Historic Newspapers: Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.
Found 1588 Results
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Item #716892THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775
* Pre American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - first time as editor
This is a very rare magazine, published only from January, 1775 thru July, 1776, containing the Declaration of Independence in its final issue.
It was the only American magazine to print the... Read full description -
Item #716551FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796
* President George Washington
The back page 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. Also a:... Read full description -
Item #716334COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795
* George Washington letter
* re. John Jay's Treaty
The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and... Read full description -
Item #716264NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, February, 1797 The most notable report is the announcement that John Adams has been elected President of the United States.
A report near the back notes in part: "Yesterday, agreeable to a provision of the Constitution...the members...assembled...to count the votes of the Electors... Read full description -
Item #716263THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 12, 1744 This was the very first successful magazine in America, 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... Read full description -
Item #716262THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Sept. 20, 1753 This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very early issue--over 270... Read full description -
Item #716253THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 12, 1782 Page 2 has a post-surrender report noting: "...from ...Earl Cornwallis, make mention that it is not his intention to return to this country until he has effected the entire exchange of the unfortunate veterans who shared captivity with him at York Town....".
Most... Read full description -
Item #716244THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, October, 1795 The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Description of a Curious Subterranean Cave at Clarendon, Vermont" "Description of the Moorish Women" "American Antiquities"... Read full description
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Item #716243THE 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... Read full description
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Item #716237THE BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739 This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben... Read full description
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Item #716230PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, June 17, 1797 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a... Read full description -
Item #716207NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, February, 1797 The most notable report is the announcement that John Adams has been elected President of the United States.
A report near the back notes in part: "Yesterday, agreeable to a provision of the Constitution...the members...assembled...to count the votes of the Electors... Read full description -
Item #716206THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1749 The prime feature of this issue is the very nice & detailed foldout map of "South America" which folds out to 11 1/2 by 10 inches. A very displayable & detailed map in great condition. Among the articles within are: "Articles of the Treaty of... Read full description
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Item #716205THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1731 This is just the third issue of this extremely successful magazine. Several editions of the first several issues were printed in the early 1730's so as to provide complete sets to customers as the success of the magazine grew, and based on the note at the bottom of the title/contents page this is... Read full description
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Item #716204COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 9, 1797 The full first column of the front page has four Acts of Congress, each one signed in script type by the President: John Adams.
Also, page 2 has a letter signed in block type by the President: John Adams. Page 2 also has an update on "Naval Articles" which notes the... Read full description -
Item #716203THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 13, 1783 Page 2 has a report from Parliament concerning the work on the treaty to end the Revolutionary War, which includes a very historic statement. Bits include: "...The definitive treaties of peace between the Court of Great Britain and those of France and Spain and the United States of... Read full description
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Item #716194COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 27, 1797 Page 2 has an interesting article: "Review Of Militia" commanded by Major-General Hull, with various particulars. The back page features 14 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, nice condition. -
Item #716171GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 24, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page has 3 runaway slave ads and three shipping ads. Other news of the day is found throughout,
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine,... Read full description -
Item #716152THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1797 A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition. -
Item #716125COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797 Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had... Read full description
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Item #716124COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795 The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is... Read full description -
One of the earliest appearances...
Item #716072THE 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... Read full description -
Item #715944NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE & THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, April 18, 1792 Over half of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" which includes mention of the President, General Anthony Wayne and others. Page 3 has news from a letter from Philadelphia noting: "... Thirty or forty Chiefs of the six and other... Read full description
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Item #715858FEDERAL GAZETTE AND DAILY ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 4, 1798 Certainly one of the less common 18th century American newspapers, as it was short-lived, lasting just 55 issues from Jan. 1 thru March 5, 1798. This is the number 4 issue.
All of pages 2 & 4 are taken up with reports from: "Congress of the United States" including a... Read full description -
Item #715771THE 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... Read full description -
Item #715770THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 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.
Over half of the front... Read full description -
Item #715671THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768
* Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
* Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica
Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this... Read full description -
Item #715584KLINE'S CARLISLE WEEKLY GAZETTE, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1796 This is a very scarce title from 18th century America. Brigham's "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" notes that only the American Antiquarian Society has this issue.
The entire front page is taken up with reports from the "Federal Legislature".
Most of... Read full description -
Item #715581GREEN & RUSSELL'S BOSTON POST-BOY & ADVERTISER, June 18, 1759 This is one of the less common colonial titles we have offered. A very handsome masthead with two ornate engravings, one of a sailing ship & the other of a horse-mounted post boy delivering the news.
Page 2 has reports from various American cities,... Read full description -
Item #715579THE CONNECTICUT GAZETTE & THE UNIVERSAL INTELLIGENCER, New London, March 30, 1781 The entire front page & half of page 2 are taken up with "Debates in the British Parliament..." which includes discussion on the Revolutionary War in America.
A few bits mention: "The taking of Ticonderoga was a splendid... Read full description -
Item #715534THE NEW YORK GAZETTE AND THE WEEKLY MERCURY, Jan. 5, 1778 The masthead features a very nice coat-of-arms engraving.
Almost the entire front page is taken up with various Proclamations and Declarations, the first being one by: "Sir Henry Clinton" which is a "Proclamation" followed by: "A Proclamation, By Major General James... Read full description -
Item #715524THE CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775 In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London... Read full description -
Item #715410THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London England, October, 1789 Among the articles are: "Mr. Badcock to Dr. Priestley" "Accurate Description of Fraser's New Carolina Grass" "The Hill of Howth" in Ireland, and much more.
Near the back are over 4 pages of an: "Accurate Statement of the Late Revolution in France" and also some news headed:... Read full description -
Item #715330THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1765 A nice issue of this very famous & successful British magazine from this significant year of the Stamp Act, and some ten years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Included is "General Gage's Account of the Reduction of the Indians" which takes over half a... Read full description
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Item #715063EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
An unusual "Extra"... Read full description -
Item #715028THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1757 This title is less common than the popular "Gentleman's Magazine", and contains a wonderful, very ornate engraving of the skyline of London on the title page as well as on the first page.
Much reporting on the French & Indian War events in New York including: "State of Face... Read full description -
Item #714685THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 30, 1796 Page 3 has a letter which begins: "The reduction of the army & the arrangements in the war office will occasion man revolutions in our microcosm...". Another item comments on those serving in office (see).
Four pages, great condition. -
Item #714684THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 13, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from discussions in Congress.
Various news of the day inside, with mostly period advertising on the back.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, good condition. -
Item #714681THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York April 16, 1796 Page 2 has a lengthy letter concerning "the university" in New York, signed by its Chancellor and New York governor: John Jay.
Four pages, nice condition. -
Item #714635THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1737 Among the articles noted in the table of contents are: "Some regular Troops necessary in a free Government against Civil Insurrections" "Tumults, How Best Suppressed" "Arbitrary Power the Consequence of Popery and the Jacobite Scheme" and more.
Near the back is a section headed: "Historical... Read full description -
Item #714580GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1791 Perhaps the highlight would be the 3 full page plates which are still present. One shows a rural setting with an elegant house, captioned: "S. E. View of Burghope House, Herefordshire". Another is a very nice: "View of Clifton Near Bristol, from a Drawing in the Collection of the... Read full description
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Item #714562GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1785 Among the articles within are: "Observations on a Tour Through the Island of Jersey" which is in the English Channel; "Anecdotes of Hogarth" "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Session of Parliament" "Original Letter form Dr. Johnston" & so much more.
Near the back is: "Intelligence..."... Read full description -
Item #714552THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1770 Among the articles are: "Difficulty of Explaining the Scripture" "Origin of Rhyming" "Reasons Against a New War" 'History & Antiquity of Berkley Castle" and so much more. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has the latest news reports of the day.
There is a brief... Read full description -
Item #714551SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1791 for Gentleman's Magazine, England. Within this supplement issue, which was published at the end of the year, is a notable document titled: "The French Constitution, Established Aug. 4, 1791" which takes up nearly ten pages.
This was the first written constitution of France created after the collapse of the... Read full description -
Item #714489THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1767 The first article is: "An Authentick Narrative of the Many Horrid Cruelties inflicted by Mrs. Elizabeth Brownrigg upon her Poor Apprentice Girls" which is a four page article. There is an accompanying full plate plate showing the tortuous treatment of... Read full description
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Item #714446THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 4, 1799
* 18th century American original
This issue was printed less just ten days before the death of George Washington.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic War, including a back page article: "Buonaparte's Retreat from Syria". Page 3 has a detailed ad for:... Read full description -
Item #714432THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 17, 1761 The front page has an account of the marriage of the Prince of Wales, heir to the British throne, and princess of Saxe Gotha. He would predecease his father so would not become King.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, lightly-inked tax stamp on the front page, nice condition. -
Item #714409THE DAILY POST-BOY, London, Feb. 19, 1731 Most of the front page is taken up with two charts of the "East India Company's Ships" noting date of travel, name of the ship, tonnage, name of the captains, and destination.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 9 by 16 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, great condition. -
Item #714406THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1758 Inside has over a full page headed: "America" with a Halifax, Nova Scotia dateline, beginning: "The following Memorial, signed by the principal merchants & freeholders in Halifax was...delivered to the Lieutenant Governor."
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, good... Read full description -
Item #714403THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 27, 1758 Most of the first column on the front page has reports from: "America" with Boston and New York datelines including some good content on the French & Indian War, bits such as: "...that the Northern Colonies shall raise 20,000 provincials to join a body of the King's forces intended... Read full description






















































