Historic Newspapers: Slavery & Abolition
Found 1398 Results
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Item #716157THE ATHENIAN MERCURY, London, March 19, 1692 This was the very first of the "agony aunt" newspapers, a newspaper providing personal advice to its readers.
In creating this format of responding to questions from readers, the publisher, John Dunton, did so as a result of feeling guilty for cheating on his wife. He thought that people... Read full description -
Item #713620THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1735 Without question the most noteworthy item is the speech by Moses Bon Saam, a free negro from Jamaica, which takes about 3 columns.
Bon Saam wrote this speech to his followers, runaway slaves planning to organize their own independent society in the interior of Jamaica. Affirmations of... Read full description -
Item #689552THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, "New England", April 10-17, 1740
* Among the earliest of American newspapers to be had
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... Read full description -
Item #676470THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1741
* New York Conspiracy of 1741
* Slaves - Slavery insurrection
Within this issue is an article: "Of the Office of Auditor of the Revenue in America" which includes: "I am a native of New England & having read in your paper...The state of importance of the American colonies is so... Read full description -
Item #585531GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1760
* Battle of Quebec
* Map of the war in Germany
* French and Indian War
A feature of this issue is the "French Account of the Raising the Siege of Quebec" which takes over half a page (see for portions). There is also: "A Description of a Water Mill of a New Construction..."... Read full description -
Item #695145THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Dec. 31, 1761 The front page has over a full column of reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston, Boston, and Halifax in Nova Scotia. A few bits include: "...A gang of the Point Indians were returned from war against the Spaniards; they lost four men...and killed one Spaniard and a... Read full description -
Item #699115THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 5, 1765 Pages 1 and 2 have reports headed: "America" with Charleston datelines. The first report is quite notable, as it is a very early reference to the importation of slaves.
It reads: "The value of the negroes imported into this province since the passing of the act for laying an... Read full description -
Item #702240THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 22, 1773
* Phillis Wheatley's London arrival
* Famous Woman servant turned poet
Certainly the most notable report is found on the back page, which contains: "Last Thursday the celebrated negro girl Phillis, the Poet, whose extraordinary talents have lately been taken notice of in the News Papers,... Read full description -
Item #667871THE 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... Read full description -
Item #719128THE 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... Read full description -
Item #701118THE 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... Read full description -
Item #715771THE 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... Read full description -
Item #650328THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1784
Among the articles are: "Ancient Customs Elucidated--The Feast of Yule" "History of the Race of Gypsies Further Illustrated" which takes nearly 3 pages; "An Account of the Experiments Made by the Aerostatic Machine of M.M.... Read full description -
Item #696529THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787 One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair.... Read full description -
Item #704521THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Aug. 28, 1787
* Captain William Bligh prepares for voyage
* HMS Bounty - merchant ship - mutiny fame
* Fateful South Pacific Ocean expedition
The back page has an inconspicuous report noting "The ship which has been engaged by the Admiralty to make a voyage to the Society Islands... Read full description -
Item #668656THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, April, 1788
* Botany Bay, Australia - Admiral Arthur Phillip
* Northern plantations act to discourage the slave trade
Within is a report concerning Commodore Phillips at Botany Bay reading: "The Botany fleet arrived at the Cape on the 13th of October, after a passage from Rio de Janeiro of... Read full description -
Item #722132THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 12, 1788
* Slavery on the Island of Jamaica
* Revisions to current slave laws
* Still legal but with certain exceptions
* Early movement towards eventual abolition
Page 6 has a historically significant report from Jamaica beginning: "Our slave laws have... Read full description -
Item #667449THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, August, 1788 This title has the honor of being the first successful American magazine, having begun in September, 1786 and lasting until December, 1792.
Among the various articles are: "A Description of the River Juniatta" "An Account of the Foundation of New Smyrna in Florida & a... Read full description -
Item #600170THE LONDON CHRONICLE, November 15, 1788 Page 5 has nearly two columns with various reports from American regarding American Indians, as well as a brief article from New York from: "...The Society for promoting the manumission [freeing]of slaves, and protecting such of them as have been or may be liberated...", which mentions... Read full description -
Item #682633THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, May 27, 1789 Beginning on page 2 and carrying over to page 2 is a report headed: "Slave Trade" from the House of Commons, taking over half a page in total.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, full red tax stamp on the front page, very nice condition. -
Item #685614THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789 The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The... Read full description -
Item #701210GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789
* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington
It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of... Read full description -
Item #692601THE DIARY, OR WOODFALL'S REGISTER, London, Feb. 22, 1790
* Uncommon publication
* 18th century original
Various news reports from Europe. Over half of the back page is taken up with a detailed account of: "Observations on the Trial of a Planter For Slave Murder".
The... Read full description -
Item #689565GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790
* Map of Canada, Hudson Bay & other portions of North America
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."
... Read full description -
Item #675444GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1790 Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice, attached fold-out map: "A Map showing the communication of the Lakes and the Rivers between Lake Superior and Slave Lake in North America."
The map shows the extreme western parts of Lake Superior and... Read full description -
Item #675452THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1790
* African slave trade
* William Wilberforce
* Indians massacred
Included is an interesting article on an: "Apparatus of Humanity" with a related full page print captioned: "Apparatus For Communicating Heat to Bodies Apparently... Read full description -
Item #638619THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1790 Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin] tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a... Read full description -
Item #670619THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, October, 1790 Articles include: "Remarks on Capital Punishment" "Sketch of the Nature & Causes of Diseases" "Short Account of Mr. McGillivray" who was the famous chief of the Creek Indians; "On the Architecture of America"... Read full description -
Item #640633GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1791 Taking nearly 2 pages is: "An Expository Address to the People of England on the Late Memorable Decision Against the Abolition of the Slave Trade". Among the news reports near the back are a few items headed: "America" beginning: "America... Read full description -
Item #686807COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 28, 1791 A page 3 report says: "A subscription was opened in London, before Capt. Scott sailed, for the purpose of building a large and elegant Chapel for the Rev. Dr. Priestley." Joseph Priestley is credited with the discovery of oxygen.
There is much concerning the French Revolution... Read full description -
Item #703606COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 2, 1792
* 2nd - Second Militia Act of 1792
* President George Washington signs
* Fort Lafayette - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Major General Anthony Wayne
Most of the front page is taken up with a Act of Congress now known as the Second Militia Act, signed in script... Read full description -
Item #629138GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1792 Inside has most of a column taken up with news headed: "America" which begins: "This country was never in so flourishing a state as at present; the increase of people, riches, and agriculture is almost incredible...The present war with the Indians has for while stopped... Read full description -
Item #700336SUPPLEMENT TO DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Nov. 14, 1792 This is a single sheet that is almost entirely taken up with advertisements that would not have fit in the "regular" issue. One is for: "The Time of a Negro Woman For Sale..." & another: "Twenty... Read full description -
Item #689227DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Jan. 7, 1793
* Rare 18th century American title
* Runaway slave & bitch advertisements
The front page is filled with advertisements. News of the day on pages 2 & 3. Page 3 also has a interesting ad for: "Bitch Lost; Fifteen Dollars Reward" which is for a runaway... Read full description -
Item #705731GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 19, 1794
* 18th century America publication
The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. The front page features 5 illustrated ship advertisements. Half of page 2 is taken up with reports from the "Federal... Read full description -
Item #716171GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 24, 1794 The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
The front page has 3 runaway slave ads and three shipping ads. Other news of the day is found throughout,
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine,... Read full description -
Item #701536COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 17, 1794
* President George Washington
* French officer Louis de Tousard
The front page begins with an Act of Congress, giving a pension for life to Lt. Col. Tousard. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Louis de Tousard was a French artillerist who... Read full description -
Item #688674DUNLAP & CLAYPOOLE'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER EXTRA, Philadelphia, Nov. 29, 1794
* 18th century runaway slave ad
A single sheet "Extra" edition. The front page taken up with ads with a runaway slave ad headed: "Twenty Dollars Reward" (see)
Complete as a single sheet issue, never-trimmed margins, nice condition. -
Item #704242THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 19, 1795
* President George Washington
* Concerns over the Jay Treaty
Page 3 has the: "Answer" of the President to the concerns of the Selectmen of Boston over the controversial Jay Treaty, signed in type: George Washington.
Page 3 also has a... Read full description -
Item #689239FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, May 4, 1796
* Rare 18th century American title
* (2) slaves related advertisements
* Land for sale along the Potomac River
The full ftpg. is taken up with advertisements including 14 illustrated ship ads. The back page has 2 runaway slave ads. Also a land for sale for the Washington D.C.... Read full description -
Item #684636FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, May 30, 1796
* Bank of Baltimore, Maryland creation
* President George Washington letter
Much of pages 2 & 3 are taken up with; "An Act to Establish A Bank and Incorporate the Subscribers Thereto." which begins: "Be it enacted by... Read full description -
Item #684638FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 1, 1796 Much of page 2 is taken up with a report from Congress: "On motion for making provision for carrying into effect the treaty with Great Britain." which refers to the controversial Jay Treaty.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For A Term of... Read full description -
Item #684640FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 3, 1796 Page 2 has reports from Congress including: "The bill for making appropriations for the support of the military and naval establishments of 1796, was read a third time and passed...".
Page 3 had an ad: "For Sale, A Few Likely Negroes of good... Read full description -
Item #684572FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 4, 1796 The front page has an ad: "For Sale, A Healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Pages 3 and 4 have more slave related ads headed: "300 Dollars Reward" "130 Dollars Reward" and "Fifty Dollars Reward" all with particulars.
... Read full description -
Item #724633FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 9, 1796 The back page has ad ad: "For Sale, A Healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has other "reward" ads concerning slaves, with details.
Four pages, purple colored staining affects the middle section but causes no loss of readability,... Read full description -
Item #684578FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 11, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from Congress concerning debates on the controversial Jay Treaty with England.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A Likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page 4 has... Read full description -
Item #700764FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 11, 1796 Much of pages 2 and 3 are taken up with reports from Congress concerning debates on the controversial Jay Treaty with England. Also 20 illustrated ship ads.
The front page has an ad: "For Sale, For the term of 10 Years, A Likely healthy Negro Girl..." with details.
Page... Read full description -
Item #684602FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 13, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
Page 2 has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington. The... Read full description -
Item #684606FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 17, 1796
* President George Washington
* Patent signed in type
* Inventor Robert Dawson
* Improvement in bolting cloths
The back page has a document headed: "The United States of America...Letters Patent..." which is signed in type by the President: Go. Washington.... Read full description -
Item #716551FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796
* President George Washington
The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a:... Read full description
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