Historic Newspapers: Bonus Catalog Items (newly added)

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, July 24, 1783  The entire front page and most of page 4 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.
It is headed: "His Excellency General WASHINGTON'S LETTER to the several States which compose the American Republic - CIRCULAR" datelined at Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 11th, 1783.
This famous letter begins: "The great object for which I had the honour to hold an appointment in the service of my country being…

KA ELELE (The Messenger). Honolulu, Oahu, Sept. 24, 1846. Buke 2 (Vol. 2), Pepa (no.) 12.   This is an exceptionally scarce original Hawaiian-language newspaper published during the constitutional era of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Edited under the direction of Rev. Richard Armstrong, Ka Elele ranks among the earliest and most important newspapers printed for Native Hawaiian readers. Appearing at a time when Hawaii possessed one of the world's highest literacy rates, the newspaper served as a…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Oct. 18, 1775

* General George Washington
* Named Commander-in-Chief 
* Continental Army - British reaction

The front page begins with a nice item from London concerning George Washington: "General Washington, who was lately appointed Generalissimo over the Provincials, has refused any salary, and is to attend to the hazardous and arduous duty allotted him from principle only. A most noble example & worthy of imitation in Great Britain, particularly at this time…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE AND THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 6, 1781  The masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere, showing a soldier holding a sword and a document inscribed "Independence" while standing beneath a banner inscribed "Appeal To Heaven" and surrounded by ornate embellishments.

The entire front page & a bit of page 2 are taken up with: "The Revolution of America, by the Abbe Raynal. Distressed State of England in 1768."

Page 3 has various reports…

THE NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE and GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, Feb. 23, 1782

* Rare publication during Revolutionary War

 This is certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War era.
Page 2 has a letter that notes in part: "...the Americans might yet be brought back to a constitutional subordination to this country!...". Also: "The troops destined for the American reinforcement for the campaign of 1782 are not yet finally determined on; but it is agreed on all hands that it is…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 25, 1781  

* Two John Hancock signatures
* Richard Langdon signature (President of Harvard) 

A very handsome issue as the masthead features an engraving taken from one done by Paul Revere for colonial currency at the time. It is a very patriotic device showing a soldier with a sword in one hand and a scroll with 'Independence' in the other, with the words 'Appeal To Heaven" above him.
Most of the front page is taken up with a…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, October 11, 1781 

* American Revolutionary War original
* American Issac Hayne's execution - hanging

Most of the front page is taken up with various correspondences from and to C. Fraser, Isaac Hayne, Lord Rawdon & John Collock, with a prefacing note: "The following are authentic copies of sundry papers which  Col. Isaac Hayne, two days before his execution, delivered to a friend with an injunction...".
Col. Isaac Hayne was one of the most prominent Americans to…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War

The front page begins with a lengthy report headed: "Office of Finance" signed by: Robert Morris. 
Page 2 begins with a very fine & detailed letter from Col. Stewart to Earl Cornwallis dated Sept. 9, 1781, being an account of the Battle of Eutaw Springs, South Carolina, as reported in the London Gazette. The first paragraph notes: "...have the honor to inform your Lordship that on the 8th

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779

* Ethan Allen captivity
* Revolutionary War original

 Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.
Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine. 
All of page 4 is taken up with the continued "Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Treatment during his Captivity." which is…

TOMBSTONE PROSPECTOR, Arizona, June 4, 1889  

* Very rare wild West publication
* Gunfight at the O.K. Corral fame

We have had a few other newspapers from the iconic Old West town of Tombstone, but this is perhaps the most uncommon. The masthead features a great engraving of a miner on a mule.
The content is much as would be expected from a mining town, including many legal notices concerning mines, etc. A wealth of ads as well.
Four pages, various chipping near the bottom margin of the back leaf,…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 4, 1861 

* President Abraham Lincoln
* 1st State of the Union Address

Most of page 2 is taken up with: "The President's Message" being the annual state-of-the-union address of the President to Congress, signed in type at its conclusion: Abraham Lincoln.

Logically, much of his focus is on the on-going Civil War and its progress, although there is much more about the state of the nation. Page 3 has an editorial headed: "The President's…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 14, 1744  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 of Religion in Great…

NEW YORK HERALD, April 25, 1865  All columns on all 8 pages are black-bordered in memory of Abraham Lincoln. Two-thirds of the first column are taken up with nice heads concerning the funeral of Abraham Lincoln including: "HONORS To the MARTYR PRESIDENT" "Our Tribute to the Lamented Dead" "Arrival of the Cortege" "The Body In State" "The Procession to the City Hall" "Scene of Sadness & Sorrow" "Incidents of the Obsequies" & much more.

Further reporting on the funeral on pages 4, 5 and 8…

THE COMMERCIAL APPEAL, Memphis, Tennessee, Sept. 14, 1901  This is one of the more dramatic issues we have seen on the death of President William McKinley with the banner headline: "PRESIDENT M'KINLEY DEAD" and a huge, full-figure print of him in black, captioned: "Wm. McKinley, Born Jan. 9, 1843 - Died Sept. 14, 1901".
Various related subheads including: "Bullet of the Assassin Proved But Too True" "The End Came at 2:15 O'Clock" "Last Words To His Wife" "It Is God's Way--Let His Will, Not…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 6, 1849  Over two columns on page 2 are taken up with an excellent and very detailed letter headed: "Diluvial Gold Deposits of California". It begins: "The excitement of the public mind, growing out of the discovery of native gold in the diluvial deposits of California, will, I trust, furnish an apology for the present communication....". The letter has a wealth of information on the gold deposits, less than half of which is seen in the photos.
The…

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Dec. 25, 2009 (Front and Calendar sections)

* 2nd week ad for Avatar
* Premiere ad & review of Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated
* Many other Christmas weekend ads for blockbuster movies

A terrific issue on the premiere of the motion picture hits "Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated", which includes full-page ads and reviews of each. Also present are large ads for "AVATAR" , (2nd week), "Nine", "Up in the Air" (a double-page ad), "Did You Here About the Morgans", "Crazy…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790  Almost a full column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.

Four pages, some some foxing and damp stain to the upper right, good condition.

NEW YORK WORLD, Feb. 12, 1862  The front page has: "Important Resolutions Of Senator Sumner", which is followed by the full text of his historic series of resolutions outlining what quickly became known as his radical "State Suicide Theory." 

Alongside this landmark constitutional argument, the issue features ongoing reports and official dispatches from the front lines of the American Civil War which help to provide context. The front page column heads on the Civil War are: "The War In

LOS ANGELES TIMES, Nov. 6, 1985  This issue documents the passing of a transformative religious leader who fundamentally reshaped the modern trajectory of his faith. 
The front page features a significant report headed: "Spencer W. Kimball, 90, Dies; Led Mormon Church", which is followed by a few paragraphs of supporting text. The extensive coverage continues on page 22, taking up a full column and featuring a photograph detailing his peaceful passing the prior evening in Salt Lake City at the…

HARPER'S MONTHLY, Nov., 1887  This complete, illustration-rich issue features an expansive 24-page feature article titled "A Santa Barbara Holiday" by Edwards Roberts. This extensive travelogue is lavishly illustrated with 13 detailed engravings, most notably featuring a magnificent, highly displayable full-page print capturing a panoramic view of Santa Barbara exactly as it stood in 1887.

It is great to have first-hand documentation of Southern California during the legendary "Boom of the

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Dec. 8, 1930

* Ad for Vine-Glo wine/grape bricks
* Chicago gangland wars
* Al 'Scarface' Capone era w/ report


Page 20 has large ad for Vine-Glo Wine Bricks with a statement that the bricks are "legal in your home, under the provisions of Section 29, National Prohibition Act". Additionally, the front page has a great banner headline for display concerning the gangland wars in Chicago that reads: "GETS BOMB BY MAIL; KILLED" with subhead. (see images) Nice for display. Two…

THE VILLAGE VOICE (weekly), Greenwich Village, New York, March 14, 1968

* Tiny Tim - Herbert Butros Khaury
* American musician - guitarist - singer
* Debut album release "God Bless Tiny Tim"
* "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" song fame
* Jimi Hendrix Experience at Symphony Hall
* THE DOORS Fillmore East concerts ad 

Page 37 has a 10 x 5 inch advertisement for the release of Tiny Tim's debut album "God Bless Tiny Tim" (see images) This album wasn't actually released until the following month of April.
On…

NEW YORK POST, Aug. 10, 1945 

* Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan
* Atomic bombings described 
* World War II coming to an end
* Japan willing to surrender

The front page has a nice headline: "JAPS ASK PEACE!" with coverage on the following pages.
The top of page five has a banner heading: "Eyewitnesses Awed by View Of Nagasaki and Hiroshima" (see images)
Complete with 32 pages, tabloid size, some spine wear, otherwise nice.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 13, 1862  Page 2 of this issue features a report titled "THE LATE BURNING AT HARPER'S FERRY," detailing the destruction of portions of the town by Union forces. Page 3 carries a report on the "BRILLIANT SUCCESS OF GENERAL BURNSIDE'S EXPEDITION," with subheads including "Two Thousand Prisoners Taken" and "Elizabeth City Burnt By The Rebels," providing detailed coverage of the North Carolina campaign.

The historical interest of this issue lies

THE BOYS PAPER, Colorado Springs, April 15, 1906  This would rank among the world's smallest newspapers, as it measures just 3 3/4 by 4 1/2 inches, printed on a light brown, wrapper paper-type newsprint.
This would appear to be from the "amateur press", a popular hobby from the late 19th century, typically small in size and rather crudely printed. The content is very quaint.
Nice condition. 

NEW YORK TIMES, May 31, 1862  The front page features a very nice map headed: "RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY FROM CORINTH" with the map showing from New Orleans to Memphis, to Pensacola.

Among the front page column heads on the Civil War: "ANOTHER TRIUMPH" "Corinth in Possession of Gen. Halleck" "Important Events Proceeding the Evacuation" "Heavy Fighting & Important Positions Gained" "Retreat of the Rebels & Occupation of Corinth by Our Forces" and more.

Eight pages, very nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 29, 1798  Most of the front page is taken up with  3 Acts of Congress, one for: "...the relief of sick and disabled seamen.", each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.

Page 2 has: "French Duplicity" which relates to the XYZ Affair. Also: "From the Mediterranean" concerning Napoleon Buoaparte, and "More Stuff For Treason" regarding France, and a page 3 item gives updates on the Frigates United States and Constitution.

Four pages, great condition.

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, Nov. 2, 1956 

* Springhill mine explosion disaster 
* Nova Scotia, Canada 

This 48 page newspaper has a  nice banner headline on the front page: "108 Men Trapped in Nova Scotia Mine Blast" with subheads. (see)

Tells of the Springhill mining disaster in Nova Scotia, Canada.

wikipedia notes: The 1956 Explosion occurred on November 1, 1956 when a mine train hauling a load of fine coal dust up to the surface of the 25-year old Number 4 colliery to remove it from…

THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE TIMES, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1926

* Carnegie Tech (Mellon)
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish - NCAA football
* 1 of the greatest upsets (Monday 1st report)
* Knute Rockne skips game (mistake)

This 20 page newspaper has sports reporting under "SEASON OF THRILLS IN FOOTBALL WORLD" and more which includes news of the huge upset of Notre Dame by Carnegie Tech. Knute Rockne decided to attend the Army-Navy game thinking his squad would easily handle Tech without him.

This game is…

BALLOU'S PICTORIAL, Boston, February 9, 1856  The front page is mostly taken up with the Mass. state arms and scenes emblematic of the state.
Among the prints within are: "Floating Church Off the Tower, London" "Statue of Rubens, At Antwerp" "Royal Spanish Bull-Fight act Madrid". With an article on: "American Indians" are prints of; "An Mandan Chief" "Blackfoot Indian On Horseback" "Sioux Indians Horse Racing" "Indians Skin Lodges" "Dacotah Woman & Assiniboin Girl" "Group of Saukie and Fox…

THE DAILY STATE REGISTER, Carson City, Nevada, Dec. 11, 1872  Situated just east of Lake Tahoe at the western "elbow" of the state, this issue from its heyday during the mining era has various news, ads and notices on the front page, with much news on pages 2 and3.
Carson City is named for the famed mountain man Kit Carson & is about 30 miles south of Reno. It originated as a stopover for California bound emigrants, but developed into a city with the Comstock Lode, a silver strike in the…

THE DAILY DELTA, New Orleans, Sept. 4, 1850  Newspapers from the pre-Civil War South are rather difficult to find. Here is one from Louisiana.
Among the many page 3 ads is one headed: "Slaves! Slaves!! Slaves!!!" which notes in part: "The subscribers are prepared to receive, on consignment, for sale in this market, any number of slaves, having one of the best showrooms in the city, & large & comfortable quarters where every attention will be paid to their comfort. Merchants, planters, and…

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 DOWNFALL OF BABYLON, New York, Oct. 3, 1835  A quite rare & unusual weekly (later semi-monthly) newspaper with strong anti-Catholic leanings published by: "Samuel B. Smith, Late a Popish Priest", as noted in the dateline. This newspaper published from 1834-1839 & features an engraving in the masthead showing various churches in ruin and a subtitle: "Or, the Triumph of Truth Over Popery".
The ftpg. has: "On the Moral Corruption of the Popish Hierarchy, Monks, Nuns, and People", a continuing…