Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Sept. 29, 1849

• Colt Revolver Ad
• Runaway slave ad
• Gold Rush era newspaper

The front page is filled with ads including a: "$150 Reward" ad for a runaway slave, with details. Beneath this is an ad: "Colt's Improved Repeating Pistols" signed in type: Samuel Colt. (see)
Four pages, dark stain along the top, blank margin (see), generally very nice.

DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1793

• Rare 18th century American title
• Runaway slave & bitch advertisements

The front page is filled with advertisements. News of the day on pages 2 & 3. Page 3 also has a interesting ad for: "Bitch Lost; Fifteen Dollars Reward" which is for a runaway dog.
The bottom of the back page has a advertisement for: "Six Dollars Reward" for a runaway slave. (see)
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, tiny binding holes along the spine, great

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 21, 1796  The front page features 20 illustrated ship ads, as well as an ad: "FOR SALE, A likely , healthy NEGRO WENCH..." with details.
Page 3 has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. The back page has a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 10, 1836  The middle of the front page has a detailed ad headed: "100 Dollars Reward" for a runaway: "...Negro Man named NED, about six feet high, dark copper color..."with additional descriptions (see). Page 3 has nearly two column concerning Texas beginning: "The Texian subject has assumed an aspect entirely new as far as the government of the United States is concerned...." with much concerning its boundaries (see for beginning).
Four

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 14, 1850

• Rare antebellum publication
• From the deep, deep South

Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
The front page has an illustrated ad: "$20 Reward" for a runaway mulatto boy. Inside are ads for: "Negro Clothing" two more reward ads for a runaway, and an ad headed: "One Negro Man" among other items being auctioned, noting of him: "A certain negro man, slave for life, named William, aged about 18

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, Aug. 5, 1829

• Rare title
• Runaway boy ad

Among the several illustrated ads is an interesting one offering a "1 Mill Reward" for a runaway "...boy named Henry Beebee..." with a description of him. The engraving shows a well-dressed guy on a stroll; one of the more interesting "runaway" prints I have seen (see photo), and the offer of a "1 mill" reward would seem to be an insult to his value. Four pages, nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, from Washington D.C., dated December 21, 1815.

• Pennsylvania Governor Simon Snyder

On pg. 2 under “Pennsylvania” is the “Governor’s Message”, signed in type: Simon Snyder. The back page has a reward ad for a runaway “Negro Man named David”.

Other news of the day includes: "Congress" "Banking Fraud" "From Great Britain" and more.

A few areas of minor foxing in the message, otherwise good. 4 pages.

NATIONAL INTELLINGENCER, Washington D.C., December 9, 1845  Page three contains a "One Hundred Dollars Reward" for a runaway from the subscriber. On the same page is the announcement of exhibition of Tom Thumb. Also within this issue are congressional reports, news of the day and a variety of advertisements.
This is complete in four pages with stray handwriting above the masthead. There is some lite dirtiness to the issue where this has been previously folded and some fold creases and mild

HANOVER HERALD, Hanover, Pennsylvania, November 22, 1836. Page 3 features the Official Returns for President and Vice President for Pennsylvania along with the Electoral Election results.  The front page of the issue contains a $25.00 Reward for a runaway apprentice. This contains other news and advertisements of the day. This is complete in four pages with scattered lite foxing, otherwise in nice condition.

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 11, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
The front page has considerable reporting headed: "Execution of Prof. Webster!" Webster was an American professor of chemistry and geology at Harvard Medical College. He was convicted of murder in the Parkman–Webster murder case and hanged.

The front page has an illustrated ad: "$20 Reward" for a runaway mulatto boy. Inside are ads for: "Negro

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, July 18, 1850

• From the deep South
• Rare Antebellum publication

Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many back page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city, & large & comfortable quarters where every attention will be paid

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, July 6, 1798

• Rare 18th century American title
• (5) runaway slave advertisements

The ftpg. is taken up with ads including 12 illustrated ship ads and 2 slave related ads. (see) Pages 2,3 & 4 have another slavery related ad.
News of the day with several other advertisements. Four pages, damp staining at a few areas, generally nice.

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 1, 1796  Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For A Term of Years, A Negro Man about 22 years of age..." with details.
There are several runaway slave ads with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes no

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, July 19, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Page 2 has 2 1/2 columns taken up with reports on the death of President Zachary Taylor, with column heads: "Official Proceedings Of The Cabinet Consequent Upon Gen. Taylor's Death".
Among the many back page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, July 20, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many back page ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves! Slaves!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city, & large & comfortable quarters where every attention will be paid to their comfort. Merchants, planters, and

THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Aug. 12, 1847  In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Page 2 has a great wealth of reporting from the Mexican War, including historic reports on General Scott having come to the gates of Mexico City, one of the major American victories in the war.
Page 3 has four slave-related ads, one headed: "Wanted To Purchase,

THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Aug. 3, 1847  In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Page 2 has reports from the Mexican War headed: "From The Brazos".
Page 3 has three slave-related ads, each having various particulars. One is a: "Ten Dollars award" for a runaway, and the other is headed: "For Sale--Land, Negroes and Stock of All Kinds..." The

THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Dec. 31, 1847  In 14 years this city would be the hotbed for secession from the Union, not surprising given it was the largest American point of disembarkation for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

Page 3 has two reward ads for runaway slaves, particulars are shown in the photos.
Four pages, archival strengthening across the central fold on pages 2 & 3, binding slits at the blank spine, some wear at the margins, scattered foxing.

MIDDLESEX GAZETTE, Middletown, Connecticut, Aug. 12, 1829

• Unusual runaway "apprentice" boy ad

Among the several illustrated ads is an interesting one offering a "1 Mill Reward" for a runaway "...boy named Henry Beebee..." with a description of him. The engraving shows a well-dressed guy on a stroll; one of the more interesting "runaway" prints I have seen (see photo), and the offer of a "1 mill" reward would seem to be an insult to his value. Four pages, nice condition.

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Dec. 21, 1796

• Rare 18th century American title
• (5) slaves related advertisements

The full ftpg. is taken up with ads including 5 illustrated ship ads & 4 slave related ads. The back page has another slave ad. (see) Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C. area.
Four pages, some light staining, minor margin wear, generally good.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept.  14, 1816  Starting on the front page and continuing within is a great article describing  a banquet held in Paris to celebrate American Independence, which illustrates the great relationship held between both nations.
Another article within describes the mass migration of Negroes from in and around New Orleans to Appalachicola, Florida. Under "Law Question" is a great legal discussion regarding the condition (slave or free) of a child born to a free

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept.  14, 1816  Starting on the front page and continuing within is a great article describing a banquet held in Paris to celebrate American Independence, which illustrates the great relationship held between both nations.
Another article within describes the the mass migration of Negroes from in and around New Orleans to Apalachicola, Florida. Under "Law Question" is a great legal discussion regarding the condition (slave or free) of a child born to a free

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 15, 1836  Content includes: "Another Slave Case" concerning a runaway slave; "War In Florida" with the Indians; "The Hindoo Exhibition" and more.
The back page has: "New Weapon" with the report stating: "We have been...shown one of the most awfully destructive weapons, made by gen. Houston's orders, and stated to be furnished after a device of his. It consists of a cutting and stabbing knife, to the back which is fixed a pistol, the same handle serving

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 15, 1836  Content includes: "Another Slave Case" concerning a runaway slave; "War In Florida" with the Indians; "The Hindoo Exhibition" and more.
The back page has: "New Weapon" with the report stating: "We have been...shown one of the most awfully destructive weapons, made by gen. Houston's orders, and stated to be furnished after a device of his. It consists of a cutting and stabbing knife, to the back which is fixed a pistol, the same handle serving

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 26, 1799  The front page has an interesting: "Valuable Nautical Invention" noting: "A new Sea Log has lately been invented by Messrs. Chester & Calvin Gould for which they have received Letters Patent..." with details.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic Wars, including: "From Buonaparte in Egypt" and a: "Letter from Buonaparte - Army of the East" which is signed in type: Buonaparte. Page 3 has two "Once Cent Reward" ads for runaways.
The back

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 5, 1799

• From the year of George Washington's death

Page 2 has a letter from Lord Nelson to his wife. Page 3 also has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government & Laws, in the station of Soldiers, an opportunity now presents." following which are the enticements for joining the military.
Three

DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER EXTRA, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1794

• 18th century runaway slave ad

A single sheet "Extra" edition. The front page taken up with ads with a runaway slave ad headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" (see)
Complete as a single sheet issue, never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 1, 1817  This issue has not one but two runaway slave advertisements with one on page 3 and the other on the back page.
News of the day and other ads. Four pages, some foxing, good condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 4, 1852  Taking over 1 1/2 columns on page 2 is the very detailed: "Captain Stansbury's Expedition To The Great Salt Lake". This is a wonderful account of the journey, about which much can be found on the internet. The subheads include: "From the Literary World" "A Dutchman en Route" "A Happy Family on the Prairie" "Game Been & An Indian's Appetite" "Maine Coffins Outdone" and "A Party of Indian Women". 
Page 3 has: "An Important Slave Case

THE DAILY GEORGIAN, Savannah, June 5, 1840

• Very rare publication
• Antebellum periodical
• 21 years prior to Civil War

Rarely do we find antebellum newspapers from Savannah, but here is one. Various news of the day and ads, including at least one front page runaway slave ad plus an ad headed: "Cotton Plantation and Negroes for Sale", both of which have considerable detail.
Page 3 also has a slave-related ad and page 2 has an interesting article: "Daring Act of Piracy on the Coast of Cuba".
Four

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 11, 1796  Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from Congress concerning debates on the controversial Jay Treaty with England.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A Likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of readability, otherwise in very nice condition.

SUPPLEMENT TO DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 14, 1792  This is a single sheet that is almost entirely taken up with advertisements that would not have fit in the "regular" issue. One is for: "The Time of a Negro Woman For Sale..." & another: "Twenty Dollars Reward" for 2 runaway: "...young Negro lads..." with details.
Complete as a full size single sheet, wide margins, nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 1852

• Uncle Tom's Cabin; or, Life Among the Lowly

The front page has a very detailed ad: "$500 Reward" for 3 runaways.
The bottom of the back page has a small notice for: "Uncle Tom's Cabin As It Is, being narratives, scenes, and Incidents of the real 'Life Among the Lowly', by W. L. G. Smith...". Also a: "Fifty Dollars Reward" which begins: "Ran away from the subscriber, near or about three weeks ago my negro Jenny..." with details.
Four

THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, Feb. 24, 1975

• "The Rocky Horror Show" musical play debut
• Grand premiere on Broadway advertisement
• Actor/singer Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter

Page 79 has a 10 1/2 x 8 inch advertisement for the grand premiere performance of "The Rocky Horror Show" musical at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway.
Note: When The Rocky Horror Show first opened on Broadway March 10, 1975, it seemed to be a runaway freight train. A smash hit in London and Los

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, April 14, 1820

• President James Monroe
• Act of United States Congress
• Capitol building construction

Page 2 has: "AN ACT making further appropriations for continuing the work upon the centre building of the Capitol, and other public buildings." This and 3 other acts are each signed in type by the President: James Monroe.
The back page has: "100 Dollars Reward...for...my two negro slaves, Lewis and George..." with descriptions of both. Also: "Fifty Dollars

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, June 27, 1796  Curiously, five different type fonts are used to print the title in the masthead. 
This issue has no fewer than five ads for runaway slaves, each with details. The back page has 18 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, two small binding holes near the spine, nice condition.

PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, April 26, 1797  The front page includes a: "Two Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway indented servant girl, with details. Pages 2 and 3 have reports on the Napoleonic War including a letter signed in type: Buonaparte, which includes: "I shall send you immediately the ten standards which we have taken from the Pope in the different actions we have had with his troops...".
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen name of "Peter

THE VERMONT CHRONICLE, Windsor, Feb. 19, 1845  The front page has nearly 3 columns taken up with: "A Discussion of the Subject of Slavery, to the Rev. Richard Fuller, D.D."
Inside includes: "Slavery" concerning an ad for a runaway slave girl; "The French Press on Slavery", and s small report noting: "A cargo of native Africans, numbering 178 souls, has arrived at Port of Spain in a British vessel from Sierra Leone & are apprenticed out to planters. This is a renewal of the African slave trade

THE SPECTATOR, New York, June 5, 1799  Most of the front page is taken up with the continuation of: "An Act to Regulate the Collection of Duties on Imports & Tonnage" which carries over to pg. 2 & is continued in a future issue. It is headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle.
Page 2 has a short bit headed: "Trial of Fries" which relates, in an oblique way, to the Fries Rebellion. Page 2 also has a "Five Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave.
Four pages, good condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C.., May 16, 1821  The front page has historic content on the history of Italy with the top of the page: "The Fate Of Naples Decided!" and within the article is: "...The papers announce the important fact that the Neapolitians have FAILED IN THEIR ATTEMPT TO ESTABLISH A FREE GOVERNMENT! They have signed a convention with the Austrians & the war in Italy is ended..." and further down a report notes: "A telegraphic despatch announces that the Austrians

STAR OF FLORIDA, Tallahassee, Middle Florida, Oct. 20, 1841

• Rare antebellum publication

We have had a few titles from Florida before the Civil War, but this is more rare than the others. Various news & ads of the day. The back page has an illustrated runaway slave ad.
Four pages, rejoined at the spine, very nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776

• Rare Revolutionary War era title
• Tory issue from Pennsylvania
• Great year to have (1776)

(editor's copy) 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 a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western portion of what

AUGUSTA CHRONICLE & GEORGIA ADVERTISER, Feb. 4, 1826

• Extremely rare publication
• Antebellum South

Rarely do we find antebellum newspapers from the Deep South, but here is one.
A great wealth of advertisements, many of which are illustrated including a back page "Ten Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave, with details. News of the day is found on page 2.
A rare opportunity for a very uncommon title from the South.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, much wear with some loss bath the fold

THE NEW YORK HERALD, July 26, 1844.

• Runaway Slaves Caught

This 4 page newspaper has news of the day throughout with the following one column headlines: "More Runaway Negroes Caught", "The Affair At Frederick", "Atrocities In Cuba", "Saratoga Springs", and much more. Some noticeable creasing, and minor staining, otherwise in good condition.

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 13, 1746  The back page has an interesting notice offering a reward for the return of runaway seamen, issued by "Thomas Smith, Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's Ships..." noting in part: "Whereas it is become frequent with seamen belonging to His Majesty's ships & vessels to run away from them...I do hereby assure all persons...that on delivery of any seamen that they may find straggling from the ships...whereunto they belong...shall immediately

DAILY REPUBLICAN, Lynchburg, Virginia, April 29, 1863

• Rare Confederate publication

A Confederate title we rarely have the opportunity to offer.
The front page begins with an editorial that dismisses the claim that the war will end any time soon. Also reports headed: "From the Northwest" "The Raid On McMinnville"; various reports: "From The North" "From Charleston" "From Chattanooga" "From Tennessee".
The back page has a lengthy article: "From Vicksburg" "The Yankee Gunboats Running the

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 13, 1796

• President George Washington
• Patent signed in type
• Inventor Robert Dawson
• Improvement in bolting cloths

Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The document notes a patent has been given to: "...Robert Dawson...of Delaware...hath alleged that he hath invented a new and useful improvement in bolting cloths...to be made patent...for

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 Brandy).  This is the Stephen Girard of (eventual) banking fame, who is credited for having single-handedly saved the

NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 1, 1859

• Trial & conviction of John Brown
• Harper's Ferry WV insurrection

Over half of the front page is taken up with a large: "Map Of The Polar Seas, With the Leading Points of Interest in Arctic Exploration" which shows from Labrador to the North Pole and west to the "Behring Strait". The balance of the front page is taken up with the: "History of Arctic Expeditions from 1743 to 1859" "Another Expedition Proposed".
But the more significant content is on page 3 with column

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 6, 1836

• Texas War for Independence
• Santa Anna to be tried & shot
• Creek War - Cherokees - Indians

The front page has a short report concerning the "outrages" due to the rescue of two runaway slaves.
Other articles inside include: "Lynching Among the Indians" "The Creek War" with reports from Fort Mitchell, Alabama; "The Cherokees" "From Florida" "Mexico & the United States" "Western Indians" and "Texas", the latter mentioning that the Mexicans had not