<img src="/images/cathead_1600s1700s.gif" alt="Newspapers From The 1600s and 1700s" />
Likely the most desired masthead from the 18th century... Paul Revere's segmented snake engraving - "Join or Die"
Item #687194
October 27, 1774
THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774 It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the confect of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is com... See More
Four front page signatures by George Washington...
Item #687171
May 28, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 28, 1796
* President George Washington
A very displayable newspaper, as the front page has not one but four Acts of Congress with each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. One concerns: "...allowing compensation for horses killed in battle belonging to officers of the army of the United States."
The back page features 12 ill... See More
An address to the President, with his response...
Item #687169
October 10, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 10, 1798 Page 2 has an: "Address" prefaced with: "Among the numerous addresses presented to the President few, if any, have been better expressed than the following." signed: James Oliver. This is followed by the President's reply signed: John Adams.
Four pages, two very discrete archival mends inside, great c... See More
Does America have the intetrity & honesty to repay its war debts?
Item #687147
July 09, 1783
PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 9, 1783
* Rare publication w/ great masthead
* Post Revolutionary War debt
Page 2 is mostly taken up with a very lengthy letter concerning the situation in America at the time. It begins: "It now remains to be proved whether the people of America are an honest people or not..." and a few other bits include... See More
The American colonies and England... Gradual Abolition Act... Early naval battle...
Item #687146
March 25, 1780
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, March 25, 1780
* American Revolutionary War
* Great masthead engraving
The front page has a fine account of a furious naval engagement between Britain and France in the Revolutionary War, involving the frigate HMS Quebec and the frigate Surveillante of the French Navy. The battle ended in a French victory when Quebec was destroyed by an exp... See More
Further on Ethan Allen's narrative of his captivity...
Item #687145
November 20, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779
* Ethan Allen captivity
* Revolutionary War original
Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.
Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine.
All of ... See More
References to Cornwallis' surrender... A plea to Congress by Loyalist James Rivington...
Item #687139
December 06, 1781
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Post Surrender of Cornwallis
* Loyalist James Rivington
The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner inscribed "Appeal To Heaven&q... See More
Block the ports of the Massachusetts Bay colony?
Item #687129
November 06, 1770
THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Salem, Massachusetts, Nov. 6, 1770 The front page has reports from London concerning the growing tensions with America, bits including: "...now under consideration to block up all the ports belonging to the colony of Massachusetts Bay & not to suffer the inhabitants to fish upon the banks...for one year, and to cause all the ports of the other colonies to be... See More
Burning of Fairfield & the coastal towns of Connecticut...
Item #687105
July 15, 1779
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 15, 1779
* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Burning of Fairfield, Connecticut - William Tyron
* Paul Revere masthead engraving for display
The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" whil... See More
Much like the Olive Branch Petition... Reaction by the soldiers to reading the "...Causes & Necessity of Taking Up Arms"...
Item #687100
July 26, 1775
CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 26, 1775
* American Revolutionary War
* Post Battle of Bunker Hill
A terrific issue, as the entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with a terrific follow-up to the Olive Branch Petition, in fact, written just 3 days after it, in which the Continental Congress points out the many issues with its relations with England, detai... See More
Execution of Col. Isaac Hayne, and much more...
Item #687094
October 11, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, October 11, 1781
* American Revolutionary War original
* American Issac Hayne's execution - hanging
Most of the front page is taken up with various correspondences from and to C. Fraser, Isaac Hayne, Lord Rawdon & John Collock, with a prefacing note: "The following are authentic copies of sundry papers which Col. Isaac Hayne, two ... See More
Perhaps the best Cornwallis surrender issue we have offered...
Item #687093
November 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Nov. 13, 1781
* Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending
A terrific issue as not only does it contain a fine account of the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, but it consumes the entire front page, carries over to take most of page 2, with additional information on page 3 as well.
The front p... See More
Early issue of this famous British newspaper...
Item #687087
May 16, 1758
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 16, 1758 Various European news reports with datelines from the Admiralty Office, London, Holland, Ireland, Falmouth, Portsmouth & elsewhere. The back page has a letter from Kingston, Jamaica.
Eight pages, 8 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.
Buonaparte's Proclamation... On the Quasi-War...
Item #686888
February 13, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1799 The front page and a few items inside relate to the tensions between the U.S. and France, relating to what would be called the Quasi-War.
Page 2 includes: "Buonaparte's Proclamation" concerning the assassination of a French aid de camp, noting: "...they should be brought as hostages to Cairo. The town shall be pillaged and no hous... See More
John Adams letter... Refuting Washington's death...
Item #686886
January 19, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 19, 1799
* President John Adams letter
* Refuting George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter to the New York legislature signed in type by the President: John Adams.
Following it is a note which begins: "Some if the infernals who infest the United States have reported...the death of our beloved Fabius-Maximus, of Mount Vernon. The tale is ... See More
Firepower for the "approaching season"...
Item #686885
January 12, 1799
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 12, 1799 Page 2 has a lengthy speech by the Mass. governor, signed in script type: Increase Sumner. The back page features a very interesting & unusual illustrated ad for "Gunnery Articles Suitable for the Approaching Season". One wonders what the season is, as the illustration shows a cannon.
Four pages, small piece from a lower blank margin, ... See More
The young U.S. Navy... The President's palace...
Item #686883
December 29, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 29, 1798
* United States Navy in it's infancy
Page 2 has a chart headed: "American Navy" being a: "List of Vessels In Service" noting the number of guns of commander of each.
It begins with the "United States" "Constitution" and "Constellation" then 12 other vessels, followed by a list of ship that... See More
Charles Bulfinch's first major project...
Item #686875
October 27, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 27, 1798
* Charles Bulfinch designs Federal Street Theatre
* First American-born professional architect
The front page has an address: "To the President of the United States" from the officers of the Guilford Regiment of militia, relating to the troubling relationship with France. It is followed by his "Answer" signed in type: Joh... See More
John Adams responds, Thomas Jefferson intervenes...
Item #686874
October 24, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling... See More
John Adams... Death on the frigate Constitution...
Item #686871
October 13, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 13, 1798 The front page has a letter from Maine: "To the President of the United States" concerning foreign encroachments on our land, which is followed by the: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams.
Page 2 has a report of a death: "At Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. William Read, 28 surgeon of the United States frigate Constitution, and a nati... See More
Signed by President John Adams... Much on the XYZ Affair...
Item #686863
August 25, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 25, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams act
Taking all of the front page & part of page 2 is "An Act to Lay & Collect a Direct Tax Within the United States" headed with a nice heraldic eagle engraving & signed in script type: John Adams.
Page 2 has nearly a full column reporting on events concerning the X... See More
John Adams and the Bank of the United States...
Item #686859
July 21, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 21, 1798
* President John Adams signed act
* Bank of the United States fraud
The front page has half a column take up with: "An Act to Punish Frauds committed on the Bank of the United States" signed in script type: John Adams.
Page 2 has a document headed: "John Adams, President of the United States of America: To All Whom It May Conc... See More
John Adams authorizes the creation of a provisional army...
Item #686851
June 13, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 13, 1798
* President John Adams
* Act of U.S. Congress
* Provisional Army
Over half of the front page is: "An Act Authorizing the President of the United States to Raise a Provisional Army" which was in anticipation of a possible war with France at the time, known as the Quasi War.
The Act of Congress is signed in script type by the Preside... See More
John Adams Acts... with script signatures...
Item #686849
June 02, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1798
* President John Adams
* 3 Acts of Congress
The front page has three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Page 2 has two letters: "To the President of the United States" from the citizens of Cambridge and Haverhill, Mass. The back page has an ad for the sale of various goods: &
... See More
* President John Adams
* 3 Acts of Congress
The front page has three Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Page 2 has two letters: "To the President of the United States" from the citizens of Cambridge and Haverhill, Mass. The back page has an ad for the sale of various goods: &
Silence is cowardice; neutrality is treason...
Item #686847
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 w... See More
Letters to the President...
Item #686846
May 05, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 5, 1798 The front page has the: "Address of the Inhabitants of Portsmouth to the President of the United States" and "Address of the Inhabitants of the town of Portland to the President of the United States" with page 2 having two more from Philadelphia and Brookline, with his response to the Phila. letter signed: John Adams.
The front pag... See More
Appointments to the ship Constitution...
Item #686821
April 21, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 21, 1798
* Officers appointed to the frigate USS Constitution
* Unites States Navy in it's infancy
Page 3 has a very brief yet historic item reading: "Appointments for the Frigate Constitution, Edward Prebble, 1st, and John Cordis, 2nd Lieutenants." This is for the famous ship later to be nicknamed "Old Ironsides".
Pag... See More
John Adams script signature on the front page...
Item #686819
April 07, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 7, 1798
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Fifth Congress of the United states
Most of the third column on the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress, signed in script type by the President: John Adams, and by the Vice President, Th. Jefferson, concerning the prevention of trade with foreign countries.
Other news of the day... See More
Law on "...the dangerous evils of canine madness..."
Item #686816
March 10, 1798
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 10, 1798 front page has a nearly full column Act of the Massachusetts legislature titled: "An Act to lessen the dangerous evils of Canine Madness and other injuries occasioned by Dogs." which is signed in type by the governor: Increase Sumner. A very interesting and early law which reads as if it came from an early version of the SPCA.
Also... See More
French Revolution: The Rights of Man, and the beginning of a new Constitution...
Item #686813
December 07, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791
* French Revolution
* Constitution of France
A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (th... See More
Hamilton, Washington, and Adams...
Item #686811
November 23, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1791 Most of the first column of the front page is taken up with the: "Report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the Estimates for 1792" which is signed in type: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury.
The front page also contains a: "Report of the Trustees of the Sinking Fund" signed by the Vice President: John Adams. Taking ... See More
Dr. Joseph Priestley... France eliminates knighthood...
Item #686807
September 28, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 28, 1791 A page 3 report says: "A subscription was opened in London, before Capt. Scott sailed, for the purpose of building a large and elegant Chapel for the Rev. Dr. Priestley." Joseph Priestley is credited with the discovery of oxygen.
There is much concerning the French Revolution including a page 2 item: "National Assembly - Abolition Of... See More
Washington names the new Post Master General... The situation in Pittsburgh...
Item #686796
August 24, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 24, 1791
* President George Washington
* Timothy Pickering appointed
Page 2 has a report that: "Another expedition to the Indian country is now in operation--it consists of 500 men...". This is followed by a letter from Pittsburgh noting in part: "...since I came to this place not a life has been lost within the reach of our parties. Th... See More
Native American's live better than "civilized" man...
Item #686794
August 13, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 13, 1791 The front page has an interesting article: "Parallel - The Civilized Man and The Savage" which speaks favorably for the Native Americans on how they conduct their lives.
Page 3 notes the President's appointment of James Barry as ambassador to Portugal, followed by a report from the Supreme Court.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Appointing the Postmaster General... Honoring Alexander Hamilton...
Item #686790
July 30, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 30, 1791 Page 3 includes: "We are informed that the President of the United States has been pleased to appoint William Jackson Post Master General of the United States."
Above this is a report of the celebration of the 4th of July, and also a note that: "The Coroporation of the Chamber of Commerce of New York last week gave an elegant entertai... See More
Treatment of Indians... Louis XVI on the colors of the flags...
Item #686786
May 14, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 14, 1791 Over half of the front page is taken up with: "Commonn Sense -- In Answer to Burke's Phillipick" which relates to Thomas Paine's work, plus much concerning he French Revolution and several references to the Maquis de LaFayette.
Page 2 has "A Law" from France, signed by the King: Louis, concerning a Decree of the Nati... See More
Federal government along the Potomac?
Item #686781
December 15, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 15, 1790
* Site for United States Government
* Along the Potomac River ?
Detailed front page article "Observations On the Whale-Fishery and Seal-Catching" says the two combined would make for a "...profitable voyage..." and that the Nantucket and Long Island Whalemen: "...will find themselves peculiarly adapted..." for se... See More
Vermont to ratify the Constitution...
Item #686777
December 01, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 1, 1790
* United States Constitution
* Vermont for ratification
On page 2 under "Vermont" is a notable report reading in full: "The Legislature of this State, has called a Convention to ratify the Constitution of the United States--to meet at Bennington, in the next month. The terms of the decree of the State of New York, with this State... See More
Vermont to debate & hopefully ratify the Constitution...
Item #686775
November 17, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 17, 1790
* United States Constitution
The front page has an article headed: "Religious Toleration" & another: "Beware of Counterfeits".
Page 3 has an item from "Vermont" noting: "The legislature of that state has passed an Act for calling a State Convention to meet at Bennington...for the purpose of assenting to, ... See More
Early report on boxing...
Item #686767
October 30, 1790
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 30, 1790
* 18th century bareknuckle boxing
Page 2 has an article: "Boxing" which is a very early report of the sport. The match is between "Big Ben" and the "Tinman".
Other items including a page 3 article on: "Duelling" "King of France's Demand" "the Art of Joking" "King of Sweden" a... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President...
Item #686742
June 01, 1787
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, June 6, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention.
Page 2 has a report from Philadelphia datelined May 26 with the historic report: "Yesterday, at the State House in this city, seven states were ful... See More
Speech signed by John Hancock... Vermont joins the Union...
Item #686732
January 29, 1791
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 29, 1791
* John Hancock signed speech
* Vermont statehood - joins union
Over half of page 2 and a bit of page 3 are taken up with the "Speech" of the governor of Massachusetts which is signed in type: JOHN HANCOCK. It is rare to find newspapers with documents signed by Hancock.
Page 3 has a report noting: "This day the Hon. Aaron ... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686710
November 14, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 a... See More
Constitutional Convention begins & Washington is elected its President: a day after report...
Item #686699
May 26, 1787
THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787
* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president
An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the ... See More
George Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686698
December 22, 1795
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795
* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address
Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Repre... See More
England discusses the issue of independence for America... War accounts...
Item #686694
May 12, 1780
THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 12, 1780
* American Revolutionary War era newspaper
* Independence for America ?
Pages 2 and 3 have much discussion in the House of Commons concerning the Revolutionary War. A few bits include: "...introduced his motion for a reconciliation between Great Britain & her colonies. Peace, he said, was a desirable object to every man...The p... See More
On religion in the Constitution... George Washington... The French Revolution....
Item #686627
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), September, 1789 Content includes: "American Anecdote" "Dr. Barnaby Relates the Following Anecdote of Dr. Franklin"; an address: "To the President of the United States" by the ministers of the German Reformed church, to which he responded, signed in type: George Washington; "On the Impracticability of a Passage into the P... See More
President Washington's state-of-the-union address...
Item #686595
THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790 * President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address
Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington.
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range... See More
On the Roberts & Carlisle treason... Discussion on the American war...
Item #686561
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1779* Abraham Carlisle & John Roberts
* Treason trials - Revolutionary War
The first article: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" takes ten pages and includes much talk of the on-going Revolutionary War, bits including: "...He enumerated a black catalogue of crimes committed by the leaders of the American rebe... See More
Reflecting on the highlights of the Revolutionary War... Map of a naval battle...
Item #686467
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE SUPPLEMENT, London, For the Year 1781 * Summary of the current Revolutionary War
* Battle of Porto Praya - naval encounter
A very nice "Supplement" issue published at the end of the year, and from the Revolutionary War with a wide range of varied content including war reports, news of the day, political reports, literary items, and other tidbits.
A... See More
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
Hours
Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
