Historic Newspapers: American Forefathers

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Aug. 10, 1710  The back page has a notable report: "The Queen hath been pleased to appoint the Honourable Lord Archibald Hamilton to be Captain-General and Governor in Chief of the island of Jamaica...Robert Lowther Esq. to succeed Milford Crow, Esq., in the government of Barbadoes; and Colonel Corbet to succeed Colonel Seymour in the government of  the province of Maryland...".
As for the latter, records show General Lloyd actually succeeded Col. Seymour.
Single…

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 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…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston,  April 9, 1743  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" period in American history.
…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston,  April 30, 1743  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" period in American history.
…

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, March 31, 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…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, May 5, 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…

THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745  

* Very rare & early colonial magazine
* Great Boston masthead engraving

This is a very rare title, actually the first successful magazine in American history done in the traditional magazine format (Christian History preceded this by several years but was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening).
This magazine existed for about 3 years. Two previous attempts at a magazine in the colonies only lasted a few issues, one published by Ben…

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…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753

* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper

A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War and all the oppressive Acts of Parliament of the 1760's and 1770's…

THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, (Edinburgh), June, 1754  Inside has two pages taken up with reports taken: "...from the journal of Major George Washington, sent by the Governor of Virginia, to the commandant of the French forces on the river Ohio...".
This is a great account of Washington's exploits near the Ohio River.
Some snippets include: "Mr. Washington set out on the 31st of October 1753 and reached Will's Creek...he called upon Shingiss, King of the Delaware Indians...One of the chiefs, called the…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1755  Among the articles are: "Secret of the Fire-eating Art" "An Account of some New Experiments on Human Blood" "Life of a Modern Physician" "A Letter from R. Brook, M.D. in Maryland..." concerning Fahrenheit's thermometer; "New Improvement of the Barometer" which includes a nice illustration of it; "An Account of Canada, Given to the Governor of New York" which takes over a full page, and has as a page heading: "Journey from Quebeck to…

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…

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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1757  

* Early Major George Washington 
* Jewish colony in the East Indies

The first 2 1/2 pages have reports from the French & Indian War in America, including five letters written by General Braddock datelined Williamsburgh and Alexandria. In the introductory comments on the first page is mention that: "...concerning the territories in America mention'd in the treaty of Utrecht; of several Indian traders seized by the French on the Ohio, and sent…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 29, 1757  Fully half of page 4 is taken up with a fine letter regarding the on-going French & Indian War. It begins: "The preservation of our Colonies and preventing the French from making any encroachments was the cause and design of the present war. But we have yet been so far from succeeding that the French, in conjunction with the neighboring savages, continue to destroy our fortifications, butcher the inhabitants..." with much more.
Page 7 has nearly a…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759  

* "Political Aphorisms...", by Benjamin Franklin (?)

The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information).
Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which also has the identical signature "F", was attributed by Ford, 605 in a Bonhams' auction in 2009.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 2, 1760  Most of the front page is retaken up with: "The Speech of the Hon. James Hamilton, Governor of Pennsylvania...to the General Assembly of the said Province, met at Philadelphia".
Hamilton had just assumed his position of governor, and he extolls t the Assembly his plans, etc. He was also governor from 1748-1754. His father was the famed attorney Andrew Hamilton.
This address is followed by the gracious response from the penny. Assembly.
Page 5…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 2, 1760  Most of the front page is retaken up with: "The Speech of the Hon. James Hamilton, Governor of Pennsylvania...to the General Assembly of the said Province, met at Philadelphia".
Hamilton had just assumed his position of governor, and he extolls t the Assembly his plans, etc. He was also governor from 1748-1754. His father was the famed attorney Andrew Hamilton.
This address is followed by the gracious response from the penny. Assembly.
Page 5…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 15, 1767  A short report on page 6 is headed: "From the Virginia Gazette, Williamsburgh, Virginia" mentioning that John Randolph was appointed Attorney General, to replace Peyton Randolph. The balance of the issue is taken up with various reports from Europe from just 8 years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Many advertisements as well.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, some front page rubbing, good condition.

Background: The year 1767 marks a…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768  Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of our people...". Then a letter from Niagara.
Page 6 has over a full column of news headed: "America" with datelines…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768 

* Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
* Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica

Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this publication. As was typical of Franklin, it was signed using one of his many pseudonyms: "Medius". This was one of the most detailed letters Franklin had written devoted to the care of the poor. Portions are quoted in…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768  

* Pre Revolutionary War tensions

This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an article voicing his support for the Boston Tea party. The paper's sympathies and general revolutionary message were a cause of great concern to the British. Soon the…

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,…

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…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, September, 1773

* Phillis Wheatley poem & biography
* Famous Woman servant turned poet

  Near the back is a printing of a poem titled: "On Recollection" which was written by the famed black poetess Phillis Wheatley. This piece also includes a brief biography of her.
Phillis Wheatley was the first published African American poet and the first African-American woman whose writings helped create the genre of African American literature. Born in Gambia, she…

THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775 

* Pre American Revolutionary War 
* Thomas Paine - first time as editor 

This is a very rare magazine, published only from January, 1775 thru July, 1776, containing the Declaration of Independence in its final issue.
It was the only American magazine to print the Declaration, in fact it was the only American magazine ever printed in 1776. In the entirely of the Revolutionary War only two American magazine titles existed, they…

THE CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775  In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London both in defense of American liberty and their cause for independence, as well as to attack the policies of the King of England. One scholar noted: "This title,…

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…

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…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: "...waving all that may be said of your hypocracy, cruelty, villany, treachery, persidy, falsehood &…

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…

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…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1775  

* Causes & Necessities for Taking Up Arms
* American Revolutionary War beginning

Taking 3 1/2 pages is "A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America, now met in General Congress at Philadelphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessities of their taking up Arms", signed in type at the end: John Hancock & Charles Thomson, dated "Philadelphia, July 6, 1775".
This famous document, written by John Dickinson and…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1775  

* Battle of Bunker Hill diagram - print
* John Hancock & George Washington

A nice issue with much historic content from the beginning months of the Revolutionary War.
Perhaps the best content is the very nice half page illustration of the "Redoubt & Intrenchment on the Heights of Charles Town, Commonly called Bunker Hill, Opposite Boston, attacked & Carried by his Majesty's Troops, June 17, 1775" with some text on the illustration as…

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE Cambridge, Sept. 21, 1775  

* American Revolutionary War

This title has a rather short lifespan in Cambridge existing from just May 12, 1775 thru April 4, 1776, less than a year. After the latter date the newspaper was removed to Boston.
The front page begins with a strong appeal by the City of London to the King concerning his handling of the situation in America. It mentions: "...The abhorrence we entertain of civil bloodshed & confusion will, we…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England October, 1775  

* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Continental Congress rejects the offer 
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War

Over 2 pages area taken up with the document--signed in type by John Hancock--in which the Continental Congress rejects the conciliation plan of Lord North. The document is headed: "CONTINENTAL CONGRESS". See for portions. This is followed by a number of letters from notables of the Revolutionary War including…

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…

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…