Historic Newspapers: Aviation & Flight

LONDON GAZETTE, May 7, 1666  

* Among the earliest of English language newspapers to be had
* Hold something from the 17th century in your hands
* Unique gift idea for that history buff

A front page report from "Seville" states: "The admiral and Vice-Admiral of Spain, are providing for their Voyage into New-Spain, but will not be ready till the beginning of July, though they hasten it as much as may be, being to carry Quicksilver for their Mines, which at present is a very great want…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 16, 1675 

* King Philip's War - Metacomet
* New England Colonists vs. Indians
* First war in America (historic)

The back page has a report concerning King Philip's War, an armed conflict between Native American inhabitants of present-day New England and English colonists.
The significance of what is known as "King Philip's War" is lost with most Americans, but the event cannot be over-stated. This was America's first war, and the only newspaper in…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, August 19, 1675  

* King Philip's War - Metacomet
* New England Colonists vs. Indians
* First war in America (historic)

The significance of what is known as "King Philip's War" is lost with most Americans, but the event cannot be over-stated.
This was America's first war, and the only newspaper in existence to report it was this title. As Wikipedia notes, this was an armed conflict between Native American inhabitants of present-day New England and English…

THE IMPARTIAL PROTESTANT MERCURY, London, England, Jan. 3, 1681/2  

* Rare 17th century publication
* Protestants versus the Catholics

This single-sheet newspaper is a fascinating paper published during this time of struggle between Catholics and Protestants in government.
News is entirely from England & Scotland, with most of a column taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, nice condition.

Background: This specific issue of The Impartial Protestant…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1692-1694. This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics & one of the earliest periodicals in English. Partially in question/answer format. This newspaper was published before any American newspapers even existed.
A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides (typical for the period), measuring 7 1/2 by 12 1/2 inches. Very nice, clean…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY by John Dunton, London, England, 1692-1694. This was a fine gentleman's newspaper which was very popular in the coffeehouses of early England. Interesting reading on a wide range of topics & one of the earliest periodicals in English. Partially in question/answer format. This newspaper was published before any American newspapers even existed. A single sheet newspaper printed on both sides (typical for the period), measuring 7 1/2 by 12 1/2 inches. Very nice, clean…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, March 19, 1692  

* Rare 17th century publication

This was the very first of the "agony aunt" newspapers, a newspaper providing personal advice to its readers.
In creating this format of responding to questions from readers, the publisher, John Dunton, did so as a result of feeling guilty for cheating on his wife. He thought that people like himself might appreciate confiding in a stranger --anonymously--& that readers would be titillated by the exchange.
It proved to…

THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, Nov. 19, 1692  

* Rare 17th century publication
* Early optician, John Marshall ad

One of just four advertisements on the back page is a quite lengthy & descriptive ad beginning: "At the sign of the Archimedes and Spectacles in Ludgate street, the West End of St. Paul's Church, London, by John Marshal are made all manner of prospective glasses, telescopes, microscopes, single and double, reading glasses, large concave glasses..." with much more.
In the…

HAEGSE MERCUR, The Hague, The Netherlands, Nov. 15, 1698 

* Rare 17th century publication

Nice engraving of the winged Mercury in the masthead of this small-size newspaper. Four pages, totally in the Dutch language, 6 by 7 3/4 inches, great condition.

Background: The Haegse Mercur (also spelled Haagse Mercurius) was a late‑17th‑century Dutch periodical printed in The Hague that combined news, commentary and satirical observations rather than functioning like a modern daily newspaper;…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, April 3, 1735  

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

THE AMERICAN WEEKLY MERCURY, Philadelphia, May 15, 1735 

* Among the earliest of American newspapers
* Very early & rare colonial publication

As any serious collector of newspapers knows, it is exceedingly difficult to find any colonial American newspapers from before 1760, let alone an issue from 1735. It began in 1719 and only published through 1749. It was the very first newspaper in all of the Middle Colonies, and only the fourth newspaper published in all of the American…

THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, June 29, 1767  

* Silk manufacturing in the Colonial South

Page 2 has reports headed: "America" one of which is from Charleston and the development of the silk business in South Carolina.

THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Feb. 27, 1769  

* Rare British publication

The front page--carrying over to page 2--with reports from the Caribbean, etc. Also reports taken from the Massachusetts Gazette.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, very nice condition.

THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Dec. 9, 1771  Page 3 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Boston. Bits include: "...a chief of the Mohawk Tribe of Indiana...arrived in town & have had several conferences with...Lieutenant Governor...to make a general peace between the Six Nations & all the tribes inhabiting from the Ohio to the Chicasahs..." and other reports.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, scattered foxing, nice condition.

THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, 1772 This is a very nice, folio-size newspaper of four pages which was never bound nor trimmed with uncommonly wide margins. This is also the first 18th century newspaper we have been able to offer from this part of England. The issue contains various news from throughout Europe with an emphasis on British events with the back page mostly taken up with ads. We do not have many issues of this title to offer. The photo below is "generic" however the issue you…

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead…

DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, Dec. 5, 1782 

* Revolutionary War ending

Page 2 has a report concerning Guatemala which mentions: "Captain John Campbell of the Wanks River District, who had collected 150 able Negroes for the purpose of harassing the Spanish garrison..." with much more on this, & followed by the; "Articles of Capitulation proposed by Don Thomas Julia....Guatemala...and Major James Lowrie, His Majesty's superintendent of the Indians & Mosquito Shore." There is also a…

DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, March 27, 1783  Page 2 has an item from Lisbon reading: "Since the Declaration of American Independence on the part of Great Britain, the court of Lisbon have thought proper to withdraw their prohibitions against the entry of American vessels into their harbours & to publish an ordinance...'As the independence of the United States of American puts an end to the motives which occasioned the Royal Decree of the 4th of July, 1776..." with more detail (see).
Four…

DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, April 17, 1783 

* re. the End of the Revolutionary War

Page 2 has some reports from the House of Commons relating to the treaty with America, particularly the trade portion. The back page has some talk concerning relations with America as well.
Four pages, nice condition.

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 EDINBURGH ADVRTISER, Scotland, Jan. 6, 1784

* General George Washington
* Farewell address - speech
* Continental Army officers
* Princeton, New Jersey

 Certainly the most notable & historic content is the full text printing of: "General Washington's Farewell Orders to the Armies of the United States", a very historic & notable document datelined: "Rocky Hill, near Princetown, Nov. 2, 1783." It takes portions of both pages 2 and 3.
It reads in part: "...A contemplation of the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 6, 1785  

* Early ballooning - aviation pioneer
* Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier

Page 5 has a paragraph on one of the pioneers of manned flight, noting: "The famous M. Pilastre de Rozier, after having in vain waited...for a favourable wind to waft him & his balloon to the British shore, has given up all thoughts of such an aerial navigation, at least till the end of winter...".
de Rozier would make the winter attempt to cross the English Channel but…

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 CALEDONIAN MERCURY, Edinburgh, Scotland, 1791 A nice newspapers from the late 1700's carrying various news of the day and a wealth of ads. The entire front page is taken up with ads, a few of which are illustrated. Nice engraving in the middle of the masthead showing the "mercury" figure. Folio size, complete in 4 pages, some scattered browning or foxing, generally in good condition.
The photo is "generic" although the issue you receive will have the same look and be from 1791.

COLUMBIAN 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 designed for the future residence of the President of the United States, viz 'This Corner Stone of the House to Accommodate the President of the United States, was laid May 10, 1792; when…

MASSACHUSETTS MERCURY, Boston, April 13, 1793  Most of the ftpg is a recollection of the: "Ceremony of Consecrating & Crowning the Late King of France" in 1775, given that he was beheaded recently. The prefacing note begins: "The transition from the throne to the scaffold has been short..." with some details in the following issue.
Four pages, 8 3/4 by 10 12 inches, archival mend at the blank spine, good condition.

SUPPLEMENT TO CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 15, 1796  Occasionally newspapers would publish a "Supplement" to an issue to either provide space for advertisements or to report news that would not fit within the 4 page issue. This is one.
The front page begins with a: "Twenty-Dollars Reward" for a runaway: "...Negro servant lad..." with descriptive details. 
Complete as a single sheet issue, untrimmed margins, great condition.

THER HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Nov. 30 1796  Page 3 has a letter concerning Thomas Jefferson. Also a report: "Capture of the Brig Mercury From this Fort" by a French privateer, which would lead to the Quasi-War with France.
The back page has 2 official notices by the Secretary of the Treasury concerning the sale of public lands: "...of the United States, in the territory north-west of the Ohio, and above the mouth of Kentucky river...".
Four pages, great condition.

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Feb. 27, 1797 

* Early American title

All of pages 1 & 2 are taken up with: "Documents Which Accompanied the Message of the President...to Both Houses of Congress", continued from a previous issue. Page 3 has more on this, as well as: "War In India!"
Four pages, foxing at the folds, period notations at the very top.

THE NEWPORT MERCURY, Rhode Island, May 9, 1797  

* President George Washington 
* Mount Vernon retirement 

Page 3 has a lengthy letter to George Washington from the Rhode Island General Assembly concerning his retirement from public office. It begins: "Having felt in common with our constituents the importance of your military and civil services, and being deeply affected by the resolution you have formed of retiring from public life, we beg leave to express to you our sentiments...".
This is…

THE MERCURY AND NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, April 28, 1801 Page 2 report: "Castor Oil made in New York" describes the success of expressing oil from the seeds of the castor bean, mentioning that "...it is cold drawn and always fresher." Nice engraving of mercury in the masthead. Subscribers name in the blank area of the masthead, otherwise good.

MERCURY AND NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, Oct. 13, 1801  Brief item on pg. 2 says: "The slaves form about one sixth part of the population of the United States; and three fifths, the number represented in Congress, about one tenth." Bkpg. ad headed: Spermaceti and Whale Oil with details.
Ftpg. has some ink stains in the left margin, some foxing.

NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, 1801-1802  A typical "newsy" newspaper of the era with a nice woodcut of a soaring mercury in the masthead. Some light foxing, untrimmed.  Actual dates vary, but the issue sent will be similar in look and condition to that shown, and will date from 1801-1802.

NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, Boston, 1801-1802 A general "newsy" newspaper of the era with a nice woodcut of a soaring Mercury in the masthead. Some light foxing, untrimmed.  Actual dates vary, but the issue will be similar in look and condition to that shown, and will date from 1801-1802.

THE MERCURY & NEW ENGLAND PALLADIUM, 1802  A handsome issue from the early 19th century with a nice engraving of "Mercury" holding a scroll. Various news of the day plus many ads as well.
Note that the photo is "generic" and the issue you get will not have this specific date but will have the format as shown. Measures 13 by 22 inches in four pages. Generally nice condition.

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, April 1, 1802 

* President Thomas Jefferson
* Georgia Legislature letter of congrats

The front page begins with an address of the Georgia legislature  Thomas Jefferson, President of the U.S." to: "...congratulate the President on his elevation to the chief magistracy...", followed by the: "President's Reply" signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Page 2 has: "An Address From the House of Re. of the Mississippi Territory to Thomas Jefferson, President...".
Four…

NEW YORK EVENING POST, Nov. 25, 1802

* African lion on display advertisement (notice)

The top of the front page has a notice for an exhibit of "The King Of Beasts" which includes details about the event and a woodcut of the African lion. Complete with all 4 pages, minor margin wear, nice condition.

Background: In the early 1800s, New Yorkers could witness the rare spectacle of an African lion exhibited at a commercial venue, specifically at Store No. 23, next to the corner of Front…

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Feb. 12, 1807  The front page has a letter from the Ohio militia to the President, offering their services in light of the: "...hostile appearances of foreign troops on our lines & boundaries as a prelude to war...", specifically referring to Spain.
It is followed by a letter of acknowledgment from the President signed in type: Th. Jefferson.
Four pages, various foxing, good condition.

NEW BEDFORD MERCURY, Massachusetts, Oct. 20, 1809  This is just the second issue of this title we have offered in our 50+ years. A quite uncommon newspaper.
Various news of the day including items for the Napoleonic War in Europe. The back page has over half a column with: "Murder and Piracy".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.

Background: This October 20, 1809 issue of the New Bedford Mercury serves as a vital historical window into the geopolitical anxieties of early…

BOSTON GAZETTE, Feb. 15, 1810  Page 3 has a very unusual obituary prefaced with a statement that says: "Seldom have we had to record so melancholy a catastrophe as that which follows. To see our fine army of 2000 men reduced to nothing in so short a space of time, has cast a gloom over the people, who naturally ask, ‘What calamity is to assail us next?’ " After this is an extract of a letter to the editor of the United States Gazette concerning the reduction of the army: "I enclose you an…

THE AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Connecticut, August 17, 1813 

* Jaguar exhibition ad with woodcut print 
* Nice masthead engraving 
 
A handsome engraving of a heraldic eagle in the masthead (see) and with various news of the day and several advertisements including a illustrated ad on page 3 titled: "JAGUAR Or The American Tiger"

Complete in 4 pages, various light foxing, generally in good condition.

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Oct. 26, 1813  Page 3 has nice reporting from the War of 1812, one report headed: "Glorious News" "Michigan Territory Re-occupied--Malden & Sandwich Taken--Proctor's Army Captured, & the Indians Submitting & Suing for Quarters!" Photos show the full text.
Also on page 3 is an unusual graphic of a ship accompanying the article: "Another Naval Victory!" which reports on the Saratoga vs. the Morgianna, with much detail.
Four pages, close-trimmed at the top of pages 2…

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Nov. 9, 1813  Nice heraldic eagle engraving in the masthead. The ftpg. has three Acts of Congress, each signed in type by the President: James Madison.
The Acts of Congress continue on page 2 with eleven more, each signed in type by: James Madison. One is for allowing the President to buy new furniture for the White House, and another is "To establish the town of Mobile a port of entry."
Also on pages 2 & 3 are: "The Victory on Land" "Indian Cartel" "A…

AMERICAN MERCURY, Hartford, Connecticut, Nov. 30, 1813 

* Battle of the Thames - Fort Malden
* Shawnee leader Tecumseh killed
* William Henry Harrison victory

Much of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress signed in type by the President: James Madison.
Page 2 has: "Gen. Harrison's Victory" which is a report on the historic Battle of the Thames in which Harrison defeated British forces, resulting in the death of the famed Native American leader Tecumseh and the end of his…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 4, 1813  Among the reports are: "The War-Tax Laws" "Captain Jesse D. Elliot" "Governor Shelby" "Vermont Militia" with a section headed: "Events of the War" taking over 6 pages & including subheads: "Military--The Northern Armies" "Official Correspondence--From Gen. Wilkinson to the Secretary at War" "Extract from the General Order of Gen. Wilkinson"; a letter: "From General Wilkinson to General Armstrong" dated at French Mills; "Naval"; a lengthy article on…