Historic Newspapers: French & Indian War Era

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1754  Included within is an article: "New Invented Sea-gage Described" which includes a half page illustration (see). Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has the latest news of the day including some items under the heading "America". they include report relating to the French & Indian War such as: "Three hundred men under Col. Joshua Fry are ordered to Ohio to build forts...governor issued an order...to repair to Alexandria on the head of…

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1755  Among the articles within are: "A Succinct Account of Disorders lately cured at Stockholm by Electrification..." "Origin of Chivalry from Voltaire" "A Female Impostor in France Detected" and so much more.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has the latest news reports of the day including some items from America which mention: "...ship arrived...from Boston...brought an account that Gen. Pepperell's & Col. Shirley's regiments were…

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1755  This issue has an interesting variety of articles from during the French & Indian War in America, among which are: "Scheme For a New Lottery" "Account of American Pine" "Description of a Flying Lizard"; "Description of the City of Lisbon" and much on the earthquake there; plus many other articles.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has a section headed: "American Affairs". Included here are some French & Indian War reports…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1755  Contains an interesting variety of articles from during the French & Indian War in America, among which are: "Scheme For a New Lottery" "Account of American Pine" "Description of a Flying Lizard"; "Description of the City of Lisbon" and much on the earthquake there; plus many other articles.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has a section headed: "American Affairs". Included here are some French & Indian War reports including:…

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…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1756  Among the articles within is a "Letter from Mr. Wesley Confirming the Yorkshire Earthquake", signed by him in type: John Wesley, the noted evangelist and founder of Methodism.
Also: "Of the Cultivation of Exotics" which concerns the red cedar & other trees in America. Another article taking over 3 pages is "A Dialogue between X, Y. and Z Concerning the Present State of Affairs in Pennsylvania" with much relating to the recent Militia Bill and the…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 22 1756 

* England declaration of war w/ France

The most significant item in this issue is: "His Majesty's Declaration of War Against the French King" which was the official beginning of the French & Indian War. It was prompted by England & France not being able to compromise on the border between their colonies in North America.

GENTLEMAN’S MAGAZINE, London, England, July, 1756  This issue begins with a nearly 3 page article: "An Account of the Siege & Capture of Port Mahon" on the island of Minorca, in the Mediterranean. During the Seven Years' War in Europe, of which the French & Indian War was an extension in North America, Spain regained the island from Great Britain in 1756 after the Battle of Minorca. British resistance persisted at Port Mahon, but the garrison was forced to capitulate under honourable terms,…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1756  Under the heading: "American News" is a report which includes: "...concerning Oswego still continue to be contradictory...the last letters from Albany say that the French had burnt the fort & put almost the whole garrison to the sword..." and mention that Col. Webb was sent to reinforce the place & found the fort blown up & found "...about 500 dead bodies scattered in & about the place...".  
Not a lengthy report yet historically important.
 Also…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1756 

* Great & quite large map of Europe
* Oswego - French & Indian War
* Judaica - Jewish content

The prime feature would be the very nice & large foldout map titled in the cartouche: "A New & Correct CHART  of  EUROPE..." which shows all of Europe as well as Iceland, Russia, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East including Jerusalem, Joppa, Cairo, & Cyprus. This map measures 13 1/4 by 16 1/2 inches, margins being sufficiently wide.…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1757  This title is less common than the popular "Gentleman's Magazine", and contains a wonderful, very ornate engraving of the skyline of London on the title page as well as on the first page.
Much reporting on the French & Indian War events in New York including: "State of Face Relating to the Loss of Oswego..." which takes several pages. Also: "Fort Ontario Evacuated"  "Oswego Surrenders" "Account of the British Plantations in America" "Disputes at New…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1757 

* Execution of Admiral John Byng engraving

Certainly the prime content is the quite rare full page print titled: "The Shooting of Admiral Byng on Board the Monarque" as such prints were more typically removed years ago. This is a dramatic engraving & is accompanied by a letter he penned to the Lords of the Admiralty upon receiving his death sentence.
Admiral John Byng was a Royal Navy officer who was notoriously court-martialed and executed by firing…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 30, 1757  Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with a New York dateline, mentioning in part: "...the embargo was taken of all vessels bound from hence for Great Britain...several sloops arrived here from Albany with a few of Otway's men, designed to keep garrison in Fort George in this city...that seven French men of war that were seen cruising off that place had put in to Louisbourg...", and then a list of the ships fitted out since the beginning of the…

Ancient coins, the violin (or viola), the moon...

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1757  A very nice magazine from during the French & Indian War from the "mother country" with a wide range of varied content including news of the day, political reports, literary items, and other unusual tidbits. This was the first periodical to use the word "magazine" in its title, having begun in 1731 and lasting until 1907.
Among the articles within are: "Impracticability of Ascertaining the Longitude by the Moon" "Arguments tending to Fix the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 20, 1757  The back page has a report on the French & Indian War.
"Private letter from Pennsylvania mention that the Delaware king Teedinscunk, a friend of the English, had...kill'd a very notorious ringleader of a murdering Indian party in the French interest, because he came on purpose to hinder the treaty between the governor of Pennsylvania and the Indians, and had brought with him a French belt of wampum. This captain was one of the most bitter & active…

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 DAILY ADVERTISER, London, 1758 As the title might suggest the emphasis was on advertisements with a tremendous number found within this complete, four page issue. This is a nice issue from during the period of the French & Indian War in America although I do not find any such content in this issue. There is various current news on the front page. Folio-size, partial red-inked tax stamp on the front page, generally nice condition. The photo below is "generic" but the issue you receive will…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1758  Inside has over a full page headed: "America" with a Halifax, Nova Scotia dateline, beginning: "The following Memorial, signed by the principal merchants & freeholders in Halifax was...delivered to the Lieutenant Governor."
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, good condition.

Background: The "Memorial" published in The London Chronicle on January 3, 1758, represents a watershed moment in Canadian constitutional history, capturing the intense civilian pressure…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 26, 1758  

* British officer Robert Monckton
* French and Indian War promotion

Page 2 has a brief item relating to the ongoing French & Indian War, noting: "Robert Monckton, Esq., is likewise appointed Lieutenant Colonel commandant of the Royal American regiment in the room of Lieutenant Colonel Desceaux, deceased."
Also a list of officers: "...promote(ed) the following gentlemen to the rank of colonels in the army serving in North…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 11, 1758  

* Battle of Cap-Français - Haiti
* Seven Years War
* French & Royal Navy

Page 6 has most of the first column taken up with a report headed: "America" being an extract of a letter from Kingston, Jamaica on this historic naval Battle of Cap-Francais.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 18, 1758  Inside has over half a page headed: "America" which includes datelines from New York, Boston and Annapolis with items on the ongoing French & Indian War.
Bits include: "...hear that the French are building a very strong & large fort of stone...a little above the place where Fort du Quesne stands..." and: "...that a body of about 300 Indians & 100 Frenchmen had actually fallen on that part of the German Flats situated on the north side of the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 21, 1758  Half of page 7 is taken up with a detailed report headed: "America" with a St. Kitt's dateline, concerning a naval battle between the British and French.
Then a report from Kingston, Jamaica, concerning a naval battle near Cape Francois, which is very likely the Battle of Cape Francais.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, great condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 21, 1758  Half of page 7 is taken up with a detailed report headed: "America" with a St. Kitt's dateline, concerning a naval battle between the British and French.
Then a report from Kingston, Jamaica, concerning a naval battle near Cape Francois, which is very likely the Battle of Cape Francais.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, minor rubbing and foxing to the front page, generally nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1758  A rather lengthy article inside this issue begins: "The experience of the campaigns in 1755 and 1756 had convinced our commanders in chief that there would be no end of the war on either side so long as our armies aimed at nothing further than traversing from place to place either for the defence or attack of a few straggling forts in a woody country. This method of making war is even more unpromising on the frontiers of these colonies..." with…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 1, 1758  The front page has some news bits headed: "America" on naval affairs, including: "...and Capt. Hopkins, of Rhode Island, has taken a French ship of 600 tons, 20 guns, and 70 men...and sent her to Jamaica; she was bound to Cape Breton from Old France..." And then a report from Charleston with some naval reports also.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 8, 1758  Over half of the first column on the front page is headed: "America" with reports from Kingston, Jamaica.
Most of page 6 is taken up with: "An Impartial Representation of Facts, relative to the State of Publick Affairs in North American during the Year 1757. Drawn at New York". The text is a great overview of the events of the French & Indian War in 1757 (see for portions).
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, red tax stamp on page 2, minor fold…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 11, 1758  Page 6 has over half a column of reporting headed: "America" with two Charleston datelines, reporting on the French & Indian War.
A few bits include: "...arrived in town the Wolf King, a Creek chief...with several other headmen of that nation...received there by the Hon. Col. Montgomery's company of grenadiers... both nations are at this time in temper very advantageous to his Majesty's interests in America."
Another report notes in part:…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 15, 1758  Page 6 has a report headed: "America" with some items concerning the French & Indian War including: "...from New York we are informed that General Abercrombie, with 6000 pick'd men, has set out for Ticonderoga, a French fort situated on the Narrows between Lake George and Lake Champlaine. They will have a very disagreeable march of 150 miles thro' the woods...".
Another report notes: "...under Col. Broadstreet, the other against Crown Point &…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1758  Among the articles are: "An Account of the Isle of Senegal on the Coast of Africa..." and "Case of Mr. Moore and Mr. Smith of Philadelphia Stated" which takes over a full page, plus much more. There is also an illustration of a newly invented bandage for the use of sick seamen.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has the latest news reports of the day, mostly European.
Present are both plates called for, on a nice full page map of:…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 13, 1758  From during the French & Indian War with page 2 having: "Plantation News" with datelines from Kingston, Jamaica; Boston, and New York.
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, full red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1758  The prime feature is the full page plate titled: "A Map of the Rhine Between Wesel & Dusseldorph [Dusseldorf]...".
One of the articles: "The Best Way of Constructing the Arches of Bridges" includes a nice print of a bridge arch. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news events of the day, mostly European, but one report has: "French Account of the landing of the English on Cape Breton."
The other map called for is lacking.
…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1758  The prime features of this issue are the two maps, one being a full page plate titled: "A Map of the Rhine Between Wesel & Duseldorp..." (see), and the other a foldout map measuring 8 by 10 1/2 inches titled "A Complete Chart of the Coast of France from Ostend, to Cape Finisterra, including the Opposite Coast of the British Channel" which shows the southern coast of England, from Land's End to Rochester. Also a bit of Ireland and the northern coast of…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 2, 1758 

* Fort Frontenac captured
* French and Indian War

The back page has a very nice letter: "...from an officer in one of the provincial regiments in America...dated Albany, Sept. 15" which begins: "You will hear from many hands the successful blow struck against the French interest in America by the taking of Cadaraque, or (as the late masters of it called it) Frontenac. Our Americans value this acquisition more than the reduction of Crown Point…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 9, 1758  The middle of the front page has a report from New York headed: "America" with naval reports.
Page 6 has another report headed: "America" with reports from New York and South Carolina, the former including: "We hope to have another brush with M. Montcalm at the breastwork this fall...when we shall then be able to muster about 12000 regulars...commanded by Col. Gage. The provincials at the lake, fit for service, amount to 3500 men only & there are…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, 1759 A nice Scottish newspaper from this significant year during the French & Indian War, however this issues does not have any noteworthy content relating to the war. But much news of the day, mostly from Europe, and many ads as well. Relatively nice condition with some light browning or dirtiness, small folio-size measuring about 9 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches & complete in 4 pages. The photo below is "generic" however the issue you receive will have a…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, January 23, 1759  Page 5 begins with a report datelined from New York noting in part: "...the Royal Hester, privateer...of 16 guns...fell in with three large French ships bound from Canada to the Cape, whom she so warmly engaged as at length to be obliged to sheer off..." with more on the naval encounter.
Eight pages, 8 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, March, 1759  Certainly the prime content in this issue is the very nice foldout map titled: "A Map of Martinico from the latest & best Authorities." with an inset labeled: "A Map of that Part of Guadaloupe where the English made their Defense, Jan. 23, 1759" The map shows considerable detail, measures 8 3/4 by 10 inches and is in great condition. There is a related article titled: "Description of Guadaloupe" as noted in the table of contents.
Another…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 6, 1759  Page 2 has a report headed: "America" with Boston, Halifax, and New York datelines. One report notes a French frigate: "...went into Monto Christo & burnt and destroyed 14 sail of English vessels that were loading at that place for different ports in North America."
Eight pages, 8 by 10 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 10, 1759  Page 5 is entirely taken up with: "A Description and Natural History of the Island of Guadeloupe" in the Caribbean.
Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston, and Providence, Rhode Island. The former reports in part on deserters, one of whom: "...concealed in some oakum on board a vessel...they designed to go off privately in the night for St. Augustine, whence there is great reason to suspect they intended to have…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 10, 1759  Page 5 is entirely taken up with: "A Description and Natural History of the Island of Guadeloupe" in the Caribbean. Page 6 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston, and Providence, Rhode Island. The former reports in part on deserters, one of whom: "...concealed in some oakum on board a vessel...they designed to go off privately in the night for St. Augustine, whence there is great reason to suspect they intended to have…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 10, 1759  Pages 6 and 7 contain nearly one-third of a page with reports headed: "America" with one report noting in part: "...General Court of the Massachusetts Bay have...made provision for the raising forthwith 5,000 men..." with more on this. Also: "A fresh misunderstanding has broke out between the Creek Indians and the Spaniards on the confines of South Carolina."
There is also a letter from Albany with nice reports on the French & Indian War noting in…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 15, 1759  Pages 5 and 6 containing nearly a full page worth of news headed: "America", part of which is taken up with: "The Speech of Francis Fauquier, Esq., Governor of Virginia, to the General Assembly of that Province".
He begins his speech with the good news: "...my congratulations to you on the happy event of the surrender of Fort DuQuesne to his Majesty's forces under the command of Brig-Ge neural Forbes..." with more on this. Also: "...The Indians are…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1759  Of prime interest are the 3 full page plates on the Seven Years' War, the first titled: "A Map of the Part of Westphalia in which the French Army Were Defeated , Aug. 1, 1759" which shows much details (see), the plate titled: "Line of Battle of the Allied Army Before the Engagement on the First of August, 1759", plus another full page plate titled: "Plan of the Battle of Thornhausen from the Original Published at Hanover by Order of the Regency",…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1759 There is a lengthy article titled: "Instructions by Major General Wolfe in Case of an Invasion" which has much detail. The "Historical Chronicle" also has several reports concerning the French & Indian War.
Other articles in the issue noted in the table of contents include:
"An Accurate Description of the Island of St. Helena" "Curious History of the Late Comet" "Cruelty in Burning a Body of Negroes" & more.
Lacking the map which is called…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 23, 1759  From during the French & Indian War with page 2 containing a related item noting: "...In consequence of the taking of Louisbourg, upwards of 20,000 French people, who were settled in different sorts of trade & business in the country round about have been sent away & several small towns...have been demolished...".
Four pages, 9 1/4 by 14 1/2 inches, partial red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1760  The front page has half a column headed: "America" with New York and Boston datelines.
The reports relate to the ongoing French & Indian War, noting in part: "...Proclamation...by...Lieut. Governor...recommending it to the inhabitants to return to their settlements along Hudson's river, above Albany, as they may now abide there in safety...secured from the ravages of the enemy...Major-General Amherst hath assured him that the fortresses erecting at…