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,…

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…

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…

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.

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.

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…

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 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…

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.

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, July 16, 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…

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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…

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 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…

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.

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.

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…

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 DELTA, New Orleans, Oct. 2, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
The front page has most of a column headed: "Important News from Deseret, Now Utah Territory--Indian Fight--The California Emigrants".
Among the many ads is one on the front page 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 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…

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…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 23, 1852  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 pages, binding indents at the blank spine,…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 3, 1796  Page 2 has reports from Congress including: "The bill for making appropriations for the support of the military and naval establishments of 1796, was read a third time and passed...".
Page 3 had an ad: "For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good character..." and a bit more.
The back page has 2 runaway slave ads, with much detail.
Four pages, purple-colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

THE CHARLESTON COURIER, South Carolina, Nov. 2, 1841  

* About 19 years prior to the Civil War outbreak

A typical newspaper of the day, although most of the pages seem to be consumed with advertisements.
Four pages, two creases, good condition.

Background: This November 2, 1841, edition of The Charleston Courier is a visceral, four-page portal into the high-stakes world of the Antebellum South, capturing a society teetering between aristocratic opulence and the grim machinery of the slave trade.…

AMERICAN & COMMERCIAL DAILY ADVERTISER, Baltimore, July 16, 1811  

* Uncommon publication
* Slavery advertisements

A typical newspaper of the day with various news and a wealth of advertisements.
Among the back page ads are: "NEGROES - Wanted immediately about fifteen young Negro Slaves, Male and Female, from ten to twenty years old, for which the highest price in cash will be paid."
Also: "150 Dollars Reward" for a runaway Negro man, James Ambly, with much detail. Two more slave…