Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Sept. 21, 1782  The front page has: "Mr. Fox is said to have given the terms upon which he will resume his place in the Cabinet--Two of them are to declare American independent & to withdraw all our forces from every part of the continent. Lord Camden & Lord Thurlow both coincide with this idea...".

And further on: "...an article from Phila...Capt. Lippencot, who caused the execution of Capt. Huddy, had been sent on the 4th of June from the British lines...to…

THE NEW YORK HERALD, Dec. 6, 1865

* President Andrew Johnson's State of the Union Address
* Expresses deep God-directed gratitude
* Much mention of the loss of Abraham Lincoln

The top of the first column of the front page has a heading: "MESSAGE of the President Of The United States To The Two Houses Of Congress...." Text of the address takes up 5 columns, all on the front page and is signed in type: Andrew Johnson. It includes in part: 

"To express gratitude to God in the name of the people for…

NEW YORK HERALD,  Sept. 6, 1863  

* Tennessee Map - Kingston
* Charleston, South Carolina

The front page is dominated by a large Civil War map headed: "ALL TENNESSEE REDEEMED. The Capture of Kingston--Chattanooga & Knoxville Outflanked...".
Various column heads on the Civil War as well including: "Charleston" "The Rebels Have Fifteen-Inch Guns" "General Foster's Department"  "Gallant & Successful Charges Upon the Enemy" and more.
Eight pages, very nice condition.
 

NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 22, 1871  

* Death of Charles Babbage - English polymath
* "The father of the Computer" inventor 

Among the many front page reports is a very small, inconspicuous, and seemingly innocuous report of the death of a man named Charles Babbage. But there is much significance to this man.

Charles Babbage was an English mathematician, inventor, and mechanical engineer whose designs anticipated the fundamental principles of the modern computer nearly a century before electronic…

PUNCHINELLO, New York, Aug. 27, 1870  This is the 22nd issue of this famous title known for its satirical content directed at the various social and political issues of the day. Inspired by the English publication Punch, it existed only from April 2 to December 14, 1870.

SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN, New York, Dec. 2, 1868. The front page features "Reynolds' Steam Condensing and Water Elevating Engine". Inside the issue are: "Selfridge's Patent Washing Machine"; "Gear's Variety Planing and Molding Machine"; "Hattan's Patent Fireplace"; "Dimock's Thermo-Annuciator"; and additional illustrations, articles and advertisements.
Complete in sixteen pages and in nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 10, 1776 

* Great year to have (1776)
* re. Declaration of Independence
* American Revolutionary War

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. This issue was printed less than a month after it printed the Declaration of Independence (July 13 issue).
The front page includes an ad for the reprinting of a pamphlet titled: "American…

NEW YORK TIMES, June 27, 1861  Page 4 has a great article: "Abraham Lincoln, LL.D." which begins: "The Trustees of Columbia College, at their Annual Commencement...most happily struck the chord of public feeling, by conferring on Abraham Lincoln the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws...", an interesting fact unknown to many.
Among the front page one column heads on the Civil War are: "THE GREAT REVOLT" "Conflicts With the Rebels" "The United States Forces Victorious" "General Scott's Plans for…

NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 3, 1863  Page 2 has most of a column taken up with: "Affairs In Utah - Fatal Adventures with Grizzly Bears--The Peach Crop--Arrival of Saints--Miscellaneous News" with a dateline from "Salt Lake City".
The report begins with much detail concerning encounters with grizzly bears. Further on is: "...Capts. Patterson's, Sanders' and Preston's companies of Mormon immigrants have arrived...The immigrants report that the detachment of C. V.'s at Ham's Fork overhaul the trains,…

NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 28, 1863  Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "Department Of The Gulf" "Encouraging Prospects in Texas" "Gen. Washburn Moving Upon Indianola & Lavacca" "The Navigation of the Mississippi Less Interrupted" "The Free State Convention" "From Fortress Monroe" "The Army Of The Potomac "The Arizona Expedition" and more. 
War-related content inside as well, including a lengthy article: "Negro Equality in the South".
Eight pages, great condition.

THE WORLD, New York City, April 27, 1869

* Spirit photography - ghosts
* William H. Mumler fraud trial

The top of the front page has one column headings that include: "'SPIRIT' PHOTOGRAPHY" "Continuation of the Case Against Mumler" "Experts Show how Spirit Photographs can be Taken" and more with loads of testimony. Lengthy report continues on page 2 for a total of about 3 1/3 columns of text.
Complete with 8 pages, a little irregular along the spine, nice condition.

Background: In 1869, William H.…

NEW YORK WORLD, Feb. 12, 1862  The front page has: "Important Resolutions Of Senator Sumner", which is followed by the full text of his historic series of resolutions outlining what quickly became known as his radical "State Suicide Theory." 

Alongside this landmark constitutional argument, the issue features ongoing reports and official dispatches from the front lines of the American Civil War which help to provide context. The front page column heads on the Civil War are: "The War In

NEW YORK TIMES, May 31, 1862  The front page features a very nice map headed: "RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY FROM CORINTH" with the map showing from New Orleans to Memphis, to Pensacola.

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "ANOTHER TRIUMPH" "Corinth in Possession of Gen. Halleck" "Important Events Proceeding the Evacuation" "Heavy Fighting & Important Positions Gained" "Retreat of the Rebels & Occupation of Corinth by Our Forces" and more.

Eight pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 13, 1862  Page 2 of this issue features a report titled "THE LATE BURNING AT HARPER'S FERRY," detailing the destruction of portions of the town by Union forces. Page 3 carries a report on the "BRILLIANT SUCCESS OF GENERAL BURNSIDE'S EXPEDITION," with subheads including "Two Thousand Prisoners Taken" and "Elizabeth City Burnt By The Rebels," providing detailed coverage of the North Carolina campaign.

The historical interest of this issue lies

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 6, 1849  Over two columns on page 2 are taken up with an excellent and very detailed letter headed: "Diluvial Gold Deposits of California". It begins: "The excitement of the public mind, growing out of the discovery of native gold in the diluvial deposits of California, will, I trust, furnish an apology for the present communication....". The letter has a wealth of information on the gold deposits, less than half of which is seen in the photos.
The…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 27, 1779  The front page begins with two detailed reward ads for deserted soldiers.

One-third of the front page and over one-third of page 2 are taken up with the: "Report of Commissioners for Settling a Cartel for the Exchange of prisoners" this being addressed: "To his Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esquire, General and Commander in Chief of all the Forces of the United States of America."

The report begins by introducing the…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781  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" and surrounded by ornate embellishments.

The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are taken up with: "The Revolution of America, by the Abbe Raynal. Distressed State of England in 1768."

Page 3 has various reports…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790  Almost a full column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.

Four pages, some some foxing and damp stain to the upper right, good condition.

NEW YORK HERALD, April 25, 1865  All columns on all 8 pages are black-bordered in memory of Abraham Lincoln. Two-thirds of the first column are taken up with nice heads concerning the funeral of Abraham Lincoln including: "HONORS To the MARTYR PRESIDENT" "Our Tribute to the Lamented Dead" "Arrival of the Cortege" "The Body In State" "The Procession to the City Hall" "Scene of Sadness & Sorrow" "Incidents of the Obsequies" & much more.

Further reporting on the funeral on pages 4, 5 and 8…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 29, 1798  Most of the front page is taken up with  3 Acts of Congress, one for: "...the relief of sick and disabled seamen.", each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.

Page 2 has: "French Duplicity" which relates to the XYZ Affair. Also: "From the Mediterranean" concerning Napoleon Buoaparte, and "More Stuff For Treason" regarding France, and a page 3 item gives updates on the Frigates United States and Constitution.

Four pages, great condition.

THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, Aug. 1, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline, with the subtitle: "Or, the Triumph of Truth Over Popery".
The ftpg. has: "On the Moral Corruption of the Popish Hierarchy, Monks, Nuns, and People", a continuing article.

One of the more sensational stories exploited in later issues of this newspaper was "The Awful…

THE DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, Oct. 3, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in the masthead showing various churches in ruin and a subtitle: "Or, the Triumph of Truth Over Popery".
The ftpg. has: "On the Moral Corruption of the Popish Hierarchy, Monks, Nuns, and People", a continuing…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 1861 

* President Abraham Lincoln
* 1st State of the Union Address

Most of page 2 is taken up with: "The President's Message" being the annual state-of-the-union address of the President to Congress, signed in type at its conclusion: Abraham Lincoln.

Logically, much of his focus is on the on-going Civil War and its progress, although there is much more about the state of the nation. Page 3 has an editorial headed: "The President's…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War

The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris. 
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, as reported in the London Gazette. The first paragraph notes: "...have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 8th

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782

* Rare publication during Revolutionary War

 This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for the American reinforcement for the campaign of 1782 are not yet finally determined on; but it is agreed on all hands that it is…

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 page 4 is taken up with the continued "Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Treatment during his Captivity." which is…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 25, 1781  

* Two John Hancock signatures
* Richard Langdon signature (President of Harvard) 

A very handsome issue 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.
Most of the front page is taken up with a…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 18, 1775

* General George Washington
* Named Commander-in-Chief 
* Continental Army - British reaction

The front page begins with a nice item from London concerning George Washington: "General Washington, who was lately appointed Generalissimo over the Provincials, has refused any salary, and is to attend to the hazardous and arduous duty allotted him from principle only. A most noble example & worthy of imitation in Great Britain, particularly at this time…

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 days before his execution, delivered to a friend with an injunction...".
Col. Isaac Hayne was one of the most prominent Americans to…

BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, February 9, 1856  The front page is mostly taken up with the Mass. state arms and scenes emblematic of the state.
Among the prints within are: "Floating Church Off the Tower, London" "Statue of Rubens, At Antwerp" "Royal Spanish Bull-Fight act Madrid". With an article on: "American Indians" are prints of; "An Mandan Chief" "Blackfoot Indian On Horseback" "Sioux Indians Horse Racing" "Indians Skin Lodges" "Dacotah Woman & Assiniboin Girl" "Group of Saukie and Fox…

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Dec. 9, 1758; Aug. 23, 1760; Oct. 7, 1766; April 26, 1768; and Dec. 6, 1770. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

Background: Step into the epicenter of the British Empire with this extraordinary five-issue collection…

THE NEWARK EVENING COURIER, New Jersey, Oct. 4, 1867

* First Colored Baseball Championship game
* All Negro players shortly after the Civil War
* Brooklyn Uniques vs. Philadelphia Excelsiors
* Prelude to organized black baseballs leagues 

Established in Newark, New Jersey in June of 1866, the Newark Evening Courier was an enterprising afternoon newspaper with Republican political leanings. By 1867, it had detailed local coverage of municipal proceedings, civic improvements, and Newark's rapidly…

NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER, New Jersey, May 12, 1859 

* American Chess player Paul Morphy
* vs. 5 European masters in exhibition games
* At London's St. James Chess Club 

This publication served as New Jersey’s premiere daily publication, acting as a crucial media platform and organ of public record during a pivotal period of regional industrialization and mounting national sectional crisis. By 1860, in contrast to other regional newspapers, it began to cautiously promote anti-slavery and free-soil…

NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER, New Jersey, March 8, 1841 

* Consecration of Congregation Mickve Israel
* Jewish synagogue in Savannah, Georgia - Jews 
* President George Washington's 1790 famous letter fame 

The Newark Daily Advertiser earned its place in history as New Jersey’s very first daily newspaper. Guiding the rapidly industrializing city of Newark through the antebellum era, the paper grew into a powerful political and cultural force.
The bottom of page 2 has a report that begins with: "A Jewish…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, June 14, 1867

* L. Harris Hiscock assassination
* New York State Assembly - Albany
* General George W. Cole 

Page 4 has a small one column heading: "The Albany Murder" (see images)
Complete with 8 pages, nice condition.

Background: The assassination of L. Harris Hiscock by General George W. Cole represents a watershed moment in American legal history, as the subsequent trial fundamentally shaped how the nation navigated the defense of temporary insanity and the culturally…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 16, 1764  Page 3 has a report headed: "America" with a Boston dateline concerning coal mining in Nova Scotia. The back page has reports noting: "...expected that...the removal of some grievances from the trade of North America as we are informed orders for that purpose were dispatched about 3 weeks ago. They write from New York that the greatest number of pack-horse traders were preparing to set out for the Indian countries in consequence of the present…

Here is a handwritten document dated Nov. 19, 1831 from the "Commonwealth of Virginia" to a sheriff in Prince William County. Generally in good condition however, some margins are a bit irregular but no loss of text. Various endorsements on the reverse side. Measures about 6 by 8 1/2 inches.

THE LONDON EVENING POST, May 22, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy 

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day. Lightly inked red tax stamp on page 3.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue except for a front page list of "American Prisoners" (see images)
A very nice issue from…

NEW YORK TIMES, July 17, 1865  

* Post Abraham Lincoln assassination
* Owner of Ford's Theater letter signed

Page 5 has one-third of a column headed: "Ford's Theatre--Letter from the Proprietor to a Clergyman" which is a letter signed by John T. Ford concerning a minister's opinion on reopening the theater. It is very rare to find in newspapers letters signed by the proprietor of Ford's Theater, particuarly in his defense of attempting to reopen his theater after the assassination.
Page 5 also…

MASONIC MIRROR, Philadelphia & New  York, Feb. 17, 1858 

* Masonic - free masonry - Masons
* Pre American Civil War era 

In the dateline is: "Devoted To The Diffusion Of Masonic Intelligence, Fine Arts, Literature, News, etc." This little newspaper published for the Masons has a very graphic, Masonic-theme engraving in the masthead (see).
Twelve pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.

Background: The publication of the Masonic Mirror in February 1858 carries profound historical significance…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Feb. 16, 1865  Among the front page column heads on the Civil War are: "LATE SOUTHERN NEWS" "Rapid Progress Of Sherman" "South Carolina Under His Heel" "He Seizes All The Railroads" "Circumvallates Charleston" "Cuts The Confederacy In Twain" and more.
Inside has much on the war as well, incluiding the back page: "From Gen. Sherman's Army" with many subheads.
Eight pages, nice condition.

NEWARK DAILY ADVERTISER, New Jersey, March 5 and April 5, 1841  A nice pair of issues of the same title with the inauguration of President William Henry Harrison, and his death report one month later.
March 5: taking most of page 2 is the: "Inaugural Address" of President William Henry Harrison, a very lengthy document. He was just inaugurated the day prior. 
April 5: all columns on all 4 pages have wide, black mourning rules for the death of President Harrison. Page 2 begins with: "Great…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 5, 1860 

* Famous boxing match print
* John Heenan vs. Thomas Sayers
* MISSING THE TWO FRONT LEAFS ***

The prime feature of this issue would have to be the great doublepage centerfold print captioned: "Bloody, Brutal, and Blackguard Prize-Fight In England, Between Heenan and Sayers, On April 17, 1860" which shows hundreds of spectators. This historic boxing match is considered the very first world boxing championship. It is a terrific boxing print (see). Page 2 has a…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, April 5, 1779  Page 2 of this rare Revolutionary War-era issue features an important official communication from the Continental Congress, prefaced by an explanatory note signed in type by its President, John Jay, formally disavowing an unauthorized diplomatic publication that had surfaced in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper. 

Sharing the page is a notable report extracted from the Boston Gazette concerning the movement of prisoners of war, stating that

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776 

* Post Declaration of Independence 
* American Revolutionary War 

This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776. 

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776  

* General Benedict Arnold
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 
Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796  

* President George Washington
* U.S. government in it's infancy

Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
  Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has a document concerning the sale of various tracts of…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 22, 1759  Page 5 has reports headed: "America" containing an: "Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia".
It begins; "General Forbes has left a garrison within the ruined works of Fort DuQuesne, which are repaired as well as circumstances will permit. The difficulty of subsisting a larger number reduces the forcers left there to 200, which is scarce sufficient either to defend the place, or restrain the savages..." with more.
Also: "Canada is reduced to a very…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 9, 1763   Page 3 contains a very lengthy report headed: "Extract from the Journal of an Officer at the Havana, containing some interesting Particulars of the Siege, not hitherto set n a true Light to the Public." This report takes a full page, carrying over to page 4.
The siege of Havana was a successful British siege against Spanish-ruled Havana that lasted from March to August 1762, as part of the Seven Years' War. The American theater of this war was…