Historic Newspapers: Colonial - American Only

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 colonies.
This is a

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 colonies.
This is a

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

THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740

• Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
• Ad for sale of a "healthy negro woman"

This very rare title was the first successful newspaper in the colonies, having begun in 1704 and lasting until the British occupation of Boston in 1776. It was only preceded by "Public Occurrances Both Foreign and Domestick" which published just a single issue in 1690 before being suppressed & destroyed by the Royal Governor of Massachusetts

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 5, 1743  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

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 14, 1743  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

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 21, 1743  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

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4  (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, 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 Britain & America", this magazine is almost entirely taken up

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 of

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston),  March 3, 1743,4 (1744 by today's calendar)  This was the very first successful magazine in America, 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 Britain & America", this 8 page magazine is almost entirely taken up with religious content from the "Great Awakening"

THE NEW YORK WEEKLY POST-BOY, Dec. 23, 1745

• Very rare Colonial NYC publication
• 30 years prior to the Revolutionary War

As those who follow our offerings know, it is rare that we have the opportunity to offer American newspapers from the 1740's. Here is a very handsome issue from 1745 featuring a nicely engraved, well-inked coat-of-arms engraving in the masthead. 
The entire front page and over half of page 2 are taken with a report from the commander-in-chief of the province of New Jersey to

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753

• Most famous of newspapers
• Benjamin Franklin (very rare)

In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint after 1765.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War

THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755

• Very rare & early American publication

A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gun battery at the South End is to be greatly enlarged and more cannon added to it...".
Also: "...have advice that six French men

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756

• Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
• Early Colonel George Washington
• French and Indian War officer

A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at that time: "Last week Colonel Washington arrived here [Phila.] from Virginia; as did the honorable Chief Justice Belcher from

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 8, 1765

• Reverend George Whitefield
• Colony of Georgia return

The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter from Savannah in Georgia" which reports that: "...the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield took a solemn & affectionate farewell of a very crowded auditory in our church...Early yesterday morning he went to Purysburgh on his way to Charles-Town..." with more on his visit.
Rev. George Whitefield was a famous evangelist and one of the founders of Methodism.
Eight pages, 8

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 13, 1766  Earlier issues of this title were: "The Massachusetts Gazette And Boston News-Letter" with typical volume and issue numbering, along with the notation of Richard and Samuel Draper as publishers.
It is curious that this issue is numbered "0", that no publishers are listed, and the title is shortened. Here is clarification:
As noted in Brigham: "...With the issue of April 19, 1765, the Drapers changed the title to "The Massachusetts Gazette";

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, April 4, 1768  Inside has most of a page taken up with a letter from the Speaker of the Mass. Assembly to one of the King's Secretaries of State, which includes: "...it seems to be conclusive that as those acts were made with the sole & express purpose of raising a revenue out of America, the subjects here are in those instances unfortunately deprived of the sold disposal of their property...The people of this Province would by no means be inclined to

SUPPLEMENT TO THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, May 16, 1768  The front page is taken up with a wide variety of news reports from London including one item noting: "...the colony agents have orders...to obtain an act of Parliament for the encouragement of the  linen manufactury in North America...". An inside page has reports from "Boston" including: "...considering them too as part of the British Empire, and as such, subject to the supreme legislative control of parliament; but since the Americans had

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 6, 1768  A great example of a typical American newspaper from the colonial period with various news items from Europe, America, and a wealth of ads, some illustrated.
As a bonus, it still has the smaller-sized, four page "Postscript" issue. There is a front page report of troubles in England with the balance of the Postscript taken up with ads.
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches in great condition, with the Postscript having

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, December 26, 1768  The publisher of this newspaper had Loyalist leanings, causing its demise before the formal outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
All of pages 1 & 2 are taken up with a continued report on: "Voltaire on History". Page 3 has: "The Opinions of the Ministers of the colony of the Massachusetts...upon this question--Whether to Surrender the charter, or suffer judgment to go against it?" (see photos), and further on is: "The Speech of His Excellency William

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 6, 1769

• Early Yankee Doodle song mention
• Importation - exportation tensions

The front page has an interesting article about: "...George being now master of the ceremonies made the music play just as he pleased; and one night...he swore he would exhibit to the company a dance which had never been attempted but in North America. 'Twas in vain that his friends, observing the state of intoxication he was in, endeavoured to

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769

• The Boston Non-Importation Agreement
• Boycott of British goods b merchants & traders
• Rare Colonial Pennsylvania publication

The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any exception taken to

SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, No. 2119  (Philadelphia, Aug. 3, 1769)

• Rare colonial publication

This "Supplement" issue came with the Aug. 3, 1769 (date not printed here) issue of the Gazette but has since been separated. As was typically the purpose of Supplement issues, this single sheet is entirely taken up with advertisements that could not fit in the regular 4-page issue, reflecting the great success of this colonial title which was once owned by Ben Franklin.
A single sheet,

THE MIDDLESEX JOURNAL OR UNIVERSAL EVENING POST, London, November 24, 1772  News reports from various places in Europe, with the back page having an item concerning crops in America.
Four pages, folio size, partial red tax stamp at the bottom of page 1, very nice condition.

THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774

• Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
• Pre American Revolutionary War era
• "Join or Die" snake issue masthead

It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.

In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is commonly used in

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774

• Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon

If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. 
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a label of a colony with the implied message that only by each of the separate

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 members

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, April 5, 1775

• Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon

If there was one graphic that represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War, it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption.  The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a label of a colony with the implied message that only by each of the separate

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), April 28, 1775

• Very rare Colonial Virginia title
• Gunpowder Incident - Affair

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

PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, May 11, 1775

• The Battles of Lexington and Concord
• Start of American Revolutionary War

This is a gem of an issue, as it is what all serious collectors seek for their Revolutionary War collection: an American newspaper with a terrific report on the famous battles at Lexington and Concord.
This page 3 report, datelined from Salem, April 25, begins: "Last Wednesday the troops of his Britanic Majesty commenced hostilities upon the people of this province..."

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775

• Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
• Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
• George Washington named commander
• American Revolutionary War
• Terrific issue w/ many reports

Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
The front page has a letter from an officer in General Gage's regiment heading for Boston, which details his reason for wanting to retire, noting: "...As I cannot, without reproach from my own conscience, consent to bear

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, July 29, 1775  In the world of American Revolutionary literature and manuscripts three bodies of work stand out: 1) Thomas Paine's Common Sense; 2) the Declaration of Independence; and 3) the earliest of the Revolutionary trinity: The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.
All of the front page and a bit of page 2 are taken up with this latter document, signed in type by John Hancock. This document is rarely offered in a period American

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 17, 1775

• American Revolutionary War
• Extremely rare publication
• James Rivington - spy publisher

James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial stance which shifted as a revolution loomed and public opinion polarized, until by late 1774 he was advocating the restrictive measures

PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Aug. 19, 1775

• The "Olive Branch Petition"
• Revolutionary War beginning
• Second Continental Congress

Certainly the most notable content in this issue is found taking over half of page 2, being the very historic Olive Branch Petition.
This was one of the more historic documents of the war, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 5, 1775, in a final attempt to avoid a war between the American Colonies and England. The petition affirmed American loyalty to

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 24, 1775

• Olive Branch Petition
• Patriots are considered traitors
• Printed by James Rivington
• American Revolutionary War

Certainly the most notable content in this issue is found taking over a full column of page 1 and a bit of page 2, being the very historic Olive Branch Petition.
This was one of the more historic documents of the war, adopted by the Second Continental

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 peaceful settlement

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 shows Britain and

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 Support of Legal

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Nov. 23, 1775

• American Revolutionary War
• Extremely rare publication
• James Rivington - spy publisher

James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial stance which shifted as a revolution loomed and public opinion polarized, until by late 1774 he was advocating the restrictive measures