18th century Philadelphia...
Item #711258
November 21, 1797
GENERAL AURORA ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1797
* Rare 18th century American publication
Eighteenth century American publications are somewhat scarce. The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. Contains news of the day with several advertisements.
Four pages, foxing sport on the first leaf, minor margin we... See More
Washington offers pardon to deserters... Revolutionary War reports...
Item #710042
May 05, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 5, 1779 Perhaps the prime content is the back page: "PROCLAMATION, By His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, General & Commander in Chief of the Armies of the United States of America".
In this notable Proclamation, Washington notes: "...a pardon was offered to all deserters from the Army...who should rejoin t... See More
One of the earliest newspapers from the colonies...
Item #710010
May 15, 1735
THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735
* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication
As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspa... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #707388
February 01, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 1, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice for: "Proposals For C... See More
Two accounts of Bunker Hill, Washington becomes commander-in-chief, so much more. In a Virginia newspaper...
Item #705357
July 14, 1775
VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg, July 14, 1775
This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War. A very rare opportunity for a scarce title from colonial Virginia.
When it comes to the military events of the Revolutionary War, I'm not s... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #705067
February 02, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 2, 1797
* Uncommon 18th century American publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Also on the ftpg. is a notice headed: "Treasury Dep... See More
George Washington... John Adams... Thomas Jefferson...
Item #704777
March 16, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 16, 1791 Nearly half of the front page has "New Revenue Law" which is an Act of concerning repealing the duties on distilled spirits, carrying over to page 2 and then continues in a future issue.
The back page has a very historic Act of Congress, titled: "An Act to Amend 'An Act for Establishing the Temporary & Permane... See More
Washington signs an Act of Congress... Creating a home for the President and Congress...
Item #704771
March 30, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 30, 1791 The front page has continued discussion in Congress concerning: "The Bank Bill Under Consideration" carrying over to take most of page 2.
Page 3 has a notable report from Phila: "The House of Representatives of this state have appointed a committee to bring in a bill to appropriate a sum of money for the purpose of bu... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #704764
December 23, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 23, 1797 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including several illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress. And over half of the back page is taken up with: "Propo... See More
Washington, the Constitution, Amendments, Hamilton's report...
Item #704740
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, (Philadelphia), October, 1789 Included is a lengthy: "...Report of the Secretary of the Treasury..." which takes 4 1/2 pages & signed in type by: Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury. This report is: "...in obedience to the order of the House of Representatives, of the 17th of September, 1789" concerning the indebtedness o... See More
Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #704737
March 26, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 26, 1798 The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads, as is page 4 which includes one for a runaway slave headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward"
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a little ink dirtiness to a front page margin, nice condition.
Federal news from this temporary seat of government...
Item #704724
April 15, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 15, 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.
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #704640
November 11, 1796
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 11, 1796 A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 3 has a chart of election results for Preside... See More
Engraving of a porcupine in the masthead...
Item #704633
March 29, 1798
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 29, 1798 The masthead features an engraving of a porcupine. The entire front page is taken up with ads including one for a runaway slave headed: "Ten Dollars Reward" Two more appear on the back page.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, a little ink dirtiness to a quadrant of the front page only, a few tiny binding holes along the blank s... See More
From the temporary capital of the United States...
Item #704631
February 10, 1797
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, Feb. 10, 1797 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time, while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page is filled with advertisements including three illustrated ship ads. Inside has reports from the federal Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, stains at the spine m... See More
Federal news from this temporary seat of government...
Item #704625
April 11, 1794
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & EVENING ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 11, 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.
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and more...
Item #704605
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, June, 1792 Articles include a continuation of: "A Continuation of the Reflexions on the Manufactures of the United States..." "Manners & Customs of the Hindoos" "Gallantry" "Account of the Bastille" "Hessian Fly" includes a list of 9 key issues, signed in type by: Thomas Jefferson among others; "Rev... See More
Great dislike of the Jay Treaty (designed by Alexander Hamilton) with England...
Item #704597
July 29, 1795
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 29, 1795
* 18th century America
* re. John Jay Treaty
Almost all of the front page is taken up with critical articles on the controversial Jay Treaty with England, designed by Alexander Hamilton, headed: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce Between Great Britain and the United States of America". ... See More
Two Acts of Congress signed by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams...
Item #704528
April 02, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, April 2, 1791
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Two Acts of United States Congress
The front page has reporting on: "The Bank Bill under Consideration".
The back page has two Acts of Congress headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, each signed in block type by: George Washington, Thomas Jef... See More
The great Philadelphia State House print...
Item #704435
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1752* Pennsylvania State House
* Philadelphia PA print
* Independence Hall
Despite the 48 pages of text within this issue the prime content is certainly the full page plate captioned: "A View of the State House in Philadelphia" which would later be known as Independence Hall.
This is a print of this famous building 24 years before it... See More
Notable ad for Paine's "Common Sense"... Much on the faltering relationship with America...
Item #704396
January 18, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 18, 1776
* Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" ad
* Great year to have (1776)
* American Independence ?
* Revolutionary War original
Wonderful to find a newspaper not just dated 1776, but from Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with reports from Parliament, much concerning the tension with the American colonies... See More
Death of Ben Franklin...
Item #704390
April 24, 1790
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790
* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)
Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790... See More
A rare Philadelphia title from 1796...
Item #704316
January 10, 1797
GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Dec. 30, 1796
* Rare 18th century American publication
A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer" which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page... See More
Building the frigate ''United States' is ahead of schedule...
Item #704311
September 14, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1796
* USS United States construction
Page 2 has a report noting: "The United States frigate, building in Southwark under the direction of Mr. Humphreys, is in such a state of forwardness that it is probable she might be launched before the ensuing winter, should occasion require (We wish we could say as much of the Boston frigate).&quo... See More
Choosing a location for Congress...
Item #704253
November 23, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 23, 1793
* United States Congress
* Choosing a site to build
A page 3 report from Philadelphia notes: "The President of the United States, having summoned the headed of Departments, Chief Justice and other officers of the Government, to meet at Germantown, to advise on the most suitable place for the meeting of Congress; we understand, their deci... See More
Much news from the Revolutionary War...
Item #704210
September 28, 1776
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776
* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)
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 an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military ser... See More
Creating the Bank of the United States...
Item #704193
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1791 * First Bank of the United States creation
Certainly the most notable content is at the back where is found a significant report headed: Congress of the United States" with the text of the creation of the Bank of the United States.
It is titled: "An Act to Incorporate the Subscribers to the Bank of ... See More
Alexander Hamilton... The President's travels...
Item #704013
November 20, 1799
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 20, 1799 This issue was printed less than a month before the death of George Washington.
The front page and page 2 have the "Speech" of Governor Tichenor of Vermont. Page 2 has a report of the President arriving in Philadelphia. Page 3 includes: "Piracy And Murder".
The back page has a nice "War Department&q... See More
Laying the cornerstone for the President's House, sort of...
Item #703561
May 26, 1792
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1792
* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone
Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United St... See More
Burgoyne surrenders Saratoga to Horatio Gates...
Item #703554
December 11, 1777
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 11, 1777 A page 2 report begins: "The account of the capitulation of General Burgoyne's army was brought to Quebec by some deserters from the Provincials who had entered into the King's service, & whom Gen. Burgoyne, when he found he must surrender, advised to quit his army...". Another page has reports from the Irish House of Commons... See More
Georgetown to be the nation's capital?
Item #703549
THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790 The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Educatio... See More
Thanks to John Dickinson for his famous "Letters From A Farmer" series...
Item #703498
March 31, 1768
THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, March 31, 1768 The newspaper was made famous by Ben Franklin, its owner & printer several years previous. His name appeared on the imprint through 1765.
Page 2 has various reports which reference John Dickinson's famous "Letters from a Farmer" series, which appeared in the newspaper, as well as others. A report from Boston includes: ... See More
Criticizing Thomas Paine's writings...
Item #703477
January 23, 1779
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 23, 1779 Two-thirds of the front page and most of page 2 are taken up with an interesting, critical article on Thomas Paine's works. It is headed: "To The Respectable Public of America, On the Veracity of Common Sense" in which the authors points out 20 "falsehoods" on the Paine's works, with th... See More
Edmund Burke's conciliatory plan...
Item #703310
May 13, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 13, 1775 All of pages 1 and 2 are taken up with continued discussion in the House of Lords: "Authentic Debates on the New-England Fishery Bill". This was one of the notable Restraining Acts that would eventually lead to the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 contains Mr. Burke's nine point conciliatory plan, taking over half the page, an... See More
The Bill of Rights...
Item #703267
October 06, 1789
THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789
* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments
Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed i... See More
John Hancock signs an Act of the Mass. legislature...
Item #703218
August 07, 1783
THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Aug. 7, 1783 Almost the entire issue is taken up with a lengthy Act of the state of Massachusetts, titled: "AN ACT, Laying Duties of Impost and Excise on Certain Goods, Wares and Merchandise therein described...". It is signed at its conclusion on page 4: John Hancock.
Included as well is the "Supplement" single sheet which includes a ne... See More
Proposing a new Amendment to the Constitution... Three Acts of Congress...
Item #703194
March 12, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, March 12, 1791
* United States Constitution amendment proposed
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson
Inside has more than a full column taken up with: "Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, Laid on the Clerk's Table by Mr. Benson, to her Proposed by Congress to the Legislature's of the Several States&... See More
On the Constitution... Postal routes through the states...
Item #703193
October 13, 1792
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1792
* George Washington administration era
* Jefferson on the United States Constitution
* Post Master General Timothy Pickering
About one-third of the front page is taken up with an editorial concerning the Constitution, beginning: "By the extracts from Mr. Jefferson's letters lately published, his sentiments on the cons... See More
First known U.K. printing...
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible essay: "The morals of Chess"...
Item #703114
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 * Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington
The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable q... See More
Ben Franklin's historic/collectible: "The Morals of Chess"...
Item #703113
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 * Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess
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 whi... 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 American 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 men
... See More
* Meeting of a Provincial Congress
* Early American 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 men
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
Early version of the Articles of Confederation...
Item #702530
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1775 Over three pages are taken up with: "Protest entered in the Upper House Against the Bill for Prohibiting all Commercial intercourse with the Confederated Colonies" which is very good reading in defense of America.
There is terrific & historic reading taking nearly 2 pages on what is an early version of the Articles
... See More
There is terrific & historic reading taking nearly 2 pages on what is an early version of the Articles
Terrific political cartoon from the Revolutionary War...
Item #701553
February 01, 1778
THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1778
* American Revolutionary War era
* Very rare political cartoon illustration
The prime feature of this issue is a great full page plate which is a political cartoon concerning England as it relates to the American colonies (click here to see a high-resolution photo of the cartoon).
A page has an: "Explanation of the... See More
Washington & his wife arrive... Captain Bligh...
Item #701546
October 01, 1791
GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Oct. 1, 1791 A page 3 report from "Georgetown" reports: "Monday evening last the PRESIDENT of the United States, his LADY, and Suite, arrived in this town from the Seat of Government; and on Tuesday took their departure for Mount Vernon."
Another page 3 item notes: "Capt, Bligh is now on his way a second time, for the purp... See More
The Citizen Genet Affair in 1793...
Item #701503
May 29, 1793
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, May 29, 1793
* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet
The front page has the Address Of The Citizens Of Philadelphia, To EDMUND CHARLES GENET, Minister Plenipotentiary From The Republic of France, To The United States", with his Answer signed in type: Genet.
Genêt served as French minister to the United States from 1793 to 1794. His activities in ... See More
Maryland's non-importation resolution...
Item #701324
July 03, 1769
PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 3, 1769 The front page includes an illustration relating to a new kind if water-powered mill. Page 3 has an interesting report of: "A bill for a charitable lottery for the relief of distressed Virgins in Great Britain" which begins: "Whereas, by the great & melancholy disuse of holy matrimony in the king... See More
British soldiers are deserting to Washington's camp...
Item #701135
January 29, 1778
THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 29, 1778 A nice issue for display, as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll with 'Independence' in the other, with the words 'Appeal To Heaven" above him.&nb... See More
Reports from the closing months of the Revolutionary War...
Item #701131
April 09, 1783
THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL, Philadelphia, April 9, 1783
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events - John Dickinson
Fully half of the front page is a lengthy letter: "To His Excellency John Dickinson, esq., President" of Pennsylvania, which relates to the paper currency of America. The balance of the front page is a letter: "To Robert Morris" that begins: "M... See More
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