Historic Newspapers: Pre-1800 American Titles

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1776  The front page has half a column taken up with 2 desertion reward ads, with much detail. Over a column is taken up with the verbatim cross-examination of Governor Penn of Pennsylvania, which carries over to take one-third of page 2. A few questions & answers include: "...Q. In what estimation was the Congress held? A. In the highest veneration imaginable by all ranks and orders of men...what other forces had the Provincials of Pennsylvania…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790 (a 4-issue set) 

The 4-issue set of Gazette of the United States from August 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790, covers several key historical events and historic developments from the early U.S. government, focusing on the United States Funding Act of 1790 (which flowed from Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Report).

• United States Funding Act of 1790: This act, passed on August 4, 1790, was a critical piece of legislation where the new…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 18th century American publication

Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 1744  

* Rare colonial periodical 

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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

* Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America

If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* A detailed eyewitness account 
* In a American publication (rare)

Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799  Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four years of age..." [re: John Adams].
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783  

"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, July 18, 1768  

* King of England growing impatient 
* Tensions in the American Colonies 
* Pre Revolutionary War original 

All of pages 1, 2 & 3 are taken up with a detailed report of the island of Corsica, the latter page including a biography of Pascal Paoli which carries over to take close to half of page 4.
Near the back under "America" are reports from Charleston and Annapolis, as well as "A Message from the Governor" of Maryland which includes: "The King, our most…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 4, 1793 

* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet

The front page contains nearly a full column headed: "Official Communications" which has two letters signed by Genet, the French ambassador to the United States, concerning what is known as the "Citizen Genet Affair" relating to his plans to get America to support the French in capturing British ships, which it would not do. Ultimately to avoid an appointment with the guillotine Genet was given…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797  

* Rare 18th century publication
* President George Washington

A scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our (soon to be) 50 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 features a letter to George Washington from the Penna. Senate, offering congratulations for his public service. It is followed by his grateful response, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776 

 * News of the Declaration of Independence spreads
* Battle of Sullivan's Island - General Charles Lee 
* American Revolutionary War - great year to have 

 A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War

The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of her rights...". Also on the front page is: "A Plan for Reducing the Rebellious Colony of New England & for the…

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War

This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798  

* General - President George Washington

Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the national legislature and President."
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" from military officers of Baltimore County, relating…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much more. 
Near the back is "Domestic Miscellany" with the latest news reports of the day including talk of developing Presque Isle near Erie, methods of improving the…

Lexington & Concord content...

THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775 

* Lexington & Concord report
* John Hancock type signature
* The Conciliatory Resolution

A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed in type by its President: John Hancock.
The Conciliatory Resolution was a resolution passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to reach a…

A Benedict Arnold letter... Less than 60 days until the Declaration!

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, Boston, May 9, 1776  

* Infamous traitor Benedict Arnold
* Pre Declaration if Independence 
* American Revolutionary War 

Although the title might sound rather common (similar title published in Salem & Cambridge), this is actually a very scarce, short-lived title. 
On April 25, 1776 this newspaper was removed from Cambridge and printed at Boston, just 2 issues before this one. The last issue of this title published was on September 12, 1776, meaning just eleven issues…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798 

* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons

Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The back page has a letter from the "Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland, to George Washington..." followed by his…

FEDERAL 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: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details. Page 2 has an entire column taken up with: "AN ACT Making Provision for the Payment of Certain Debts of the United States" which is signed in type by the President: Geo.…

GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 26, 1794  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. This anti-Federalist-leaning newspaper was published by Benjamin Franklin Bache, the grandson of Benjamin Franklin.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), April 28, 1775  This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
This issue was printed 9 days after the battle of Lexington and Concord, however, the news of that historic beginning of the Revolutionary War had yet to reach Williamsburg.
Half of the front page is a report from London which has…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 15 1795  Page 3 has a report from "Pittsburgh" noting in part: "...accounts from General Wayne's head quarters any Greenville inform us that the Indians were coming in from all quarters to the Treaty...". This is followed by a report from Albany concerning the Indians.
The back page has: "More About the Treaty" being a list of 7 reason why the Senate will not consent to ratifying the controversial Jay Treaty.
Four pages, very nice…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 23, 1796  Fully half of the front page, the two middle columns, are taken up with a lengthy treaty of peace and amity between the United States and Algeria, relating to the problems with the Algerian pirates capturing American ships.
At the top is: "Treaty with the Dey of Algiers" with the George Washington script signature, and at its conclusion is a document noting its ratification, also with a George Washington script signature.
A significant document in…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 11, 1795  The front page has much centering controversies with Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. 
Page 2 has a letter  concerning politics noting in part: "...good men were elected who are friends to the federal government...danger from the evil designs of those who aim to deceive the people by their great but false professions of patriotism...our citizens view them as dangerous...The abusive & scandalous publication designed to incur the…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Dec. 26, 1778  The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the  second half of the: "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the Most Christian King and the United Starters of North America", this being the treaty of assistance between French and the colonies, which did much to support the American cause against the British and eventually lead to victory within 3 years.
At its conclusion if it signed in type by the American…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Feb. 22, 1797  Page 2 has a report from the "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress" concerning the process for tallying votes for President & Vice President: "...that the two Houses shall assemble in the chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, that two persons shall be appointed tellers...to make a list of votes...that the result shall be declared by the President of the Senate who shall announce the…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 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.
Page 2 has over a full column on the: "Celebration" of Washington's 65th birthday, including the 16 toasts and much more. Also an article: "The President's Birth Day".
Page 3 has a report from the Treasury Dept. followed by a notice: "The President of the United States, we understand, attends the Theater THIS EVENING for…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 24, 1791  Most of the front page is taken up the continuation of: "A Brief Examination of Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the United States of America", the first portion focused on "Flour & Wheat" a products from America, and then "Gunpowder" and it's future in America.
Page 2 has a "Circular" concerning the struggles of America to deal with its financial issues from after the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 has an item from Thomas Jefferson…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 19, 1794  A page 3 item says: "Mr. Thomas Paine... has petitioned the National Convention of France for liberty to retire to the United States; but the prayer of his petition has been rejected. His friends in Philadelphia are soliciting some appointment for him under the United States, as a mean to effect his regress from France."
Four pages, very nice condition.

PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1786  An issue from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and before the creation of the Constitution & the new federal government.
Page 3 has a report: "Amongst the respectable patrons of the Alexandria Academy, a new & promising institution, appears the name of  the illustrious General WASHINGTON, who hath benevolently engaged  to vest in the hands of the trustees of  that seminary and their successors…

COLUMBIAN 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 having such extensive relations, some diversity of opinion might be expected...", signed in type: Go. Washington. 
The front page also has: "Federal Ship News" which begins: "The good ship…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796  Page 2 has a curious article headed: "Amorous Fracas!" beginning: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion in the vicinity of Merrion Square..." with the details.
Four pages, very nice, clean condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZTTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Nov. 7, 1795  Page 3 has a report from Augusta, Georgia, being a letter signed by Timothy Pickering concerning a treaty with the Creek Indians. This is followed by a report from the Knoxville which begins: "Notwithstanding the Creeks have solicited the mediation of the President...to restore peace between them and the Chickasaws...that no parties would go out to war against the Chickasaws..." with much more.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 24, 1797  Page 3 has commentary concerning President Adams' recent address to Congress, followed by the response of the House to the President.
Page 3 also has an address by Napoleon to his soldiers, noting in part: "I am now satisfied with you---The army of Italy has hitherto conquered by their courage & their intrepidity, the warlike legions of the Emperor; their discipline & their humanity have triumphed over calumny and malevolence..."…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 16 & 19, 1796  A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking much of the front page and part of page 2 in the issue of the 16th is part of Jay's Treaty through Article 12. Prefacing the Treaty is a "Proclamation" providing particulars about the conclusion and ratification of the Treaty. Includes word that the treaty was ratified…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 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.

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, May, 1797  The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day.
Perhaps the most notable content is the: "President's Speech" which takes 5 1/2 pages. This was his speech of May 15, 17907, Adams calling for the first special session of Congress to consider the worsening French-American crisis, which would lead to the Quasi War. It is signed at its conclusion: John Adams.
…

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, July, 1797  The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day, some of which can be seen in the photos.
Quite rare in that this issue still contains the full page plate, which relates to the first article on the front page. Typically, such plates are missing.
Certainly one of the less common 18th century American magazine titles, existing from just 1790 to 1797.
Complete in 56…

THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Sept. 20, 1753 

* Rare Colonial New York 
* Short lived publication

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 years old--by James Parker from the colonial press of New York. American titles from the 1750's are rarely…

THE BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739  

* Extremely early & rare Colonial publication 

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 apprenticed in the printing business.
Brigham notes only 3 institutions have this date.
A handsome issue for display with…