Historic Newspapers: Catalog - Current Abridged

THE PROTESTANT (DOMESTICK) INTELLIGENCE, Or News both from CITY AND COUNTRY, London, England, April 2, 1680  Here is a rare opportunity to purchase a newspaper by Benjamin Harris. Harris was the first newspaper publisher in the colonies, having published "Public Occurrences Both Forreign & Domestick" in Boston in 1690. It lasted for only one issue, and to this day only one issue of that newspaper has been found.
Before emigrating to the colonies, he published this newspaper in London, but he…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 28, 1686  The front page has a report datelined at Venice concerning the ending of the famous carnival there.
The back page has a report noting: "...There are letters from Spain which says they had news from the West Indies that the Pyrats, conducted by one Laurence, had plundered and burnt the town of Panama, and put all the inhabitants to ransom."
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/2 by 11 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Feb. 28, 1686  The front page has a report datelined at Venice concerning the ending of the famous carnival there.
The back page has a report noting: "...There are letters from Spain which says they had news from the West Indies that the Pyrats, conducted by one Laurence, had plundered and burnt the town of Panama, and put all the inhabitants to ransom."
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches, nice condition.

THE ORIGINAL LONDON POST OR, HEATHCOTE'S INTELLIGENCE, London, England, Dec. 13, 1723  A rare title with the text running continuously from issue to issue, the lead sentence is the completion of the last sentence from the previous issue.
This was done by several periodicals during this period to avoid the tax on newspapers. This format classified it as a pamphlet, and therefore no tax was required. According to Crane and Kaye this title is not held by any American institution.
Complete as a…

MIST'S WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 25, 1727  When it comes to notable deaths of the world, they don't get too much better than this.
Page 2 has a simple, yet powerful report noting simply: "Died, Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest Mathematician that the World ever knew."
Isaac Newton was an English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, alchemist, theologian, and author widely recognized as one of the greatest mathematicians and physicists of all time and among the most influential scientists. 
Terri…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1733  Among the articles noted in the table of contents are: "Debates on the Sugar Colony Bill..." "Of Pride in Men of Worth" "The Tobacco Scheme well Calculated" & more.
Near the back is a report which includes: "...highly applauds the undertaking of establishing a colony in Georgia, bestows large enconiums on the founders of it...a subscription is now open'd by the Trustees for the relgious uses of the Colony, a church is to be built & endow'd at…

THE UNIVERSAL SPECTATOR & WEEKLY JOURNAL, London, March 16, 1734  An uncommon title that existed from 1728 thru 1746. This is Crane & Kaye title #908.
The four pages contain various news from London & elsewhere, plus letters and some advertisements, the latter taking up the entire back page.
Four pages, 10 1/4 by 13 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, some damp staining near the margins, good condition.

Much on George Whitefield... Methodism...

THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, (Edinburgh), June, 1754  Inside has two pages taken up with reports taken: "...from the journal of Major George Washington, sent by the Governor of Virginia, to the commandant of the French forces on the river Ohio...".
This is a great account of Washington's exploits near the Ohio River.
Some snippets include: "Mr. Washington set out on the 31st of October 1753 and reached Will's Creek...he called upon Shingiss, King of the Delaware Indians...One of the chiefs, called the…

THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE OF KNOWLEDGE & PLEASURE, London, August, 1755  Typically we have offered this title from disbound volumes, but because it had no half title page for each issue, it had a clumsy, incomplete look. To avoid these many of our latest offerings have been as complete bound volumes with the volume's title page.
But here is an issue as sold on the streets, with the original blue outer wrappers containing the table of contents. These were always discarded when issues were…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1758  The most significant article is headed: "American Affairs" with a dateline of Williamsburg, Virginia, July 7 which includes: "...that the Indians had lately killed & captivated 26 people between Winchester & Augusta court house...that a large body of the inhabitants, to the number of 300, were removed into Culpepper...".
This is followed by various other reports with much on the French & Indian War with datelines from Albany, Lake George, Great

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 10, 1759  Pages 6 and 7 contain nearly one-third of a page with reports headed: "America" with one report noting in part: "...General Court of the Massachusetts Bay have...made provision for the raising forthwith 5,000 men..." with more on this. Also: "A fresh misunderstanding has broke out between the Creek Indians and the Spaniards on the confines of South Carolina."
There is also a letter from Albany with nice reports on the French & Indian War noting in…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 21, 1760  The front page has over a full column of reports concerning the ongoing French & Indian War. Some bits include: "...happy event of the expedition undertaken by Gov. Lyttelton against the Cherokee Indians who had begun open hostilities...by scalping several inhabitants of Virginia and North and South Carolina..." with so much more on them.
Further on is: "...The Cherokees are the most numerous nation of Indians adjoining to the British colonies on…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 12, 1761  Page 2 has a letter from Charleston headed: "America" which includes war reports from the French & Indian War. Then a letter from a merchant in Quebec concerning the problems with trade.
Over half of page 5 is taken up with reports headed: "America", one letter beginning: "The case of the poor Canadians is really deplorable, occasioned by the bankruptcy of the crown of France...". Then a letter from Boston mentions: "...from his Majesty's dominions…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1763  Certainly the most significant item is the nearly 3 1/2 page article: "An Account of the Commerce of Louisiana" which is very detailed.
It includes: "...the Mississippi is a very rapid as far as the Missouri, which is about 1200 miles from its mouth, which, though it makes it difficult to ascent, yet facilitates the conveyance of the gross commodities down it which constitute the chief staple of North America. The worst part of the navigation is…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1763  Certainly the most significant item is the nearly 3 1/2 page article: "An Account of the Commerce of Louisiana" which is very detailed.
It includes: "...the Mississippi is a very rapid as far as the Missouri, which is about 1200 miles from its mouth, which, though it makes it difficult to ascent, yet facilitates the conveyance of the gross commodities down it which constitute the chief staple of North America. The worst part of the navigation is…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 16, 1764  Page 3 has a report headed: "America" with a Boston dateline concerning coal mining in Nova Scotia. The back page has reports noting: "...expected that...the removal of some grievances from the trade of North America as we are informed orders for that purpose were dispatched about 3 weeks ago. They write from New York that the greatest number of pack-horse traders were preparing to set out for the Indian countries in consequence of the present…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 23, 1765  The top of the frontpage has a report headed: "America" with a Savannah, Georgia, dateline. It reports on the various funds for the orphan house in Georgia, one of his causes.
Whitefield (also Whitfield) was an English Anglican minister and preacher who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. He spent much time evangelizing in the Southern colonies of America. 
The back page has an item from Savannah concerning…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1768  Articles include: "American Transactions Continued" from the previous issue which takes over 10 pages with a great wealth of content concerning the growing tensions between England & the American colonies.
Perhaps this lengthy text is summed up best with one paragraph: "...We wish & pray for the happy time when a national attention shall be given to the grievances we labour under, & the true source of them. When such a period shall come, we are…

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, Aug. 10, 1769  The front page and page 2 are taken up with reports from Europe, while page 3 has news items headed: "America - Williamsburg" "Philadelphia" and: "Boston. Most of the back page is taken up with reports from the Legislature of South Carolina.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, in great condition.

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, August 31, 1769 printed with THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 31, 1769  Both newspapers were published by Richard Draper on Thursday. A partnership with John Green and Joseph Russell printed the "Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser" on Mondays.

Both titles are printed on the same sheet of paper (each s single sheet; verified when held to the light) and were meant to be separated for individual sale & distribution. But this pair was not, hence the interesting

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 1, 1776  There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common, in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also created the masthead for the Essex Journal, very few examples of which are found on…

John Hancock signature... A few weeks prior to his most famous...

THE 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 it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776. 
But the content is nice as well, particularly given that this issue was printed just 9 days before the Declaration…

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  Certainly a very uncommon title from the 18th century, formatted much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine" or the era.
An inside page has a great document headed: "American United Colonies, In Congress, May 15, 1776" which is a statement concerning the lack of ability to give allegiance to the King and the desire to authorize each of the 13 colonies to form a new provincial government. It is signed in type by the President: John Hancock.
This…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1776  This issue begins with "Proceedings in the House  of Commons..." which includes discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...Nothing could have afforded me so much satisfaction as to have been able to inform you...that the troubles which have so long distracted my colonies in North America were at an end; and that my unhappy people, recovered from their delusion, had delivered themselves from the oppression of their leaders, & returned to…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR BRITISH EVENING POST, London, Oct. 30, 1777  Many reports on the Revolutionary War, with the front page having several items headed: "America" that includes a report on Sir George Collier and his naval exploits. Also from Edenton, North Carolina noting: "...A number of creditable inhabitants from New Bern & other parts of this colony, who had refused the Test Oath..." with more on their plight.
Page 2 has some war reports including: "...nor was any attack made on…

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE FOR THE YEAR 1777, London.  This "supplemental" issue was published at the end of the year and continued the similar format of the monthly issues although not having a full title/index page. Although the table of contents does take the top half of the front page.
The best item in this issue is the quite lengthy letter from George Washington to his wife, dated June 24, 1776, and which begins: "You have hurt me, I know not how much, by the insinuation in…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 23-27, 1778  A  very notable issue reporting a significant naval event in the Revolutionary War. The front page & nearly half of pg. 2 are taken up with letters headed: "Victory, at Sea" which give details of the naval battle between the Belle Poule and Arethusa, being the first naval battle between the British and new American allies the French, in the Revolutionary War.
Significant not only to have this report in a British newspaper, but on the front page.
…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 19, 1778  Page 2 has over half a column concerning the historic duel between Generals Robert Howe and Gadsden, bot notable figures in the Revolutionary War.
The duel stemmed from a dispute over command of Continental troops in South Carolina. Gadsden, a local hero, had taken command during Howe's absence, and when Howe returned, Gadsden questioned the terms of his recall and argued for retaining command. The situation escalated into a…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1779  A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as we find almost no American content in this issue.
At the back under the "Historical Chronicle" is mention that the New York, Quebec & Newfoundland fleets have set sail under the convoy of Admiral Arbuthnot. The balance of the news reports is almost entirely European in focus.
The plate of the Siege of Rhode Island called for is typically found in the…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1780  One report notes: "The assembly of Pennsylvania have fallen upon a new mode of distressing the friends of this country resident among them by obliging persons to take the oaths of allegiance or affirmation of fidelity to the state, & to take a certificate of the same, which certificate they are to produce or be liable to such fines as the governing party shall think proper...what seems still more oppressive...that the wives & children of all…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL: of the NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIENCER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1781  Page 3 has a report from New York on the celebration of the British victory at Guilford Court House, North Carolina: "Last Saturday...a feu de joie was fired here, by all the troops in garrison, in consequence of the victory obtained by the British troops over the rebel army at Guilford court house...the 15th of March last...".
Also a letter from General Baron Steuben from Virginia noting in part: "...I…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 16, 1781  Page 2 has some reports on the Revolutionary War, bits including: Letters from Charlestown [Charleston] say that the great activity of Lord Rawdon...is likely to surmount the difficulties they have had to encounter...purpose to overtake them & to scour the country which bids fair to put an end to that petty warfare...reasons at large for refusing the permit Congress money to pass in his lines, denying the demands of Congress & Washington for men,…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783  Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America.
Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, including details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, & the public, must remember an object of compassion who used to sing ballads about the streets & went by the vulgar appellation…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, May 6, 1783  The front page has items noting in part: "... received from Charleston, South Carolina...the inhabitants lived in the greatest friendship with each other...every thing remained quiet..." Also: "The American Congress deals with some financial issues. Then a letter from New York.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the back page, good 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…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 2, 1787  Two-thirds of page 7 is taken up with: "American News". It is most taken up with a report from Thomas Jefferson, at the time the ambassador to the court of France, relating to the trade in tobacco & rice, plus other matters.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.  Red tax stamp at the bottom of page 2. 

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1788  The issue begins with 5 pages on: "An Account of the first Foundation of the College at Cambridge in New England..." being Harvard University. Inside includes: "The American Plutarch - Memoirs of Captain John Smith" continued for a previous issue.
Near the back is "American Intelligence" with the latest news reports including an item from Edenton, North Carolina: "...a new convention be recommended for the purpose of reconsidering the new…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1789  Among the articles are: "Calculus of the Ensuing Transit of Mercury" which includes an illustration; "Thoughts on Dueling" "Cruelty Towards Animals, Particularly Horses, Reprobated" and much more.
Near the back is news from: "America" with various items including laws for shipping, a report that the North Carolina constitution convention met to discuss the proposed document, and encouraged a Bill of Rights; a report from Kentucky, etc.
Enclosed…

THE HERALD OF FREEDOM & THE FEDERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 10, 1789  This is a very historically significant issue, reporting the official results of George Washington being elected President of the United States.
Page 3 has: "Interesting Intelligence" that includes:"...On the Monday following, (6th inst.) by the arrival of the Hon. Richard H. Lee, from Virginia, a quorum was formed of the Senate of the United States, when they proceeded agreeably to the Constitution, and made choice of the…

THE LITERARY MAGAZINE & BRITISH REVIEW, London, August, 1789  One of the less common titles of the 18th century, this magazine is mostly taken up with--as the title would suggest--literary items and Review of New Publications". Three articles are: "Reflections on the Custom of Burying the Dead, & the Danger of Precipitate Interment" which takes 7 pages; and: "An Account of the Dances of the Turkish Dervishes", as as we refer to them, the Whirling Dervishes. Perthaps the most interesting is: "A…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 12, 1790  A page 2 report announces the death of: " ...that justly celebrated hero, Patriot and Philanthropist, ISRAEL PUTNAM...", plus some details about the funeral.
The top of page 3 has a Congressional Resolve headed with ornate lettering and an engraving of a heraldic eagle, signed in type by: George Washington, President, John Adams, Vice President, and Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State.
Page 3 has a report on the return of the President:…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 18, 1790  Page 2 includes an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, "...to enable the officers & soldiers of the Virginia line on Continental Establishment to obtain titles to certain lands lying northwest of the river Ohio, between the little Miami and Sciota." The Act of Congress is signed in type by the President: George Washington, as well as by John Adams & Thomas Jefferson.
Page 3 has a report titled: "The Columbia"…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1790  The front page has: "Mr. Bowdoin" being a brief report announcing the death of James Bowdoin, a former Massachusetts governor and scholar, plus the "Order Of Procession" for his funeral.
A page 3 report from "Philadelphia" says the President was about to leave Mt. Vernon "...on his return to the seat of government." Also word about the arrivals of Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Also a great item from King James concerning the evils…