Historic Newspapers: Scotland

MERCURIUS POLITICUS, London, England, May 27, 1652. Pages 7, 8, and 9 of this extraordinarily rare newsbook feature the complete twelve-article text of the Treaty of Jamestown under the heading: “Articles agreed on and concluded at James City in Virginia, for the surrendering and settling of that Plantation under the obedience and Government of the Commonwealth of England…”. Concluding with its official sign-off on March 12, 1651 [1652 using today’s calendar], this publication represents what

MERCURIUS POLITICUS, London, England, June 25 to July 2, 1657  An uncommon newsbook (the forerunner of newspapers) with the balance of the title reading "Comprising the sum of  Forein Intelligence, With The Affairs now on Foot in the Three Nations of England, Scotland and Ireland. For Information of the People."
This title was published by the famed Marchamont Needham. Needham had earlier sided with the Royalists & was consequently imprisoned but gained his release upon switching his loyalty to

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 25, 1673

• The Third Anglo-Dutch War

Most of the front page is taken up with accounts of various military battles in Europe. Page 2 has a report of a naval battle off the coast of Scotland between the British and the Dutch, with various details.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/2 by 11 inches, various foxing spots, good condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, Sept. 25, 1673  Most of the front page is taken up with accounts of various military battles in Europe. Page 2 has a report of a naval battle off the coast of Scotland between the British and the Dutch, with various details.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 6 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, nice condition.

THE IMPARTIAL PROTESTANT MERCURY, London, England, Jan. 3, 1681/2

• Rare 17th century publication
• Protestants versus the Catholics

This single-sheet newspaper is a fascinating paper published during this time of struggle between Catholics and Protestants in government.
News is entirely from England & Scotland, with most of a column taken up with advertisements.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 7 by 11 1/2 inches, nice condition.

Background: This specific issue of The Impartial Protestant Mercury

A CONTINUATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARLIAMENT IN SCOTLAND, London, England, July 9, (1689)

• Very rare 18th century publication

The year is printed in the dateline of the first report at the top of page 1, as well as in the imprint at the bottom of the back page.
A very rare newspaper from England dealing primarily with Parliamentary affairs.
A single sheet issue with untrimmed margins, 7 by 11 3/4 inches, a portion of the front page is lightly inked, very nice condition.

A CONTINUATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARLIAMENT IN SCOTLAND, London, England, July 30, (1689)  The year is printed in the dateline of the first report at the top of page 1, as well as in the imprint at the bottom of the back page.
A very rare newspaper from England dealing primarily with Parliamentary affairs.
A single sheet issue with untrimmed margins, 7 by 11 3/4 inches, very nice condition.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, May 5, 1707

• "The Acts of Union" ratification
• The creation of "Great Britain"
• England & Scotland merger

The front page begins with an announcement from Whitehall, in London, dated May 1, stating: "This being the deay appointed for the General Thanksgiving for the happy Union of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, Her majesty went in a coach of state to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul...to return thanks to Almighty God for that great blessing..." with more on this.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, October 27, 1707

• First Parliament of Great Britain

A very historic issue as the front page reports on the very first session of Parliament of the newly-created Parliament of Great Britain which occurred on October 23. The union of England and Scotland was official several months previous by the ratification of the Acts of Union involving both England and Scotland.
The front page reports from Westminster, with an Oct. 23 dateline, the arrival of Queen Anne. There

A REVIEW OF THE STATE OF THE BRITISH NATION, London, 1708-09 From research done by the prestigious London rare book firm of Pickering & Chatto, this is one of Daniel Defoe's greatest, but least known works. The Review covered his many interests, both literary and historical and was published twice and later three times a week. The reason for the neglect of this work is due in part to the tiny original print run of just 400, making this a very rare item.
Defoe's Review played a significant role

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1736

• Coverting Jews - Jewish
• Oglethorpe at Savannah, Georgia
• Health conditions in Boston

An interesting article has: "A Remarkable Censure on the Present Translation of the Old Testament by Hugh Broughton, a Man so well Skill'd in the Hebrew that he Converted many Jews", with more.
Much content on the American colonies including: "The Deplorable State of our Sugar Colonies". Under the "Historical Chronicle" near the back are letters from the colonies which

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1745  A highlight of this issue is the interesting and unusual full page engraving of: "A Plan of the City of Edinburgh" which has much detail, showing the castle as well, and includes a rather large key to various locations as well. Further on is a very detailed article: "Description of the City of Edinburgh".
Another significant item is the very early printing of the United Kingdom's national anthem "God Save The King" headed: "A Song for Two

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1745  A highlight of this issue is the interesting and unusual full page engraving of: "A Plan of the City of Edinburgh" which has much detail, showing the castle as well, and includes a rather large key to various locations as well. Further on is a very detailed article: "Description of the City of Edinburgh".
Another significant item is the very early printing of the United Kingdom's national anthem "God Save The King" headed: "A Song for Two

THE DAILY GAZETTEER, London, England, July 8, 1746

• Era of the Jacobite Rebellion
• Rare 18th century publication
• The capture of Roderick MacNeil of Barra

Various European reports throughout with advertisements on the back page. The front page has some items relating to the Jacobite Rebellion - including, under "Scotland", the capture of Roderick MacNeil of Barra.
Complete as a single sheet issue, 9 1/2 by 14 1/4 inches, trimmed at the margins but not affecting any letters or words, nice

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1746  Nine pages at the beginning of the issue are taken up with reports on events in Parliament under the guise of: "Proceedings & Debates in the Senate of Lilliput" as direct reporting on Parliamentary events was prohibited.
Three pages are taken up with a lengthy list of: "Ships Taken from the French & Spaniards" including mention of many to or from America. Most of a page is taken up with a print of an: "Inscription on an Old Monument", with

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, November, 1746

• More on the Jacobite Rebellion

There is still content on the Jacobite Rebellion, with: "Rebels Tried at York". And near the back is half a page on: "Executed at York". Also a report from the: "Boston Gazette" in America concerning the troubles with France in Louisbourgh and Cape Breton, Canada. There is another letter from Nova Scotia.
Three pages are taken up with a List of Ships Taken" including several traveling to or from America,

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 13, 1746  The back page has an interesting notice offering a reward for the return of runaway seamen, issued by "Thomas Smith, Commander in Chief of all His Majesty's Ships..." noting in part: "Whereas it is become frequent with seamen belonging to His Majesty's ships & vessels to run away from them...I do hereby assure all persons...that on delivery of any seamen that they may find straggling from the ships...whereunto they belong...shall immediately

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Nov. 24, 1746

• War of the Austrian Succession
• King George's War - speech

Over half of the front page is taken up with the speech of the King of England, mostly relating to recent events in the War of the Austrian Succession.
Four pages, 8 by 10 inches, very nice condition.

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1746  Nearly half of the front page is taken up with: "By the King, A PROCLAMATION For A General Fast", relating to the hardships of the on-going War of Austrian Succession.
Four pages, 8 by 10 inches, very nice condition.

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1749   The prime feature of this issue is the very nice & detailed foldout map of "South America" which folds out to 11 1/2 by 10 inches. A very displayable & detailed map in great condition. Among the articles within are: "Articles of the Treaty of Utrecht" between England and France, which takes over 3 pages and including all 41 Articles.

Also: "Observations of the Last Solar Eclipse, taken in Scotland..."  "Description of a New Alarum [alarm]"

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, arch 20, 1755  Half of the front page is taken up with: "By the King, A PROCLAMATION, For continuing the encouragements to seamen who shall enter themselves on Board His Majesty's ships of war; for increasing the bounty to all such seamen..." with more.
Four pages, 10 by 12 3/4 inches, repair at the blank spine, nice condition.

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.

This text takes is entirely contained on the front page making it nice for display.

This is a very significant document,

(5) THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, late 1750's  A very early lot of five newspapers from Scotland, with news of the day.  A great period set at a considerable discount from the regular per-issue price. Nice condition.  The images shown are representative of the look and condition of those you will receive.  Actual dates vary in the later 1750's.

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 America..." which

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.

(5) THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, late 1750's and/or early 1760's  A very early lot of five (5) newspapers from Scotland, with news of the day.  A great period set at a considerable discount from the regular per-issue price. Average condition.  The images shown are representative of the look and condition of those you will receive.  While actual dates vary, all will be similar to what is shown.

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1759  Among the articles are a continued: "Life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland" "Friendly Address to the Jews" which takes a full page; "Articles of Capitulation between their Excellencies & the Inhabitants of Guadelupe, etc." and "Gazette Account of the Taking of Guadaloupe" which takes more than a full page.
The full page plate present is a: "Representation of a Bishop in the Act of Martyrdom" which has a related article. Lacking is the map of

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1759  Within this issue is a nice full page map titled: "A New and Accurate Map of the Isles of Guadloupe, Marie-Galante, etc. from the Best Authorities" which shows much detail & is in nice condition. This is a full page map measuring 5 by 8 1/4 inches and is accompanied by 2 related articles titled: "Articles of Capitulation between their Excellencies & the Inhabitants of Guadalupe, etc." and "Gazette Account of the Taking of Guadaloupe" which takes

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 EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 20, 1761

• Capture of Belle Île - Brittany, France
• British amphibious expedition victory
• Seven Years' War - Studhome Hodgson

Most of page 2 and part of page 3 are taken up with great coverage of the Capture of Belle Ile during the Seven Years' War.
This event was a British expedition to capture the French island of Belle Île off the Brittany coast in 1761. After an initial British attack was repulsed, a second attempt was more successful & a landing

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 21, 1761  The front page has an interesting article complaining of the high prices to witness the coronation of George III, who would be coronated the following day. Included is some history on the prices to witness previous coronations.
Page 2 has a report from New York concerning allocating funds: "...for the service of the troops in our American colonies..." during the French & Indian War.
Four pages, 9 1/2 by 14 1/2 inches, red tax stamp, good

• Pre and post American Revolutionary War era
• Great, unique gift idea for that history buff

(5) An interesting & unique lot of five British newspapers, containing all different titles from the 18th century. They span the 1760's thru the 1790's and include at least one from each decade. Some have red ink stamps (partial or otherwise, see images). Certainly a one-of-a-kind grouping.
Titles and dates in this lot include: The London Chronicle, March 2, 1762; The London Gazette, Oct. 13, 1770; The

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 26, 1763  The front page has over half a column headed: "America" with datelines from New York, Charleston, and Boston. The Charleston account includes; "...The back part of this Province [South Carolina] will soon be better settled than ever, abundance of people coming daily from the northward to view the lands; who, being charmed with their fertility, and finding the weather exceedingly more moderate than in the northern climate, intend to apply for

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, 1765 A rather uncommon title from before the Revolutionary War and a nice opportunity for a British newspaper from during the year of the Stamp Act in the colonies. Contents include various news of the day with a wealth of ads as well.  Complete in 8 pages & measuring about 8 1/2  by 11 inches, never trimmed at the margin, some light rubbing at the folds, generally nice condition. The back page has a partial red-inked tax stamp. The photo below is generic

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1766  Articles within this issue include: "Description of an Artificial Swan" "Account of a Journey Into Scotland" "An Address to the Annotators of the Bible" "Coalition of the American and W. Indian Colonists" and more.
Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has various news reports of the day.
Lacking plate called.
Complete as a 48 page issue measuring 5 1/2 by 9 inches with full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St. John's Gate.

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

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 EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 1, 1769

• Sir Joshua Reynolds knighted
• 18th century English painter

Page 2 has a brief report noting: "Friday his Majesty was pleased to confer the honour of Knighthood on Joshua Reynolds, Esq., President of the Royal Academy of Paining, etc. He is the first Limner who has had that honour conferred on him since the reign of Charles II." (see). Sir Joshua Reynolds was one of the more notable artists of the 18th century.

Complete in four pages,

THE SCOTS MAGAZINE, (Edinburgh, Scotland), October, 1769  A somewhat "generic" issue of this uncommon magazine title with a wide variety of articles from before the outbreak of war with the American colonies. 
Near the back is a half page of reports from "British North America".
The front page has the "Contents" listed. Complete in 56 pages, 5 by 8 inches, minor margin loss to an inside leaf, some ink staining within, minor damp stains at margins, generally good condition.

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 28, 1770  Inside under: "AMERICA, Philadelphia" is a report of: "...English goods arrived here...which were purchased by two shopkeepers...contrary to the non-importation agreement; upon which the committee of merchants sent for them & represented the impropriety of their conduct, which they readily acknowledged & the good were immediately sent back, again." (see). Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, nice condition.

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 3, 1772

• Rare title

Pages 1 and 2 are almost entirely taken up with various European news, including military events, with pgs. 3 & 4 mostly taken up with ads.
Four pages, folio size, nice condition.

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 24, 1772

• Ohio River value ?
• Pre Rev. War era

Page 3 has a paragraph noting: "The Ohio, though a very extensive river of North America...is cut off from all possible intercourse with a foreign commerce & has no connection whatever with the sea..." and a bit more (see photos). Four pages, folio size, red ink tax stamp on the ftpg., nice condition.

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 29, 1772

• Early Mississippi & Ohio Rivers

Page 2 has a report which includes: "...The public, in the various conversations which have arisen on the subject of the new settlement in North America, generally confound the Mississippi with the Ohio; whereas the two rivers are very distinct; the first is capable of admitting the largest ships of war, the other is not able to admit a cutter ship of war. The first is already a part of West Florida; the

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 13, 1773

• Native American Indians

Page 2 has a full column of reporting under "America" with reports from Charleston with much on the situation with the Cherokee & Creek Indians, and also bits noting: "...vessels belonging to Rhode Island...carried into New Providence are, we hear, both condemned. One of them had 18 chests of tea on board, & the other a quantity of foreign rum." Further on is another letter from Charleston which includes some

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, December 31, 1773

• Early Nova Scotia description

Inside has: "...a Letter from a gentleman who emigrated from Scotland...dated Nova Scotia, Fort Cumberland..." which is very descriptive of Halifax and the vicinity (see photos). Other news of the day throughout including various ads. Eight pages, some dirtiness, more so at the folds, measures 8 1/2 by 11 inches.

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 18, 1777

• Revolutionary War
• From the enemy

Half of page 2 is taken up with reports concerning the Revolutionary War, a few of the reports noting: "...has been reported that they contain private advices that Philadelphia was in possession of the King's troops. A report...that the provincial Congress at Boston has made proposals to the King's commissioners of returning to their allegiance, which have been accepted....The Congress have lost their authority;

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 11, 1777  Nearly half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Revolutionary War, a few bits of which include: "...that Gen. Howe had landed the 16th at Baltimore & proceeded to...40 miles from Philadelphia where General Washington's army was encamped...that General Clinton was setting out on an expedition supposed for North River...the rebel general Sullivan had landed on Staten Island & retreated next morning with the loss of 900 men...another

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 20, 1777

• Rare Revolutionary War title

Page 2 has a report noting: "....from New  York but by which there were many private letters confirming the repulse at Staten Island. A letter from Rhode Island...says that Gen. Pigott was arrived there to take the command of the troops...were in no fear of the provincials, whose number...was said to be very few...It is said that the colony of Maryland has made propositions of returning to its allegiance, which

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1777

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

Certainly the most  significant content is the page 2 report on the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, a very much-needed victory for the American cause. Some of the reporting includes: "...arrived in town express...we are sorry to say that Government have received the melancholy accounts that General Burgoyne and his army have been obliged to surrender themselves prisoners