Ben Franklin letters re: people struck by lightning... and more...
Item #704137
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790 A nice issue with a full title/contents page with an embellishment at the top.Included within are two item by Ben Franklin: "Letter on the Death of Persons Struck with Lightning--by Dr. Franklin" and "Extracts of Letters form Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg, the French Translator of his Works".
The back page has an "... See More
Book on the trial of Quakers held at Philadelphia...
Item #704118
November 18, 1693
ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, England, Nov. 18, 1693
* Rare Salem witch trials advertisement
* Very early and rare 17th century title
This was a "gentleman's" newspaper very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics done in question/answer format. Published at a time when there were no newspapers printing in the American co
... See More
* Rare Salem witch trials advertisement
* Very early and rare 17th century title
This was a "gentleman's" newspaper very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics done in question/answer format. Published at a time when there were no newspapers printing in the American co
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications which printed the essay which is highly desirab... See More
Very early report of Washington's inaugural address, plus his election as well...
Item #702876
April 01, 1789
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789
* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration
Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some ite... See More
Provincial Congress meeting (1775)...
Item #702716
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
First issue of the first woman's magazine in America...
Item #702704
June 01, 1792
THE LADIES MAGAZINE, (Philadelphia), June, 1792
* Very first issue of this rare publication
A rare publication which existed for just 12 issues from June, 1792 to May, 1793. This is the very first issue of the first woman's magazine in the United States.
It's full title is "The Ladies Magazine & Repository of Entertaining Knowledge" as noted on the title page, a ... See More
The (1775) Restraining bill, and reaction to it...
Item #701076
May 17, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, May 17, 1775
* Retraining Acts of 1775
* Colonial trade restrictions
* American Revolutionary War
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with: "Lord Camden's Speech on the New England Fishery Bill".
Page 2 has a report headed: "Provisions in the Restraining Bill for the Provinces of New Jersey, Pennsylva... See More
Congress proclaims an end to the war with England...
Item #700573
April 22, 1783
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 22, 1783
* End of American Revolutionary War w/ Britian
* U.S. Congress formally announces cease-fire
A wonderfully historic issue as page 3 contains the formal document by the United States Congress that put an end to the fighting in the Revolutionary War.
It is officially titled: "By the United States o... See More
An attempted early demonstration of a parachute ends comically... News from America...
Item #699820
July 14, 1785
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 14, 1785 The back page has a report concerning the early use of a parachute, bits noting: "...persons were assembled...late Blanchard's Aerobatic Academy near Vauxhall, to be spectators of an experiment made by a Italian with a parachute, who was to have let himself down from a prodigious altitude and to manifest his composure by playing on a viol... See More
Judaica related ad... Loyalists in America...
Item #698469
April 27, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 27, 1791 The front page includes reports from the "House of Commons" with the topic of "American Loyalists" which includes: "Sir Henry Clinton presented a petition from the American Loyalists praying for farther relief...".
Page 3 includes a letter datelined "Fort Pitt, 3rd April, 1762" signed by H. Bo... See More
From during George Washington's administration...
Item #698433
February 18, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 18, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
A wealth of advertisements including: "One Hundred Dollars Reward" for a runaway, with details. Page 2 continues with: "Debate on Mr. Madison's Resolutions...".
The front page has a notice from the: ... See More
During Washington's administration...
Item #698432
January 23, 1793
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1793 A typical newspaper of the day from during George Washington's administration. The back has no fewer than three runaway reward ads, with details.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.
Quakers want immunity from military duty...
Item #698329
November 23, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 23, 1791 Congressional business reported on page 3 includes mention that a memorial was presented: "...from a committee of the counties of Washington, Westmoreland, Fayette and Allegheny, remonstrating against the excise law....". Also that a memorial was presented: "...from the Quakers of the Eastern part of N. Car
... See More
From the seat of government while the "federal city" was under construction...
Item #698266
May 01, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, May 1, 1794 Various news reports from when Philadelphia was the temporary seat of the federal government while the District of Columbia was under construction.
In addition to news reports of the day are ads for: "An Essay on Slavery" "Treasury Department" "Stock Brokers Office" and more.
Four pages, wide never-trimme... See More
Silence is cowardice; neutrality is treason...
Item #698242
May 16, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 16, 1798 The front page has a lengthy letter being an: "Answer to the Young Men of the City of Philadelphia..." signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Also: "The Address - John Adams, President of the United States" by the young men of Boston concerning the potential for war & noting: "...when the most conciliating measures ... See More
Federal news from this temporary seat of government...
Item #698239
March 29, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 29, 1794 Page 3 has a report from Congress which includes a Resolve: "That effectual measures ought to be adopted to collect the present military establishment of the United States & that provision ought to be made that the same may be kept full." with other related Resolves.
The back page has a "W... See More
From the seat of government while the "federal city" was under construction...
Item #698238
May 08, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, May 8, 1794 Various news reports from when Philadelphia was the temporary seat of the federal government while the District of Columbia was under construction.
In addition to news reports of the day are ads for: "An Essay on Slavery" & "Treasury Department" plus reports headed: "LaFayette" "Proclamation"... See More
Washington re-elected... Report from Botany Bay...
Item #698164
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1793 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: "I... See More
Letter signed by G. Washington... England's frivolous advantages...
Item #698074
September 23, 1777
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Sept. 23, 1777
* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy
* General George Washington
The front page has a few news items from the war in America, including: "...from Philadelphia we have an account that the Provincials have strongly secured the environs of that city...that the taking of Phila. is as impossible this year to... See More
Detailing how supportive England has been to the colonies...
Item #698043
January 28, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1778 This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
Only to be found in a Loyalist newspaper, the entire front page is t... See More
Thomas Paine and his "Age of Reason"...
Item #698034
May 07, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 7, 1794 From the nation's capital at the time, as the District of Columbia was under construction.
Page 3 has a report from Paris beginning: "Thomas Paine, in his prison here, is determined not to remain idle. A production of his has just made its appearance in English, and bears the following title: 'The ... See More
Federal news from this temporary seat of government...
Item #698033
January 02, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 2, 1794 Given that Phila. was the temporary capital of the United States while the District of Columbia was under construction, it is nice this issue has reports from Congress during this early year of the federal government.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margin, very nice condition.
Washington introduces a letter by the Secretary of State...
Item #698025
March 20, 1794
GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 20, 1794 Page 2 has a letter of introduction to the Congress signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. It introduces a letter from the Secretary of State concerning: "...the vexations and spoliations on our commerce since the commencement of the European war...". The much lengthier letter is that by the Secretary, signed in type: Ed. R... See More
Abundant produce in America... Marie Antoinette...
Item #697811
August 24, 1793
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 24, 1793
* 18th century American produce
* Marie Antoinette in prison
Page 2 has a report noting in part: "The American harvest...has proved so abundant that for 25 to 30 Winchester barrels have been computed the produce of many thousands single acres...that orders will be received for the exportation of 250,000 quarters of European or Indian ... See More
Applying for pension benefits in 1793...
Item #697660
January 30, 1793
THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1793
* American Revolutionary War victims
* Henry Knox document re. pension benefits
Page 2 has a document headed: "War Department" concerning pension benefits for those injured in the Revolutionary War. It is signed in type: H. Knox.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697371
May 31, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 31, 1797 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 opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue app... See More
Naval battle between the Americans & British... Franklin the 'old fox'...
Item #697219
January 03, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Jan. 3, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published when the British occupied Philadelphia. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
... See More
The "humble" beginnings of Stephen Girard...
Item #697217
October 17, 1792
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1792 The front page features 21 illustrated ship ad making this a decorative issue. The ftpg. also has a small notice for the "Cincinnati of Pennsylvania" [The Society of Cincinnati] calling for a meeting of the standing committee.
The back page has an ad by Stephen Girard, for the sale of merchandise (including French... See More
Notable attempt at price controls during the War... Much fine war content...
Item #697211
July 15, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 15, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This is the volume 1, #18 issue.
The entire front page & most of the back page are taken up with what one scholar calls: &quo... See More
Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington as Commander-in-Chief...
Item #697032
June 27, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: ... See More
John Hancock on the Shays' Rebellion... Notes from the Constitutional Convention...
Item #696675
June 28, 1787
UNITED STATES CHRONICLE, Providence, Rhode Island, June 28, 1787
* Daniel Shay's Rebellion
* John Hancock proclamation
* Constitutional Convention
This title has one of our favorite mastheads, which includes two engravings: one the arms for Rhode Island, and the other the arms of the United States, making this a very displayable issue.
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" wh... See More
Runaway slave ad, and more...
Item #696660
February 17, 1791
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 17, 1791 Among the back pager ads is one noting: "...state of Maryland on 20th of November, a negro man slave commonly called Will Potts..." with much more. Also one headed: "Ten Pounds Reward" for: "...a Negro Man named Henry..." with descriptive information.
Four pages, good condition.... 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
Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States...
Item #696414
THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787 * Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States
This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.
Comments from the Library Company ... See More
Burr accused of murdering Hamilton... Dr. William Herschel's work...
Item #696413
September 01, 1804
THE GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1804 The first column of a page is headed: “AMERICA & THE WEST INDIES” reporting: “By the New York papers, we learn, that the Coroner’s Inquest, held on the late Gen. Hamilton, have brought in a verdict of ‘Willful murder against A’ Burr, esq. Vice President of the United States... It is also sta... See More
News from America...
Item #696143
January 03, 1761
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1761 The front page has a short item headed: "America" concerning the death of William Carver, who leave behind 106 descendants.
Page 6 has reports from "America" with datelines of Boston, New York and Philadelphia on the arrival of troops from England, including: "...General Amherst came to town from Albany...eight compan... See More
End of war reports... Proclamation signed by John Hanson, the first President?
Item #694963
November 05, 1782
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR, THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Nov. 5, 1782
* Revolutionary War ending events
* John Hanson - 1st American president ?
Page 2 has a lengthy letter which is reflective of the American-British relationship in the past. A few bits include: "...they have not duly considered the solid reasons and unanswerable arguments of the worthy, upright pe... See More
Single sheet "Supplement" to the Pennsylvania Gazette...
Item #694917
August 03, 1769
SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119 (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769) This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the regular 4-page issue, reflecting the g... See More
Very handsome Revolutionary War newspaper from Philadelphia...
Item #694765
December 11, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead for display
This newspaper features one of the most ornate and decorative mastheads of the Revolutionary War, the words "Pennsylvania Packet" so frilly that it can be difficult to read.
Most of page 2 is taken up with; "An Act for Vesting the Est... See More
Buying the land at West Point for the Military Academy... Deciding on the seat of government...
Item #694764
June 30, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 30, 1790
* West Point Military Academy land bought
* Seat of Government decision
Part of page 1 & half of pg. 2 are taken up with a continuing discussion in the House of Representatives on "Mr. Gerry's motion on the assumption of the state debt..." from the Revolutionary War, a controversial discussion at the time.
... See More
* West Point Military Academy land bought
* Seat of Government decision
Part of page 1 & half of pg. 2 are taken up with a continuing discussion in the House of Representatives on "Mr. Gerry's motion on the assumption of the state debt..." from the Revolutionary War, a controversial discussion at the time.
This newspaper existed for just one year... Botany Bay...
Item #694555
December 06, 1796
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 ... See More
A single sheet "Supplement" issue...
Item #694552
October 15, 1796
SUPPLEMENT TO CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 15, 1796 Occasionally newspapers would publish a "Supplement" to an issue to either provide space for advertisements or to report news that would not fit within the 4 page issue. This is one.
The front page begins with a: "Twenty-Dollars Reward" for a runaway: "...Negro servant lad..." ... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #694551
January 04, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Jan. 4, 1798 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 opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue app... See More
Rare 18th century title from Philadelphia...
Item #694520
September 16, 1786
THE PENNSYLVANIA HERALD, AND GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 16, 1786
* Very rare 18th century American publication
A very rare title, in fact I find no record in our database of having sold another of this title.
This newspaper existed under this title from just May 31, 1786 thru Feb. 14, 1788, less than 2 years. It existed for 16 months prior under several different titles... See More
Very early from Maryland: the French & Indian War... Money owned to Ben Franklin...
Item #694150
March 13, 1755
THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755
* Very rare & early American publication
A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gu... See More
Nice report from the French & Indian War...
Item #693566
June 03, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 3, 1760 Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with a Philadelphia dateline. Bits include: "...all the usual preparations of war going on...Necessity has obliged the General to send 1800 men to Charles Town in South Carolina where the Cherokees are doing all possible mischief, & have made irruptions into the heart of the province...General... See More
Nice report from the French & Indian War...
Item #693565
June 03, 1760
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 3, 1760 Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with a Philadelphia dateline. Bits include: "...all the usual preparations of war going on...Necessity has obliged the General to send 1800 men to Charles Town in South Carolina where the Cherokees are doing all possible mischief, & have made irruptions into the heart of the province...General... See More
Testimony of Joseph Galloway against General Howe... Thomas Paine...
Item #693175
November 23, 1779
PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, November 23, 1779
* Loyalist Joseph Galloway
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead for display
One-third of the front page has reports from the Penna. General Assembly, with a prefacing note signed in type by Thomas Paine, who was the Clerk of the General Assembly at that time.
There is a similar note signed by Thomas Paine on page 2 as wel... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #692954
June 24, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 24, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
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 opponents, usually those of a Jeffer... See More
Frederick Stump and his murderous rampage upon ten Indians...
Item #692942
April 12, 1768
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 12, 1768
* Frederick Stump's Run Massacre
* Native Americans - Indians killed
* Middleburg, Snyder County, Pennsylvania
Page 6, under: "America" has a report from Boston which is in reaction to the hated Townshend Acts of this year: "Millstones & grindstones equal if not superior to British are now to be had among ourselves... See More
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