Historic Newspapers: Discounted Issues (as priced) through Thursday, September 17, 2026!

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 16, 1758  Various European news reports with datelines from the Admiralty Office, London, Holland, Ireland, Falmouth, Portsmouth & elsewhere. The back page has a letter from Kingston, Jamaica. 
Eight pages, 8 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 10, 1798  Page 2 has an: "Address" prefaced with: "Among the numerous addresses presented to the President few, if any, have been better expressed than the following." signed: James Oliver. This is followed by the President's reply signed: John Adams.
Four pages, two very discrete archival mends inside, great condition.

NEW YORK EVENING POST, July 17, 1815 

* Dartmoor Prison massacre
* American prisoners

Inside contain over three pages on the infamous Dartmoor Prisoner Massacre, perhaps the most detailed account of this event we have seen in a newspaper. Included is a: "List of Prisoners Wounded on the Evening of the 6th April, 1815" and "Description of Death Wounds Inflicted on the Evening of the 6th April, 1815", the date of the massacre.
Four pages, nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 5, 1849  The top of the back page has: "The Gold In California" which includes 3 items, two from the Phila. Mint of the U.S.
Pages 3 & 4 have: "Letter From the Department of State Concerning California" takes a full column & is signed in type: James Buchanan (Sec. of State at the time) with a focus on annexing Calif. to the Union, or at least creating a Territory.
Complete in 4 pages, nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 1849  

* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Slavery related U.S. Congress vote "nay"

Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes 2 mentions of when Abraham Lincoln voted on two topics. On a debate headed "Claim For A Slave" his name appears under the "Nays", and on another bill being considered his name appears again under the "Nays".
This was Abraham Lincoln when he was serving just…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 22, 1849  Page 4 has one & one-third columns taken up with reports concerning the gold situation in California. Under the heading: "Interesting--California Gold" are several letters from military officers, the first beginning: "The digging and washing for gold continue to increase on the Sacramento placer...". Another letter begins: "Nothing, sir, can exceed the deplorable state of things in all Upper California at this time, growing out of…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 24, 1849  Page 3 has half a column headed: "From California" which is a letter depicting: "...a vivid and life-like picture of the state of things in California at the time of his writing." which is datelined from Monterey, Nov. 1, 1848.
Near the beginning is: "It would be impossible for persons at a distance to realize the state of affairs here. Gold is the only subject discussed. It is bought & sold in grocer's scales..." with so much more.
…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 1849  The bottom of page 3 has: "Movements For California" noting in part: "...company is being formed at Boston to visit the gold mines of California, the principal features of which are mutual benefit & comfort. They insist upon strict temperance and good moral principles...". The article carries over to page 4. 
The back page also has: "Fremont's Map of California" noting: "...invaluable to all who take the overland route to California,…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 27, 1849  
Page 3 has three items concerning the California Gold Rush headed: "How They Go!" and: "State of Society in the Gold Region" with a report on the gold discoveries; and: "Curious Reminiscence of California".
Four pages, nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 1849  
The front page has nearly two columns taken up with a detailed article: "Gold Hunting In California, in the Sixteenth Century".
Page 7 has most of a column headed: "California Items" with a lengthy list of reports concerning ships heading for the gold fields, etc. One bit mentions: "The celebrated Kit Carson, and Moses, the Texan Ranger, will conduct a company to California from Independence (Mo.) in April net. This offers a fine…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 1849  The top of page 3 has: "One of The Boys In California" which has a prefacing note: "The following amusing epistle we find in the Toledo Blade. It is written by a young 'chap' formerly of that place, to one of his old chums. It is diverting, and not without interest."
This is a diary-like letter datelined from San Francisco, Oct. 1, 1848. Much interesting content.
Also on page 3: "Later From Chagres" which is in Panama, with some…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 2, 1849

* California gold rush
* Hardships for 49ers

 Page 3 has: "For California" which reports of several ship heading to California. The back page has over half a column headed: "California--Gold Mines" which is a terrific letter relaying the situation in California at the time, at least that writer's telling of it. It begins: "The moral condition of the country was bad enough before the gold discoveries--it is now in a state of…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 15, 1849  Page 3 has a wonderful and more than full column report headed: "Internal Route to California" which begins with a letter written by 3 men datelined at Independence, Mo., concerning the best route to California.
The majority of the article is taken up with a very lengthy & detailed: "Answer of Col. Gilpin" datelined from Jackson County, Missouri, which begins: "You are correct...in anticipating an immense conflux of emigration…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 16, 1849  Most of the front page is the: "Speech of Mr. Wm. B. Preston On the Formation of a New State out of the Territories of California and New Mexico". 
Page 3 has half a column headed: "From California" which includes news accounts from various letters, a few bits including: "...Among the gold diggers are a great many printers, who are making a vastly more profitable speculation in picking up scales & lumps than they did in New York…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 17, 1849  

* Gold discoveries in village of San Francisco

The front page has: "The Grand Inauguration Ball, at the City Hall Saloon". Page 3 has a curious article on creating a: "Railroad From Lake Michigan to the Pacific". 
The back page has: "Incidents In California" which is a letter datelined from San Francisco & noting in part: "...The gold mines in this neighborhood have stirred up the natives to a galvanic activity. This…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Feb. 21, 1849  

* Early in Abraham Lincoln's political career
* Addresses United States Congress

Page 3 has much reporting from the "House of Representatives" which includes mention of when Abraham Lincoln spoke on the floor. The report notes: "Mr. Lincoln, by unanimous consent, presented joint resolutions of the Legislature of the state of Illinois, asking a grant of land to aid in the construction of certain railroads...".
This was…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 1, 1849  Half of the front page, all of page 2 and much of page 3 are taken up with an interesting discussion in the Senate on: "The New Territories" which were gained in the treaty ending the war with Mexico, including New Mexico and California.
The back page has half a column giving the "Order of Procession" of: "The Inauguration" of Zachary Taylor. Two other bkpg. articles concerning Taylor as well. Great to have this content in a…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 3, 1849  

* Early Abraham Lincoln
* 12 years prior to presidency

The back page has a list of the "Managers" for the "Grand Inauguration Ball" to be held March 5 in honor of incoming President Zachary Taylor, and among them is: "Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Ill." The bkpg. also has a similar list of the "Managers" of the: "National Inauguration Ball which includes the names: "Hon. S. A. Douglas, Ill. and Hon. A. Lincoln, Ill."
Lincoln was…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 5, 1849  

* Congressman Abraham Lincoln
* re. President Zachary Taylor inauguration
* Abe on the Inaugural Ball committee

The back page has a list of the "Managers" for the "Grand Inauguration Ball" to be held March 5 in honor of incoming President Zachary Taylor, and among them is: "Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Ill." The bkpg. also has a similar list of the "Managers" of the: "National Inauguration Ball" which includes the names: "Hon.…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 8, 1849  Dated just three days after Taylor's inauguration, it is not surprising that related content would be found in this issue.
Page 3 has an editorial headed: "The Inauguration Balls" as well as a list of the: "Appointments By the President" to the various Cabinet posts.
Page 2 has the full text of the very lengthy: "Address of Senator Houston - To My Constituents" signed in type: Sam Houston.
Eight pages, nice condition.

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 9, 1849 The first column of page 7 has the reviews of six newspapers on "The Inaugural Address" of President Taylor, with many diverse comments.
Also on page 7 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, as well as other notable names that would rise to prominence in the military & politics in the years to come.
Eight pages, nice…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 15, 1849  Page 3 has: "The Voice of The West" which has a report on the inaugural of President Taylor. Also: "From California" which includes a report concerning the establishment of a government.
Also: "Official - Appointments By the President" with a list.
Four pages, nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 24, 1849  Page 3 has: "Crossing The Isthmus" being a letter on the challenges of crossing at Panama to reach the gold fields of California.
This is followed by a similar report: "From Another California Emigrant" being a letter datelined at Acapulco, Mexico, concerning others journeying across the isthmus on the way to California. Also: "Trespass Of Foreigners In California".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 28, 1849  

* John C. Fremont
* Fatal 4th expedition
* Colorado Winter

The back page has: "Col. Fremont--A Distressing Report" which reports on his fateful fourth expedition in the West during which his party was caught in a snowstorm in Colorado causing loss of ten of his men & 130 of his pack mules.
A few bits include: "...the winter as having been so very severe that Colonel Fremont...lost 130 mules in one night...impossible to…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 31, 1849  

* John C. Fremont
* Fatal 4th expedition

Page 3 has: "Later From Col. Fremont" with some details on his fateful fourth expedition in the West during which his party was caught in a snowstorm in Colorado causing loss of ten of his men & 130 of his pack mules.
Four pages, loss to an upper corner not affecting mentioned content, nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 7, 1849  

* John C. Fremont
* Fatal 4th expedition

Page 3 has over half a column headed: "From Santa Fe" which includes a letter on Col. John Fremont's disastrous 4th expedition. Much detail.
Also on page 3: "From California" is a letter from San Francisco on the need for housing, and: "Do not forward me the goods ordered in my last, but in their stead send me three or four middling-sized house frames...The rent of these will be a…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 9, 1849  The entire front page & a portion of page 2 are taken up with the: "Speech of Mr. Jas. McDowell On the Formation of Governments for New Mexico and California", recently won during the Mexican War.
Page 3 has: "From the Isthmus of Panama" concerning passengers who used this route to the gold fields of California. Also: "For California" which includes an account of an elderly couple from Illinois who gave up so much in hopes of…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 11, 1849  Page 3 begins with: "From California" which is a letter beginning: "I have just returned from an exploration of the gold region & avail myself of the opportunity afforded by Mr. Wethered to send you a few specimens of gold dust, commonly found in various parts of the placer..." with much detail.
Also on page 2 is a letter from New York beginning: "Col. Fremont's 'Woolly Horse' is exhibited to the public here to-day in a room at…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 16, 1849  

* John C. Fremont
* Fatal 4th expedition

Page 2 has nearly two columns headed: "Col. Fremont & His Party - Further & Final Accounts" which is concerning his fateful fourth expedition in the West during which his party was caught in a snowstorm in Colorado causing loss of ten of his men & 130 of his pack mules.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 18, 1849  Most of the front page is taken up with the: "Speech of Mr. Palfrey On the Bill Creating a Territorial Government for Upper California" in the House of Rep.
Page 2 has: "Advice to California Emigrants" which has some fine content. Also on page 2 is: "Letters From Panama" taking over 2 columns with reports concerning those in Panama on their way to or from the gold fields of California.
Page 3 has: "California Emigrants at the…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 19, 1849  

* California gold rush
* Hardships for 49ers

Page 3 has: "Return of Californians" which has two accounts, one beginning: "It is just beginning to be discovered that this going to California is not the holyday business it is generally represented to be...".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 21, 1849  Page 2 has most of a column taken up with: "The Emigration to California" and: "The California Fever" and: "Government Expeditions to California" and: "More Overland California Companies". This is followed by most of a column headed: "The Mexican Route to California".
Then page 3 has most of a column with the: "Latest Reports From California". Another article: "Slaves For California".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., April 25, 1849  Page 2 has nearly a full column on: "Bay of San Francisco & Dependent Country".
Page 3 has: "Overland Journey to California" "More California Gold" "Photography In A New Form" and: "A New California Enterprise".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., April 28, 1849  

* Minnesota Territory is created
* From our nation's capital

The top of page 2 has: "The New Territory Of Minnesota" which reports on the formation of the Minnesota Territory, nine years prior to statehood.
Page 3 has: "From The Sandwich Islands" which is the Hawaiian Islands.
Four pages, nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 2, 1849  

* John James Audubon
* American ornithologist

Page 3 has a report beginning: "Col. Webb, commander of a large California expedition...They give quite a gloomy account of their adventures. Mr. Audubon remained behind, and had determined to prosecute his journey towards California with a party..." with more.
Also on page 3 is a letter from Rio Janeiro beginning: "The slave trade is carried on to a very great extent here..." with…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 5, 1849  The top of page 3 has: "Emancipation In Kentucky" which has a report from the Convention of the Friends of Emancipation. This is followed by: "Late From California" which has half a column of reports concerning events related to the gold rush.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 9, 1849  Over half of the front page is taken up with a lengthy: "Speech of Mr. J. G. Chapman Upon the Bill to Establish a Territorial Government in California..." in the House of Representatives.
Page 3 has: "Jenny Lind's Rumored Marriage", known as the "Swedish Nightingale", the singing sensation of the day. Also: "Latest From the Isthmus" concerning people going to & from California.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 14, 1849  

* Astor Place Opera House riot
* Actor William Macready - Macbeth
* Manhattan - New York City

A terrific & quite detailed issue covering the historic Astor Place Riot, which resulted in nearly 30 dead.
Page 3 has over 1 1/2 columns with coverage, headed: "The Late Riots at New York" and: "The Events of Thursday Night".  The reporting carries over to take more than 3 1/2 columns with heads: "The Killed & Wounded" and: "The…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington D.C., May 15, 1849  Page 3 has nearly two columns taken up with reports concerning the Astor Place Riot during which nearly 30 people were killed. The article is headed: "New York City & Her Vindication of the Supremacy of the Laws".
Also on page 3: "Emigrants on the Missouri Frontiers" and a list of: "California Emigrants". 
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 28, 1849  Inside pages include: "Disturbances on the Isthmus" of Panama, which has much on problems concerning the many travelers going to & from California. Also: "California Railroad" which talks of an overland railroad to the West, which wouldn't happen until another 20 years.
Also: "From California and: "Later From Mexico & California"
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 29, 1849  Page 3 has one-third of a column taken up with: "From California" which has several news reports.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 31, 1849  Page 3 has: "Slavery" and nearly a full column headed: "From California and Panama" and then a lengthy report on: "Politics in New Mexico".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 1, 1849  Page 3 reports include: "Indian Hostilities in Texas" which includes several reports from Brownsville. "Further Details from California" has some great accounts of life there during the gold rush. Under "Official" are 3 dispatches each signed in type: Z. Taylor". 
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 2, 1849  Page 3 has: "The Last News From California" which includes in part: "...Wonderful country! Gold there is not only getting plentier than ever it was before, but now even diamonds & emeralds are to be had for the picking up!..." with more.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 14, 1849  Page 3 has: "The California Line of March" which is a letter from Fort Kearny, Nebraska Territory. It is prefaced with: "Evidence still comes to hand, almost daily, of the dissatisfaction of large numbers of the California adventurers on the Plains & of the determination of many of them to abandon their exhausting enterprise & return to their families...".
Page 3 also has two documents signed in type by: Z. Taylor.
Four pages,…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 16, 1849  Page 3 has half a column taken up with: "Expedition To the Great Salt Lake" which is very descriptive of their findings.
Page 3 also has a small article: "Capture Of A Slaver" noting the capture of the slave schooner Zenobia: "...with 500 slaves on board...Great suffering had been experienced by the unfortunate blacks...".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 19, 1849  The most notable report is the black-bordered "Postscript" at the upper right of page 3 which is headed: "Death Of Ex-President Polk" with the brief report noting: "...announcing; the melancholy news of the decease of Ex-President Polk at Nashville..." with a bit more.
We have never had an earlier report of his death, having only another D.C. newspaper (Union) with the announcement in their issue of June 19 as well.
Also on page…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 22, 1849  Page 2 has a very descriptive article: "The Bay of San Francisco" which is fine reading concerning the effects of the Gold Rush on the region.
Page 3 has: "Gold Digging In California" which is a great letter to those back East urging them not to venture West in search of their fortune.
Also on page 3: "California" which has more on the gold rush. Also a detailed article on: "A Fatal Duel".
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 23, 1849  Page 3 has: "Men and Business In California" which takes a more economic and business-focused look at the situation in California as a result of the rush for gold.
Four pages, very nice condition.