..." with much more. The…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1796  

* Rare publication
* Botany Bay
* New South Wales
* Australia

A very scarce title, existing only from Aug. 15, 1796 thru Aug. 16, 1797, just one year. This issue is from the private collection.
Page 3 has: "Botany Bay" which is present-day Australia. The letter from Governor Hunter, New South Wales, begins: "This settlement is wonderfully improved since the time I left it. It appears now to beaming rapid progress towards an independence for…

THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Jan. 20, 1849  The front page shows: "The Islington New Market". Inside has 4 prints on the: "Gold Mine In Brazil".
Perhaps the best prints are the five showing: "Scenes On Board an Australian Emigrant Ship" with related text, all taking two pages.
Sixteen pages, very nice condition.

THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, March 17, 1849  Amongst the many interesting prints perhaps the best are the two commanding the back page, showing: "Settler's Hut, In Australia" and: "Interior of Settler's Hut In Australia". The balance of the page is taken up with a nice article on it headed: "Australian Hut".
Sixteen pages, archival mend on page 2, minimal wear, good condition.

THE TIMES, London, Sept. 19, 1851 

* First Australian gold rush
* Colony of New South Wales

Page 4 has over two columns taken up with an excellent article concerning the New South Wales Gold Rush in Australia.
The gold rush began a bit earlier in 1851. This period in the history of New South Wales resulted in a rapid growth in the population and significant boost to the economy of the colony of New South Wales.
The California Gold Rush three years prior signaled the impacts on society…

THE TIMES, London, Sept. 20, 1851 

* First Australian gold rush
* Colony of New South Wales

The back page begins with over a full column of reports concerning the New South Wales Gold Rush in Australia.
The gold rush began a bit earlier in 1851. This period in the history of New South Wales resulted in a rapid growth in the population and significant boost to the economy of the colony of New South Wales.
The California Gold Rush two years prior signaled the impacts on society that…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 13, 1852  Page 2 has: "Colored Daguerreotypes" which is an interesting article on how such early "photographs" could be in color. Also an interesting article: "Gold Digging In Australia".
Page 3 has: "California" which is a fascinating letter on life in San Francisco, a few bits including: "...There is not the least doubt of this being the best country for a man to make money, provided he is frugal and industrious. Labor of every kind is…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 14, 1852  Page 3 has: "California Intelligence" taking half a column, reporting on the great fire in Sacramento, plus other items.
Also within: "Female Emigration To Australia" noting that it is: "...successful in an eminent degree...The first consisted of 39 females of respectable character--mostly distressed needle-women...". Also much on the: "Report of Major General Scott", signed by him: Winfield Scott.
Four pages, a bit irregular at…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Jan. 8, 1853

* Early gold mining print

Half the ftpg: "View Of The Old Dutch Church at Sleepy Hollow, N.Y." Half page: "Off To The Diggins--Scene Illustrating The Gold Fields Of Australia" Nearly a halfpg: "View Of The City Of Providence" plus slightly smaller illus. of the Arcade, Railroad Depot, & Market Square, all in Providence.
Sixteen pages, scattered foxing, nice condition.

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 9, 1853  The front page has a print captioned: "Sunday In Australia" with a related article.
Four pages, large folio size, never bound nor trimmed, 3 folds with fold & margin wear. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg: "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…

Published by P.T. Barnum...

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, June 18, 1853  P.T. Barnum was the co-owner (see photos) of this early illustrated newspaper which preceded both "Leslie's Illustrated" and "Harper's Weekly". This effort by Barnum and the Beach brothers would last for only 48 issues.
The text on the front page is: "The Pacific Railroad" and the print shows: "Thomas H. Benton". Inside has a nearly halfpg; "The Patent Office, Washington" and "Departure of the Arctic Expedition..." & "Scene On the Grand Canal,…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, July 30, 1853  The front page features a print of: "Hunting The Kangaroo In Australia" with a related article.
Four pages, very large size, 3 folds, small hole in the masthead, mild wear. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.

ILLUSTRATED NEWS, New York, Oct. 15, 1853  Formatted much like Harper's Weekly, but published 4 years previous to the more famous title. P.T. Barnum was a "Special Partner" in this publication as noted on one of the back pages.
The front page has a print of: "Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem".
Among prints within are: "Imperial Pawnbroker's Shop, Paris" "The Column of Vendome, Paris". "Sketches In Mexico" include: "The Great Cathedral & plaza, City of Mexico" "Village of Arispe". "New…

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, April 22, 1854  The ftpg. has an allegorical print of "April". Prints inside include: "The New Custom House, Charleston, South Carolina"; four prints of Indianapolis buildings including the "State House" & "Insane Hospital"; a back page print of "Market Square, Melbourne" and "Prince's Bridge, Melbourne, Australia".
Sixteen pages, toned, good condition.

GLEASON'S PICTORIAL, Boston, April 22, 1854  The ftpg. has an allegorical print of "April". Prints inside include: "The New Custom House, Charleston, South Carolina"; four prints of Indianapolis buildings including the "State House" & "Insane Hospital"; a back page print of "Market Square, Melbourne" and "Prince's Bridge, Melbourne, Australia".
Sixteen pages, nice condition.

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1855  The front page has a nice print captioned: "Melbourne, Australia" along with a full column article with the same heading.
Four pages, large folio size, never bound nor trimmed, 3 folds with mild fold & margin wear, good condition. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 28, 1857  Several illustrations from Australia's gold fields including scenes captioned: 'Going to the Diggings' 'Gold Fields on Mt. Alexander' and a view of 'Melbourne'. Also an illustration of 'James Boswell' but very few illustrations otherwise.
Complete in 16 pages, in good condition as shown and contains additional prints and/or related text.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 25, 1857  The front page features "The Travel Notes in Bible Lands" with a half page illustration 'Pool of Bethesda' and smaller illustration 'Pillar of Absalom'. Full page of text with 5 illustrations on: 'New Holland Pippins' with a view of the 'Country House Near Sydney, New Holland' and one of 'Kangaroos'. An article entitled "Going to Europe" with several small illustrations.
Two nice pages of text with 13 illustrations of 'About Flying Machines' showing a…

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, June 11, 1859 

* Rare title w/ great masthead

The front page has illustration of: "Victor Emmanuel, King of Sardinia" and a nice print: "View Of A Fleet of United States Men-of-War".
Prints inside include: "Sheep Shearing in Australia" "Transport of Wool From the Blue Mountains, Australia" and two others.
Eight pages, ornate masthead features a large engraving of ship, with nice embellishments in the margins, good condition.

GLEASON'S WEEKLY LINE-OF-BATTLE SHIP, Boston, June 11, 1859  The front page has illustration of: "Victor Emmanuel, King of Sardinia" and a nice print: "View Of A Fleet of United States Men-of-War" showing the Susquehannah, the Saratoga, the St. Marys, the Supply, the Plymouth, the Perry, the Mississippi, and the Princeton.
Prints inside include: "Sheep Shearing in Australia" "Transport of Wool From the Blue Mountains, Australia" and two others.
Eight pages, ornate masthead features a large…

BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, Dec. 17, 1859  The front page has a print of: "The Washington Building, Washington Street, Boston" with a related article. 
Prints within include: "New University College, Toronto, Canada" and: "Eglinton Suspension Bridge, Macquarie River, Bathurst, New South Wales". Also a: "View In Boston Harbor" with the back page featuring a print of a: "View On The Hudson River, Near Newburgh, New York" with an article.
Sixteen pages, good condition.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Jan. 14, 1860  Inside has two very nice, full-page & displayable prints: "The Sleighing Season--The Upset" and "A Snow Slide in the City", both by famed artist Winslow Homer.
Another full page shows: "The Emperor and Empress of France Hunting at Compiegne". The back page has two cartoon illustrations.
Complete in 16 pages, good condition.

ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, August 31, 1861 

* The Surrey eleven cricket team portrait
* Battle of Bull Run - Manassas (in America)

Inside has: "The Surrey Eleven" with a full page portrait of the cricket team.
Another full-page print has: "The Civil War In America: Engagement Between The 71st New York And An Alabama Regiment At The Battle Of Bull Run".
Other prints include: "Regatta at Halifax Harbor, Nova Scotia" "General View of Sydney, New South Wales" and more.
Complete in…

THE ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Feb. 1, 1862  Among the prints within are a full page: "St. Andrews Harbour & Bay New Brunswick" in Canada; "The Confederate Sloop of War Sumter Capturing Two Federal Merchantmen Off Gibraltar"; a full page of: "New Year's Reception at the White House, Washington" which includes President Abraham Lincoln in the print; several prints of: "Sketches From New Zealand"; several prints on: "The Burke and Wills Australian Exploring Expedition" and more.
England…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 24, 1866 The entire ftpg. features nine: "Portraits of Washington" at various times in his life. Inside contains an article with nine illustrations on: 'The Birthplace, Home & Tomb of Washington'.
The doublepage centerfold is a very nice & large print captioned: "President Lincoln Entering Richmond, April 4, 1865" showing him surrounded by many appreciative Blacks, presumably former slaves.
This issue also has a full page print: "Foundering of the Steamship…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 22, 1869  The front page features a halfpage illustrations 'The Source of the Jordan'. A full page features 5 illustrations: 'Explorations at Jerusalem'. A halfpage illustration of 'Inauguration of the New Masonic Lodge Room in Booth's Building, New York City'. An article on "The Challoner-Whittaker Tragedy, Quebec" also has small illustrations. Halfpage illustrations are of "The National Peace Jubilee Building, Boston, Massachusetts", 'Harbor of Havana - Landing…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 17, 1869  The front page features a full page illustration entitled "Uninvited Guests", by J C Beard. Another fullpage illustration is "Summer". Nearly halfpage : 'Capture of the Cuban Expedition in Long Island Sound'. The "Welcome Stranger" article is about the largest gold nugget found and features an illustration of the nugget. A nice full page illustration is of 'The Gettysburg Monument, Dedicated July 1, 1869' plus 4 more scenes from Gettysburg. Thomas Nast…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Oct. 28, 1871 The full front page is a dramatic print: 'The Great Fire in Chicago--Group of Refugees in the Street'. Prints inside include a nice fullpg: 'Chicago In Flames--The Rush for Life over Randolph St. Bridge' plus a very dramatic doublepage centerfold: 'Chicago In Ruins' which is a large overview showing the city in flames. Two more fullpgs. with seven fire scenes. A very dramatic and historic issue.
Complete in 16 pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Nov. 25, 1871  The significant print is the very dramatic doublepage centerfold captioned: "Forest Fires In The West--The Burning of Peshtigo", Wisconsin. This fire, which occurred on the same day as the more famous Chicago Fire & consequently received much less press attention, was actually much more of a disaster,as Peshtigo suffered over 1500 deaths compare to 300 in the Chicago Fire. It is an interesting curiosity of history that the Peshtigo Fire has been large…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 23, 1872  Front full pg. Nast illus. entitled "Much Ado About Nothing." Inside: A 1/6 pg. illus. of "Between Decks." 1/4 pg. illus. of "Landing at Havana." Two small illus. entitled "Sugar Making" and "Auction of the Sick and Lame." 2/3 pg. illus. of "New Academy of the Brooklyn Art Association." Full pg. Nast illus. of "A Few Washington Sketches-In the Senate." Full pg. illus. containing three illus. pertaining to "The Story of a Waif." 1/2 pg. illus. of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, March 30, 1872  Full ftpg. Thomas Nast political cartoon. Halfpg: 'The New City Hall, San Francisco'. Nice fullpg. montage of 9 illus. on: 'The North Carolina Bandits' with insets of the outlaws.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 17, 1873  The front page features a fullp age illustration 'The Spring Campaign - Led as a Lamb to the Slaughter.' A 3/4 page illustration 'The Bank of England Forgeries - Bidwell's Examination.' Nice full page has 2 Indian illustrations: 'Young Bucks on the War Path' and 'Young Bucks Returning With Spoils' shows one holding a scalp. Nice 3/4 page illustration; 'Modocs Scalping and Torturing Prisoners' and 1/3 page 'Modoc War--Soldiers Recovering the Bodies of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 19, 1873  Front 1/2 page illustration of "The Neanderthal Man." Also, two smaller illustration of "Skull of Neanderthal Man" and "Schiller's Skull."; Two 1/2 page portraits of " The Hon. Noah Davis, Judge of the Supreme Court of New York" and "The Late Hiram Powers and His Wife, Florence, Italy."; 1/4 page portrait of "The Late Infant Prince Frederick William of Hesse."; 1/2 page portraits of "Jesse R. and Hannah Grant, Father and Mother of the President.";…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 20, 1873  Full front page illustration entitled "Spain Accedes to Our Demands.";
Full page illustration of "Tracking Rabbits." (Hunting); Three illustrations pertaining to "The Loss of the Steamship "Ville Du Havre" including "The "Loch Earn," "The "Trimountain," "Captain W. W. Urquhart," and "On Deck-A Foggy Day."; Full page: "Plan of the Lost Steamer "Ville Du Havre" and "...Outward Bound."; Full page illustration of "Aloft in a Gale."; Two 1/6 page…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, August 29, 1874  Full ftpg. Nast shows Black men being 'pardoned' - "Freedom, Jubilee. and Pardon". Great fullpg: 'On a Load of Hay' shows children atop a wagon load of hay. Fullpg: 'Seaside Sketches' 1/2 pg: 'A String of Blackberries' shows a Black family picking them. Doublepage centerfold: "Warwick Castle". Quarterpg: "Max Muller" and "Dr. Schweinfurth, the African Explorer".
Complete in sixteen pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Oct. 31, 1874 Full ftpg. Nast political cartoon: 'Not So Easily Taken In'. Fullpg. with 11 scenes of: 'October in the White Mountains'. Dramatic dblpgctrfld: 'A Duel in the Air--Eagles Fighting Over their Prey'. Fullpg: 'On the Way to the African Gold Fields--Pontoon Ferry Over the Vaal River'. A political cartoon shows Blacks voting.
Complete in sixteen pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 13, 1875  Full front pg. Nast illus. of "The Mysterious Influence of the New York Herald." Inside is a 2/3 pg. illus. of "Coasting on Boston Common." Two full pg. Nast illus. entitled "Peace Insecure-Afraid for Her Life" and "Peace Secure-Safe and Protected." Seven small illus. pertaining to "The Feejee Islands." Two 1/3 pg. illus. pertaining to "The Straight of Magellan" including "...Cape Froward" and "...Glacier Bay."
Complete in sixteen pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, April 8, 1876  Front full page illustration of "The Lexington of the Sea."
2/3 page illustration of "The Phul-Bagh, or Flower Garden Palace, Gwalior, India."; Two full page Thomas Nast illustration entitled "The Haunted House; or, the 'Murdered' Rag Baby Will Not Be Still" and "The Reign of the Press."; Full page illustration of "Philadelphia Street Characters."; 2/3 page illustration of "Cross Purposes." (Pig).
Complete in 16 pages and contains additional prints…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, January 20, 1877  Front full pg. portrait of "Cornelius Vanderbilt." Inside is a full pg. illus. of "The Centennial - Carriage Exhibit." Four 1/4 pg. portraits of "The Hon. S. J. Randall," "The Hon. Lucius Robinson," "The Hon. Smith Ely, Jun.," and "The Hon. John Kelly." Two full pg. illus. of "The Ashtabula Disaster" and "In the Snow - Clearing the Street Railway Tracks in New York." 2/3 pg. illus. of "The Playmates." Full pg. illus. of "In the Snow - Homeless." The…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Feb. 10, 1877 Full ftpg. Nast political cartoon showing Boss Tweed. Fullpg. Nast cartoon showing Uncle Sam. Small illustration: 'Natives Of Honolulu, Sandwich Islands'.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Mar. 24, 1877 Full ftpg. shows: 'Our New President Taking the Oath'. Great dblpgctrfld: 'Our New President--General View of the Inauguration Ceremonies' at the Capitol. Two other halfpg. scenes. re. the inauguration. Nice fullpg. Nast cartoon: 'Another Such Victory & I am Undone' shows a wounded Republican elephant in bandages. Fullpg: 'Pres. Grant & His Cabinet at the Capitol'