Historic Newspapers: Revolutionary War - American Newspapers

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…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, Feb. 9, 1776 

* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776  A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report and great to have in a period newspaper.
Page 2 begins with a letter from Major General Lee to the President of Congress, dated at Charleston, giving a…

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…

THE NEW JERSEY GAZETTE, Trenton, April 29, 1778  

* The Articles of Confederation (historic)
* American Revolutionary War

This was the very first newspaper in New Jersey, having begun in December, 1777. This is issue number 22.
There are only a handful of documents in American history which can be considered cornerstones in the creation of our national government, which would include the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution among a few others…

Lexington & Concord content...

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…

A Benedict Arnold letter... Less than 60 days until the Declaration!

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, Boston, May 9, 1776  Although the title might sound rather common (similar title published in Salem & Cambridge), this is actually a very scarce, short-lived title. 
On April 25, 1776 this newspaper was removed from Cambridge and printed at Boston, just 2 issues before this one. The last issue of this title published was on September 12, 1776, meaning just eleven issues were published at Boston.
The front page begins with a letter: "It is now become highly necessary…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

(editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

 This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "The following rules for establishing a Society for Relieving the Distresses of Prisoners...". Page 2 has reports from…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 1, 1776  There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common, in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also created the masthead for the Essex Journal, very few examples of which are found on…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL: of the NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIENCER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1781  Page 3 has a report from New York on the celebration of the British victory at Guilford Court House, North Carolina: "Last Saturday...a feu de joie was fired here, by all the troops in garrison, in consequence of the victory obtained by the British troops over the rebel army at Guilford court house...the 15th of March last...".
Also a letter from General Baron Steuben from Virginia noting in part: "...I…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 19, 1778  Page 2 has over half a column concerning the historic duel between Generals Robert Howe and Gadsden, bot notable figures in the Revolutionary War.
The duel stemmed from a dispute over command of Continental troops in South Carolina. Gadsden, a local hero, had taken command during Howe's absence, and when Howe returned, Gadsden questioned the terms of his recall and argued for retaining command. The situation escalated into a…

EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
An unusual "Extra" edition, with the entire front page taken up with a report from the "House of Lords" concerning the American Revolutionary War, bits including: "...he would  sell his shirt off…

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, (Cambridge), Feb. 22, 1776  

* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
* Battle of Quebec - Canada
* General Benedict Arnold

The top of the first column begins with a report from Cork that: "...there has been commotions amongst the soldiers who are to embark for America; that a great numbers of them have deserted & that several of the officers who are absent have sent letters to acquaint their officers that they shall not join…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 2, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War
* Gen. John Burgoyne failures
* re. Battles of Saratoga surrender

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a letter: "To Lieutenant-General Burgoyne" taken from a London newspaper and reprinted here.
Not surprisingly, the theme is critical of Burgoyne, who is best remembered as the commanding general at Saratoga who gave up that strategic post to American General Gates, a major…

Less than 100 days prior to the Declaration...

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 23, 1776  Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with reports of ships trading in the Caribbean & related news. Also on the front page is: "The French appear exceedingly friendly to the American cause which they would have promoted by a much larger supply of arms & ammunition than they have hitherto imported had they not been doubtful of the American submission to the claims of Parliament...The common toast among the French,…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 18, 1776  

* Great year to have (1776)
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare mention of Button Gwinnett
* Birth of the American Postal System

A front page report from Savannah includes: "Friday last our Provincial Congress proceeded to the election of delegates to represent this province in the grand Continental Congress..." with the winners noted, one of which was Button Gwinnett,.
This is rare mention of Button Gwinnett, who has the dubious…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776  

* American Revolutionary War 
* Great year to have (1776)
* Benjamin Franklin song 

The front page begins with a wonderful letter beginning; "The Ministry have boasted much of their regular, their disciplined troops, which they fancied capable of beating all the irregulars in the world. One would wonder how men of any attention to what has passed, could deceive themselves into such an opinion when so many facts, within the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1776   

* The "dishonest malevolence" controversy
* Thomas Paine "Common Sense" & Robert Bell
* Great year to have (1776) Revolutionary War

As a bit of a back story, printer Robert Bell ran an advertisement taking most of a column in the January 27 issue attacking both Paine and Bradford and ingenuously accusing them of "dishonest malevolence." He also continued his efforts to sell his own second edition of Thomas Paine's famous…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military service, with details. Page 2 begins with a report noting: "General Lee writes from Purrysburg...that…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Aug. 27, 1778  

* Rare American Revolutionary War title

This title has one of the more ornate mastheads of the Revolutionary War, the lettering so frilly that it is almost difficult to read.
Page 2 has some reports from London noting the king has called in Lt. General Burgoyne, likely to explain his loss at Saratoga. Page 3 has a full column of reports from the House of Commons, most relating to the Revolutionary War.…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 1781  

* American Revolutionary War
* Closing months - nice masthead

Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" beginning: "Whereas a resolve...for apprehending all prisoners of war that have been captured by any armed vessels of the United States and have not taken arms against the King of Great Britain..." with further dextral, signed in type by the governor of Mass: John Hancock.
Page 3 begins with a letter signed: Benedict…

THE BOSTON GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Dec. 8, 1777  

* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders

The patriotic engraving in the masthead was done by none other than Paul Revere, showing the caged dove of peace being set free over the skyline of Boston by the symbol of liberty. 
Certainly the most notable content would be the letter from General Burgoyne to Sir William Howe--found in its entirety on the front page--dated at Albany, Oct. 20, 1777. In his…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 10, 1777  

* Thomas Paine's "American Crisis"
* Essay # 2 re. Revolutionary War
* Intended to bolster American morale 

Almost the entire front page is taken up with the continuation of Thomas Paine's essay #2 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by Paine during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1776 Paine wrote Common Sense, an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for…

NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Jan. 4, 1776  

* Traitor Dr. Benjamin Church 
* British General Thomas Gage 
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

See the nice engraving in the masthead.
Fully two-thirds of the front page is taken up with a lengthy & detailed: "Letter from General Lee to General Burgoyne" datelined: "camp on Prospect Hill, Dec. 1, 1775". The letter includes in part: "As I am just informed you are ready to embark for…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL OR NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIGENCER, Philadelphia, May 2, 1781  

* Pre-surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War original 

A very nice issue from just five months before Cornwallis would surrender to Washington at Yorktown, essentially ending the Revolutionary War.
The front page has a report: "In Council" at Phila. beginning: "Whereas by an Act of Assembly...intitled 'An Act to complete the quota of the Federal Army assigned to this state..."…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, August 13, 1778  Most of the front page is taken up with news & correspondence concerning America negotiating a treaty of assistance with France, including mention of Ben Franklin.
Page 3 has several reports on the war including a report from Fishkill on the battles at Long Island & Staten Island, then a letter to General Heath from Rhode Island concerning the situation there, followed y a letter from Major-General John Hancock at Rhode…

John Hancock signature... A few weeks prior to his most famous...

THE AMERICAN GAZETTE; OR THE CONSTITUTIONAL JOURNAL, Salem, Massachusetts, June 25, 1776  

* Very rare Revolutionary War publication
* Volume 1 Number 2 issue - great year to have

This is the volume one, number two issue of a very rare newspaper. Its rarity would seem to be sufficient for its desirability, as it existed for only seven weekly issues, from June 18 thru July 30, 1776. 
But the content is nice as well, particularly given that this issue was printed just 9 days before the Declaration…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Dec. 19, 1776  

* Great year to have in a publication (1776)
* General William Howe offers pardons - clemency 
* American patriots asked to pledge oath to the crown

Taking close to half of the front page is a notable: "PROCLAMATION" by Richard Viscount Howe and William Howe.
Keeping in mind that Washington had just abandoned New York with the British taking control, within this Proclamation they noted previous grants of a free and…

THE UNITED STATES MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1779 

* The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War

In the entirety of the Revolutionary War only two American magazines existed, they being this one and the "Pennsylvania Magazine" which published in Philadelphia as well, from January, 1775 thru July, 1776.
The "United States Magazine" was the only American magazine that published during the heart of the war and lasted but one year from January thru…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 19, 1780 

* American Revolutionary War
* Rare single sheet issue

Most of the front page is taken up with a document concerning relations between Holland and England. The back page has a document from D. Diego Joseph Navarro, governor of Cuba., regarding declaring war against Great Britain (see). The back page also has an item from Congress concerning a lottery, and concerning pay for certain officers (see).
Complete as a single sheet newspaper…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 28, 1778

* American Revolutionary War

 Most of page 2 is taken up with a very notable & historic: "Address of the Congress to the Inhabitants of the United States of America" signed in type by: Henry Laurens, President at that time, dated May 9, 1778.
In the spring of 1778, the Continental Congress learned of the British government’s intention to offer terms of accommodation that would have satisfied all American demands except…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 31, 1778  

* British last attempt - peace with America

The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with an historic document headed: "MANIFESTO and PROCLAMATION" by General Henry Clinton.
Once France entered the war on the side of the colonists, Lord North became alarmed & sent commissioners to America with a peace offer, renouncing the right of taxing Americans. But Congress rejected this offer since, with the…

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 23, 1778  Most of the front page is taken up with an address of the governor of New Jersey to the General Assembly concerning the Revolutionary War.
It begins: "I heartily congratulate you upon the agreeable news we have received from France...The treaties of alliance & of amity & commerce between his Most Christian Majesty & the United States of America by which our freedom, sovereignty & independence are fully recognized..." with much more, portions…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1779 

* Battle of Stony Point - New York
* American Revolutionary War night assault
* Generals George Washington & Anthony Wayne

This title has one of the more handsome mastheads of the era, with very ornate lettering and an engraving of a three-masted ship.
Page 2 has a lengthy letter in defense of Robert Morris against Thomas Paine. Also much on a meeting of freeholders at Boston, moderated by Sam Adams, with…

THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Nov. 16, 1775 

* Creation of Continental Currency 
* American Revolutionary War funding
* re. Battles of Lexington & Concord 

A very significant issue in the financial history of the United States, as the front page reports the first issuance of Continental Currency to support the Revolutionary War. Datelined: "Philadelphia, In Congress, Thursday, June 22, 1775" it reports: "Resolved, That a sum not exceeding two millions of…

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…

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE: OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, April 4, 1776  

* Ethan Allen as a prisoner
* General George Washington 
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

A wealth of fine content in this issue from this desirable year.
Page 2 has a wonderful address from the Massachusetts Council offering praise and support to "His Excellency GEORGE WASHINGTON, Esq., General and Commander in Chief of the Forces of the United American Colonies". This is followed by the heartfelt…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, July 17, 1781  

* American Revolutionary War
* Ship prisoners exchanged
* Southern colonies evacuation (British)

The front page has several letters from British Lt. Col. Balfour, most dealing with discussion for an exchange of prisoners with General Greene.
This discussion carries over to page 2 where is found a letter datelined: "Torbay prison ship, Charlestown harbour, May 19, 1781" concerning men on the prison ship. Then yet…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Aug. 26, 1779  

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Page 3 has a: "...letter from an officer of distinction to the honorable Major-General Gates..." which begins: "I am happy to have the pleasure to again congratulate you on the success of our arms. His Excellency having formed a plan…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781  

* Battle of Green Spring
* James County, Virginia
* American Revolutionary War

The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reducing Washington's present force & preventing its being recruited by new levies..." and: "...I flatter myself the southern…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 28, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
Only to be found in a Loyalist newspaper, the entire front page is taken up with text and…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779  

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "Address To the Inhabitants of Ireland", signed in type at its conclusion: B. Franklin. Versailles, October 4,…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 4, 1777 

* Siege of Fort Stanwix - Schuyler
* American Revolutionary War

Page 3 has Revolutionary War content including an item reading: "We hear Sir William Howe has requested his Majesty, for very essential reasons, to allow him to exchange General Lee for some British officers; but that such a measure has been strongly opposed by some persons in high office."
A report from Fishkill tells some of the movements of Gen. St.…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779 

* Battle of Stono Ferry, Charleston, South Carolina
* Battle of Chemung - New York - John Sullivan

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Nearly one-third of page 2 is a letter from an officer in the British army from Port Royal with his account of the Battle at Stono Ferry, a failed attempt by the Americans, under General…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781  

* General Henry Clinton
* Peace with Americans ?
* Revolutionary War

Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to all the inhabitants of these States who have been so hardy as to oppose a degradation from the rank of freemen to that of…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, January 3, 1778 

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a Tory newspaper published in Philadelphia when the British occupied the city. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
Page 2 has a very detailed letter concerning a naval battle between…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 15, 1779 

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This is the volume 1, #18 issue.
The entire front page & most of the back page are taken up with what one scholar calls: "...one of the most remarkable debates of the Revolutionary era..." debating the issue of price controls during the…