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 1514 Results
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Item #703605COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 14, 1795
* President George Washington
* Samuel Adams
The middle of the front page is taken up with 3 Acts of Congress each signed in script type by the President; Go. Washington, one of which is authorizing the creation of a lighthouse at the entrance of Georgetown harbor, South Carolina.
Also on... Read full description -
Item #703604COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 17, 1795
* President George Washington
* John & Samuel Adams - Paul Revere
A nice feature of the front page is what's on the front page: An Act of Congress for making appropriations for the military, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington & in... Read full description -
Item #703600COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 28, 1792
* George Washington - Act of U.S. Congress
* Future presidents John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an Act of Congress concerning the creation of light houses, beacons, buoys & public piers, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and in block type... Read full description -
Item #703599COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 30, 1796
* President George Washington - John Adams
* Four Acts of Congress signed in type
The front page features not one but four Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by: Go. Washington, President of the United States. Each is also signed in block type by the Vice... Read full description -
Item #703596COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 15, 1797 A page 2 report has a very historic report: "Wednesday last his Excellency JOHN ADAMS, Esq., as President of the United States; and the Hon. THOMAS JEFFERSON, Esq., as V. President of the same, were declared in the presence of the Legislature of the Union, and a large concourse... Read full description -
Item #703595AMERICAN HERALD OF LIBERTY, Exeter, New Hampshire, Nov. 12, 1793
* President George Washington
* Rare 18th century publication
* Act of U.S. Congress signed
This title existed for just over 3 years. Brigham notes that only 3 institutions have this date in their holdings.
Page 2 has a document signed by the President: Geo. Washington... Read full description -
Item #703589COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, April 9, 1796
* President George Washington - John Adams
Over half of the front page is taken up with three documents of the federal government with each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, and two of them in block type by John Adams.
This was one of just a couple of... Read full description -
Item #703588COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 22, 1792 Over half of the front page is taken up with a continued series of articles headed: "Reflections on the State of the Union". Page 3 has a report concerning Lafayette, and the back page has an ad for a: "Six Dollars Reward" for a deserted soldier.
Four pages, very nice... Read full description -
Item #703586COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 27, 1798
* The XYZ Affair
* France relations
* John Adams
The first column has a brief document signed by the President: John Adams, as an introduction to a lengthy document regarding the XYZ Affair and relations with France.
Page 2 has yet another related document signed by: John... Read full description -
Item #703585COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 11, 1798 The front page begins with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One concerns suspending commercial trade with France due to the on-going XYZ Affair and the coming Quasi-War. The front page also has: "American Navy... Read full description -
Item #703584COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 24, 1798
* Presidents John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
The front page has six "Acts" each signed in script type: John Adams & in block type: TH: Jefferson. One of the acts allowed for compensation "...to the door keeper of the Senate, and his assistant; for their services... Read full description -
Item #703582COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 14, 1797
* USS Constitution & Constellation
* United States Navy first warships
A page 2 report notes: "Gen. Smith (of Baltimore)...mentioned that the Constellation frigate, building at that place, would be launched the 4th of July next. The... Read full description -
Item #703577THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 11, 1798 Page 2 has much correspondence & reporting on the XYZ Affair with France. Related to this is a page 3: "Bill to Suspend the Commercial Intercourse Between the United States & France".
Page 3 also has two curious Acts from Connecticut: "An Act, in Addition to... Read full description -
Item #703561COLUMBIAN 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... Read full description -
Item #703552THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 10, 1782
* American independence acknowledged
* By King George III of England (speech)
* Historic event that propelled U.S. freedom
Certainly the most notable content is that found on pages 2 & 3, the very historic speech by the King of England to his Parliament, dated Dec. 5, 1782.
In... Read full description -
Item #703551THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1790
* Full page engraving of Bunker Hill
Certainly the prime piece is the very nice, full page engraved plate captioned: "View of Bunker's Hill" which is accompanied by a brief article which includes: "...very accurate & pretty drawing of Bunker's... Read full description -
Item #703549THE 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 -
Item #703537THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753
* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)
In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin... Read full description -
Item #703520THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1781
* American Revolutionary War
* Closing months - nice masthead
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" beginning: "Whereas a resolve...for apprehending all prisoners of war that have been captured by any armed vessels of the United States and... Read full description -
Item #703518THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777
* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders
The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline... Read full description -
Item #703517THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778
* General John Burgoyne
* Surrender at Saratoga
* Revolutionary War
* British scrutiny in Britain
The entire front page and part of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his... Read full description -
Item #703516THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 20, 1782
* American independence ?
* Revolutionary War Era
* In a patriot publication
The front page begins with a letter from the King of France to Count de Rochambeau concerning hopes for peace and events at the close of the Revolutionary War. Also a front page item: "Seasonable... Read full description -
Item #703480THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753
* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper
A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was... Read full description -
Item #703479THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Aug. 2, 1753 In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much-desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made... Read full description -
Item #703446LLOYD'S EVENING POST, London, Dec. 12, 1777 This is a fine issue on the historic surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, the event which when learned in Europe encouraged further support for the American cause among the French & others.
Page 4 begins with a letter signed in type: Horatio Gates, datelined at Albany, October 19,... Read full description -
Item #703437THE WORLD, London, Nov. 4, 1791 Page 2 has a brief item: "Greater jealousies than ever subsist between the French, Spanish, and American Colonies on the banks of the Mississippi; each party complains of the encroachments of the other, although each has more ground than they can possibly occupy."
The... Read full description -
Item #703423THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 9, 1758 The middle of the front page has a report from New York headed: "America" with naval reports.
Page 6 has another report headed: "America" with reports from New York and South Carolina, the former including: "We hope to have another brush with M. Montcalm at the breastwork... Read full description -
Item #703380THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 10, 1778
* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy
An inside page has an interesting report signed by "A Manufacturer" concerning the potential problems with sending artisans & others learned in the trades to America, noting: "...Let us therefore... Read full description -
Item #703367THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770
* The Boston Massacre
* Historic reporting
This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its... Read full description -
Item #703363THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1774
* Boston Port Act passed in a British publication
* Boston Tea Party colonists punishment for destroyed tea
The front page has a report that Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts, requests to return to England, with Thomas Gage appointed as his replacement.
But of great significance... Read full description -
Item #703310THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 13, 1775
* Edmund Burke - Anglo-Irish statesman speech
* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War
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".... Read full description -
Item #703307THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 10, 1777
* Thomas Paine's "American Crisis"
* Essay # 2 re. Revolutionary War
* Intended to bolster American morale
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the continuation of Thomas Paine's essay #2 of his famous... Read full description -
Item #703299NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Jan. 4, 1776
* Traitor Dr. Benjamin Church
* British General Thomas Gage
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
See the nice engraving in the masthead.
Fully two-thirds of the front page is taken up with... Read full description -
Item #703298THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1781
* Pre-surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War original
A very nice issue from just five months before Cornwallis would surrender to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
... Read full description -
Item #703293INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783
* American Revolutionary War ending events
* Peace celebrations in Massachusetts
One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united... Read full description -
Item #703290THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 13, 1779
* American Revolutionary War
* John Sullivan Expedition
* Iroquois Confederacy
The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a very fine & detailed account of the Sullivan Expedition. The report is signed in... Read full description -
Item #703279THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, August 13, 1778 Most of the front page is taken up with news & correspondence concerning America negotiating a treaty of assistance with France, including mention of Ben Franklin.
Page 3 has several reports on the war including a report from... Read full description -
Item #703278THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER AND THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, March 11, 1782
* American Revolutionary War
* Thomas Paine - essay # 10
* "The American Crisis"
Almost the entire front page is taken up with the printing of: "Common Sense, on the King of England's Speech". This ia actually Thomas... Read full description -
Item #703276THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776
* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have
This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as... Read full description -
Item #703273THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776
* Great year to have in a publication (1776)
* General William Howe offers pardons - clemency
* American patriots asked to pledge oath to the crown
Taking close to half of the front page is a notable:... Read full description -
Item #703267THE 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... Read full description -
Item #703265THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, January 16, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of Massachusetts
* Pillars illustration - cartoon
This is one of the more desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have... Read full description -
Item #703264THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788
* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon
This is one of the most desired & elusive issues of this title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons".... Read full description -
Item #703232THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, July 16, 1793
* Rare 18th century publication
* France is now a "Republic"
This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 1, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
Half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy... Read full description -
Item #703231THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Jan. 15, 1794
* Marie Antoinette sentence & beheading
* Thomas Jefferson commerce report
* Secretary of State to U.S. Congress
This is a quite scarce 18th century American title, this being the volume 2, number 13 issue. It existed only until 1799.
All... Read full description -
Item #703230THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, June 7, 1796
* President George Washington
* Asks United States Congress to act
* Possession of Detroit & Michilimackinac
Near the bottom of the front page is a note to Congress concerning the taking possession of the posts at Detroit and Michilimachiac, signed in type by the President: ... Read full description -
Item #703229THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, March 8, 1797
* John Adams inauguration
* V.P. Thomas Jefferson
The front page has an address: "To George Washington" from the Penna. legislature on his retirement from public office, to which he responded with a letter signed in type; Go. Washington.
This... Read full description -
Item #703228THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, April 4, 1789
* General George Washington
* New York City prepares welcome
* First Inauguration as U.S. president
Page 3 notes preparations are being made for the new Congress to begin its work, and Washington to arrive in town: "There are now FOUR members of the lower,... Read full description -
Item #703226THE SPECTATOR, New York, March 20, 1799 Page 3 has a report from the Quasi-War with France: Truxton's Victory" as well as an: "Extract of a letter from Captain Stephen Decatur..." dated at the "Gulph of Florida".
Page 3 also has a curious item noting in part: "...Mr. Liston has news from Jamaica,... Read full description -
Item #703222THE PHENIX; OR WINDHAM HERALD, Connecticut, May 26, 1797
* Uncommon publication with nice masthead
* First special session of U.S. Congress
On the front page headed: "President's Speech which takes over half of the front page and a portion of page 2 is a report dated "May 16".
In the... Read full description
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