Historic Newspapers: Catalog 368 - released for July, 2026...

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…

THE NEW-YORK WEEKLY JOURNAL, Oct. 7, 1734  On October 29, 1733 this publisher, John Peter Zenger, was arrested & jailed for the critical comments he made in his newspaper about a decision made by the British Governor of New York, William Cosby.
The result was a famous libel case (begun July 29, 1735) in which Zenger was acquitted, the argument being that he had printed the truth and that truth is not libelous. It was--and still is--considered a landmark decision in establishing freedom of the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 7, 1773  An extraordinary issue, as page 5 contains what might be the first periodical publication of one of Phillis Wheatley's poems, "On Imagination".
Wheatley was an American writer considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery at the age of 7 or 8 and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After she learned

KE KUMU HAWAII, Honolulu, Oahu, [Hawaii], Sept. 12, 1838
The very first newspaper in Hawaii was essentially a student newspaper, titled “Ka Lama Hawaii” (The Hawaiian Luminary), done by Protestant missionaries at their school at Lahainaluna on the island of Maui.
But it was just a few months later when the second newspaper in Hawaii–and considered the first “regular” newspaper on the islands–was published. “Ke Kumu Hawaii” began publication on Nov. 12, 1834 (some references cite an October…

SOUTHERN RIGHTS, Jacksonville, Florida, Oct. 4, 1862  A fascinating issue with a story similar to that of the iconic Vicksburg Daily Citizen issue of July 4, 1863, when the Union troops found the newspaper still in the press, changed the final paragraph to report the Union takeover, and printed the issue.
This newspaper's story is found in a listing by the American Antiquarian Society:
"Captain Valentine B. Chamberlain was in command of a company of the 7th Connecticut Volunteers who found the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 30, 1789  Certainly the most significant & historic content is the page 3 report that: "The President of the United States has been pleased to nominate, and by & with the advice & consent of the Senate, to appoint, JOHN JAY, of New York, Chief Justice..." followed by a list of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court as well.
Also of great significance are the other appointments listed: "Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Edmund Randolph,…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789  Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of this significant event found on page 2, datelined: "Extract of a Letter from New York, dated May 1" with the text giving more details on the inauguration than is found in…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Aug. 25, 1862  On page 4 is one of the more famous letters from Abraham Lincoln, being his reply to Horace Greeley's editorial of August 20, "A Prayer of Twenty Millions", which urged emancipation.
Lincoln replies in his letter with his famous quote: "My paramount object...is to save the Union, and it is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave, I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves, I would do…

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, July 14, 1876  One of the better newspapers to be found on the famous Custer Massacre battle at Little Big Horn, as this was one of the only newspapers we have encountered which contained a map on the front page of the vicinity, making this a very graphic & displayable newspaper.
The map is at the top of the front page and is headed: "Scene Of the Little Big Horn Massacre" beneath which is a key noting the various locations of the points in the map. Various Indian teepees are…

NEW YORK WEEKLY DAY-BOOK CAUCASIAN, April 22, 1865  A decidedly racist newspaper which began well before the Civil War & lasted a few years after. As such their reporting on war events provides a contrasting perspective beyond most other Northern newspapers.
With this issue, all factious leanings and biased commentary is set aside to report the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. The entire front page reports--with considerable detail--the tragedy of the era with first column heads: "A Terrible…

"An Astronomical Diary Or An ALMANACK..." for the year 1738, printed in Boston by John Draper.  This is a great rarity, and one of the earliest American imprints we have been fortunate enough to offer in many years. Complete in 16 pages, some wear at the margins which is typical of almanacs (heavily used), rounding of a lower corner, a few indents at right margins, generally in good condition for an almanac. Measures 4 1/2 by 6 3/4 inches.

SPOONER'S VERMONT JOURNAL, Windsor, Dec. 8, 1794  Certainly the prime content takes most of page 3, being the: "SPEECH Of His Excellency George Washington, Esq." to Congress, which was his annual state-of-the-union address. It is signed in type at its conclusion: Geo. Washington. Within the address, Washington notes the issues of the day, the events of 1794, and some thoughts about the future.
The presidential annual address was a tradition that began with Washington and continues to this…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE POLYNESIAN, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaiian Islands, Jan. 18, 1845  One of the earliest newspapers we have offered from Hawaii, and fourteen years earlier than the few of this title we offered in recent years.
The "first series" of this title existed for just 1 1/2 years from 1840 to 1841. It proved unprofitable and was shut down. The editor reestablished the paper under the same title in May, 1844. Two months later, it became the "Official Journal of the Hawaiian Government" and remained so until…

THE WEEKLY HERALD, New York, March 11, 1865  The front page features a large Civil War map headed: "CAPTURE OF THE REBEL GENERAL EARLY. Sheridan's Ne Movement Up the Shenandoah--It Success--The Race for Lynchburg--Tightening of the Lines Around Richmond." Much related report on the war events as well.
But the prime content is the report on Lincoln's second inauguration, with front page column heads: "WASHINGTON" "Second Inauguration of President Lincoln" "Scenes at the White House, in the…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Oct. 4, 1666  One of the greatest calamities and more notable events to strike London in its long history is the Great Fire which destroyed much of the city in September, 1666.  Finding period references to it are exceedingly difficult, as the number of newspapers publishing in 1666 was extremely small, this title certainly being the most significant.
Page 2 contains a brief report with a "Westminster" dateline of September 28, noting: "This day the House of…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778  The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
The report begins: "That this house will now resolve into a committee of the whole house to consider of the state & condition of the army which surrendered themselves on convention at Saratoga, in America; and also by what means that army…

THE DALLAS TIMES HERALD, Texas, November 22, 1963  Serious collectors always try to obtain historic newspapers from the city where the event happened. For JFK's assassination that would be a Dallas newspaper.
Of the two newspapers which published in Dallas in 1963 only the TIMES HERALD reported the assassination on the same day it happened--November 22--and only in their 2nd and 3rd editions. The MORNING NEWS, being a morning newspaper, reported the assassination in its November 23 issue.
…

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…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 26, 1807  The back page has a very lengthy: "Proposals...For Publishing LEWIS and CLARK'S Tour to the Pacific Ocean, through the Interior of the Continent of North America..." noting the details that will be in "Volume First" as well as "Volume Second". And this is followed by another descriptive notice headed: "Lewis & Clark's Map of North America..." with many details. All this takes an entire column.
All of the front page is taken up with:…

THE ALASKA TIMES, Seattle, Washington Territory, Dec. 25, 1870  This paper had moved from Sitka to Seattle in 1870 and continued published under the same title despite no longer being in Alaska. Oswald's "Printing In The Americas" reports: "...he moved it to Seattle where he published two numbers only...", however I've had about a dozen issues all with different dates. Truly a rare item.
Articles include: "Alaska & Its People" "Three Years An Indian Captive" "The Russian Demand" "A Visit to…

SEYMOUR WEEKLY CRESSET, Seymour, Baylor County, Texas, June 9, 1887  A very rare newspaper which is believed to have existed for ten years, from 1879 to 1889, however records are not clear. Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers" notes that only the Bancroft Library had any holding of this title, and those were deaccessioned many years ago. This is one of the deaccessioned issues. No institutions still have any holdings of this newspaper.
Eight pages, a minor ink stain to the front page,…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR BRITISH EVENING POST, London, Oct. 12, 1776  Nearly half of the front page is taken up with a very fine account of the British landing on Long Island and their advance toward Manhattan Island, resulting in the historic Battle of Long Island. It is datelined: "Camp at New-Town, Long Island, September 3, 1776".
This is one of the best accounts of the Battle of Long Island we have seen, and great to have it on the front page. The lengthy report is signed at its…

NEW YORK HERALD, Nov. 8, 1806  Page 2 has a somewhat brief yet very noteworthy report concerning Lewis & Clark and their exploration party. 
It is an "Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at St. Charles to his friend in Washington..." and reads: "I have the pleasure to inform you of the arrival of captains Lewis and Clark. They were the first white people that ever visited that country. By the best accounts they could get, there are about ninety or one hundred thousand inhabitants (Indians) on…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Oct. 20, 1862  Page 5 contains one of the more moving articles on the horrors of war, brought home to the residents of New York through an exhibition of "Pictures of the Dead at Antietam" in Matthew Brady's Manhattan Gallery.
The article is headed: "'Brady's Photographs" and a website chronicles the exhibition comparing the brutality & reality of war, to the callousness of New York's residents who read the daily papers but did not relate to the horrors they reported.
The…

THE IREDELL EXPRESS, Statesville, North Carolina, Dec. 3, 1863  A very rare Confederate newspaper. Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers" notes it began in 1857 with an unknown ending date, however one institution has an issue from April, 1865. Gregory lists a total of just 4 known dates (known are Dec. 3, 1863), although the Am. Antiquarian Society also records two issues.
Various Civil War reports on on page 3 including: "For the 4th Regiment "Gov. Vance's Message" "A Buck in Camp"…

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, October, 1787  Certainly the most notable article is the over 7 page account headed: "Adventures of Col. Daniel Boon, one of the Original Settlers at Kentucke" which is signed by him at its conclusion: Daniel Boon, Fayette County, Kentucke.
This is a wonderful report, by Daniel Boone himself, with great detail. It is rare to find accounts about Boone from when he was still living (died in 1820), let alone from his own pen.
Among other articles are:…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1777  The very first article is a two page continued: "Debate in the House of Lords on Lord Chatham's Motion for an Address to his Majesty relative to the American War".
This is one of the more historic issues of the Revolutionary War with a terrific amount of war reporting, not the least of which is a fine report on Burgoyne's Surrender at Saratoga.
Among the headings covering the war are: "Proceedings of the Army Under Gen. Howe" and "Proceedings of the…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England.  A collection of four issues of this--the world's oldest continually published English language newspaper--each one hundred years apart. Issues are dated 1671, 1771, 1871 and 1971.
Interestingly, the format of this title did not change much over the years, save for the number of pages increasing with the years. The 4 issue collection comes in a custom-made 4 section, acid free folder with the title and years printed on the front.
No other title can be offered in such…

THE GREAT WAR COLLECTION (11 issues) - A great opportunity for an instant collection encompassing every major "American" war from The French and Indian War through The Gulf War. You get eleven original/authentic publications (at least 9 being American newspapers), one each for:

French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Gulf War.

The earliest two will be British magazines (with war…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, June 16, 1790  Nearly half of the front page & a bit of page 2 contain: "The Charge of Chief Justice Jay to the Grand Juries of the Eastern Circuit".
Much of page 2 is taken up with reports from "Congress, House of Representatives".
Page 3 has a brief yet significant report from Congress noting: "...brought in a bill authorizing & empowering the President of the United States to purchase such a part of the tract of land at West Point as the public service…

CLAY TRIBUNE, New York, Sept. 28, 1844  A scarce campaign newspaper published by the famed Horace Greeley. It existed for just 27 issues from May 4 until just before the election, Nov. 2, 1844.
Horace Greeley was a supporter of Henry Clay in the presidential election of 1844, although he lost to James K. Polk. This is issue #22. Logically the issue is filled with political content.
Before modern media the only way for the electorate to know anything about candidates was through newspapers, so…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 2, 1779  This issue has various items concerning the Silas Deane Affair, The Silas Deane Affair, a political scandal involving Silas Deane, a prominent diplomat and member of the Continental Congress, during the American Revolutionary War. The affair centered on accusations of financial impropriety and disloyalty leveled against Deane, ultimately leading to his recall from his post in Paris. There are several mentions of Ben…

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…

NEW YORK TIMES, January 17, 1901  Although discoveries were made in various locations long before this date, this discovery--to be known as Spindletop--marked the emergence of the oil industry at a time when the automobile and other industries were experiencing rapid growth, coinciding with the need for this new product.
The discovery of oil in Beaumont, Texas, was the beginning of the oil industry in Texas. When the well struck on January 10, 1901 it would gusher uncontrollably for 8 days…

CATSKILL PACKET & WESTERN MAIL, New York, March 14, 1795  Certainly one of the more elusive 18th century newspapers, existing under this title for less than 2 1/2 years. This is the first of this title we have offered in our 50+ years.
The front page & half of page 2 are taken up with reports from Congress when Washington was President.
Four pages, a 2 1/2 by 3 inch pieced was clipped from a back leaf lower corner, minor wear at the margins, good condition.

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, June 6, 1768  Under reports from London is: "...Letters from Boston, New England, mention that the late public spirit for establishing new manufactures was greatly subsided, the adventurers having met with nothing but disappointments in procuring materials, scarcity of money, & high price of wages."
Elsewhere is: "...some dispatches said to be of importance were sent away...to be put on board the packet boat bond for New York, for Major General Gage,…

This is one of the most desired, yet difficult to find, reference works for post-1820 American newspapers, essentially picking up where the Brigham work left off. This single volume is titled: "American Newspapers 1821 - 1936 - A Union List of Files Available In the United States and Canada" edited by Winifred Gregory, originally published in 1937 and reprinted in 1967.
This volume includes all known titles of American & Canadian newspapers from the noted time period, listed by state and…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, July 9, 1666  An extremely early issue of the world's oldest continually published newspaper which began publication just the previous year in 1665. This is issue #68 published just 2 months before the Great Fire of London.
The front page contains not one but three mentions of ships arriving from Virginia, which is an early newspaper mention of the "New World".  And the bkpg. has reference to the Great Plague with an account for Norwich noting: "The Account of our…

THE MORGAN NEWS, Bosque County, Texas, Nov. 8, 1889  This is the volume 1, number 6 issue of a very rare newspaper from this small town between Waco and Fort Worth. In 2020 the population was just 454. Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers" notes only one institution had but a single issue which has been deaccessioned by them. This is that issue.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very good condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 10, 1849  The first column of the front page has the reviews of six newspapers on "The Inaugural Address" of President Taylor, with many diverse comments. Also on the front page is a lengthy: "List of Cadet Appointments for 1849" listed by state, and includes "John Hood" from Kentucky, who would become a famous Confederate general.
Page 3 has a lengthy editorial on "President Taylor's Inaugural".
But the most interesting report is also one of the…

THE BLAST, San Francisco, Feb . 12, 1916  This was a semi-monthly anarchist periodical existing from 1916 through 1917. The publication had roots in Emma Goldman's magazine "Mother Earth", an anarchist magazine established in New York City in 1906. 
The first issue was dated January 15, 1916, In an introductory editorial statement, The publisher noted that the provocatively named publication would be both destructive and constructive in intent: "Before a garden can bloom, the weeds must be…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 5, 1673  A very interesting issue as the bottom of the back page has an advertisement for the publishing of a pamphlet titled "Mr. Baxter Baptized in Blood..." with further details noting: "...containing a horrible murther [murder] committed by four Anabaptists upon the person of Mr. Josiah Baker near Boston in Neww England, the whole matter, having been enquired into, and examined at the Council Bord, is found altogether false and fictitious."
But it was not

TUSTIN PRESS ADVOCATE, Tustin, California, Aug. 14, 1945  This is a small-size, broadside "Extra" (in red ink at the top) edition announcing the end of the War in the Pacific.
Nearly half of the front page son taken up with: "WAR" in large letters dropped out of a black box, beneath which is: "IS OVER !  TRUMAN TELLS OF TRUE END ! "
A single sheet issue, blank on the reverse, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, great condition.

SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1787 for Gentleman's Magazine, England. Within this supplement issue, which was published at the end of the year, is a full page print of various coins, one of which is the Nova Cesarea New Jersey colonial coin dated 1786.
There is a very brief note on it on the following page: "Fig. 6 is sent us for decyphering as a supposed American coin." which it is. The print shows both sides, which includes "E Pluribus Unum" on the reverse. A rare numismatic item.
Background: This…

UTAH POSTEN, Salt Lake City, Utah, April 1, 1885  Here is a quite unusual and scarce newspaper from Utah, printed entirely in the Swedish language. And this is the volume 1, number 14 issue of a newspaper that would exist for only 15 issues.
There was a large number of Scandinavian emigrants to Utah in the 1850's - 1880's, and while most were Mormon many were not, drawn to the employment opportunities in Utah mines, mills, and smelters. This title is quite rare, printed in the Danish language…

THE MEMPHIS DAILY APPEAL, Grenada, Mississippi, June 17, 1862  If the title and city of publication seem to disagree, they do not.
This newspaper had a fascinating history during the Civil War. Memphis was a Confederate stronghold up through the Battle of Memphis on June 6, 1862, at which time the Yankees moved in and it became a Yankee city. Being a strong voice for the Confederacy, the "Memphis Appeal" newspaper would not continue under Yankee control. As Wikipedia notes: "...On June 6,…

THE COUNTY MAGAZINE, Salisbury, England, July, 1787  I believe this is the first issue of this title we have offered, this coming from our private collection. It existed under this title from 1786 thru 1790, this being the volume 1, number 19 issue.
A typical magazine of the era although twice as large, various literary items but it does include: "An Account of the Three Volcanos In the Moon" by William Herschel.
This is a contemporary report by this famed astronomer, presented before the Royal…