Historic Newspapers:

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1811 

* Battle of Tippecanoe
* William Henry Harrison

Page 2 has: "Indian War--Official" being a letter to the Secretary of War signed in type: Wm. Henry Harrison, datelined "H.Q. near the Prophet's Town, November 8, 1811." The letter describes the battle of Tippecanoe beginning with: "...the dawn of yesterday terminated any action between the troops under my command, and the whole of the Prophet's force..." with further details about the false…

THE WAR, New York, Aug. 3, 1813 

* Battle of Beaver Dams - Ontario, Canada

Could any other title better define the focus of this newspaper?
Most of the front page is taken up with: "Impressed Seamen", one of the causes of the War of 1812, with the balance of the front page taken up with: "Creek Indians" with much on Col. Hawkins & the Creek War, carrying over to page 2.
Other war items inside include: "Battle of Beaver Dams" "Abstract of the Cartel, For the Exchange of Prisoners of…

THE WAR, New York, Aug. 24, 1813  

* USS Chesapeake vs. HMS Shannon
* "Don't Give up the Ship !" quote
* War of 1812 naval battle

The front page is taken up with: "Indian Eloquence" which is a speech by one of the chiefs of the Six Nations; "Indian Hostilities" "Creek Indians" and "Campaign Against the Creek Indians".
Perhaps the most notable report inside is headed: "Captain James Lawrence" which is essentially a eulogy on this fallen hero, mentioning: "...The recollection of the…

THE WAR, New York, Nov. 30, 1813 

* Battle of Tallushatchee
* The St. Lawrence Campaign

Could any other title better define the focus of this newspaper?
The front page begins with: "A Proclamation" by the governor of Vermont. The front page also has: "Victory Over The Creek Indians" which begins: "We have retaliated for the destruction of Fort Mims..." with more, signed in type by: Andrew Jackson, carrying over to page 2.
Inside has a detailed letter from John Coffee, prefaced by a…

THE WAR, New York, Dec. 21, 1813  Most of the front page is taken up with: "Official Account of the Battle at Williamsburgh" being the letter detailing the events, signed: John P. Boyd. Also on the front page: "Blockade of Long Island Sound" which includes a "Proclamation" which carries over to page 2.
Other content within: "Prisoners in Halifax" "Treatment Of American Prisoners In Quebec" "Official Account of the Second Victory Over the Creeks" which is a column-long letter signed in type:…

THE WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 25, 1813  The issue begins with: "The Embargo Law" which takes 3 pages. Also inside: "Female Heroism". Seven pages are taken up with: "Events of the War" which has a great wealth of content on the War of 1812. Among the reports & subheads here are: "Military--Wilkinson's Army" "The Southern Indians" "Bounty on Maritime Prisoners of War" "Third Victory Over the Creeks"; a lengthy letter form Sackett's Harbor; "British Official Notice of the Defeat of  Their…

THE WAR, New York, Feb. 22, 1814 

* Battles of Emuckfaw & Enotachopo Creek

Most of the front page is taken up with: "Fifth Victory Over the Creeks" as well as: "Sixth Victory Over the Creeks".
Notable content inside includes: "Failure of Our Arms on the Northern Frontier" which is prefaced with a "Message" signed in type: James Madison and which includes documents signed by H. Dearborn and John Armstrong. Also within: "Fortunate Escape" "Desperate Action" which is a report of a naval…

THE WAR, New York, May 17, 1814  

* General William Hull death sentence
* Cowardice and neglect of duty
* Pardoned by James Madison

The front page includes: "Convention For the Exchange of Prisoners" 'Proclamation of Blockade" which takes most of a column & is signed: Alexander Cochrane; "Trial, Sentence, and Pardon of General Hull" for his surrendering of Detroit to the British, which includes: "Sentence - The said brig gen. Wm. Hull to be SHOT to death..." but he was pardoned by the…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, June 4, 1814  Inside has over 6 pages taken up with: "Events of the War" reporting on the on-going War of 1812. Among the reports are a letter from Col. Hawkins concerning the Creek Indian War, plus a lengthier letter signed in type: Andrew Jackson, with more reporting on the Creek War.
Another document is headed: "Traitors" beginning: "It is contended by many in the United States that a man cannot change his allegiance & that a national born British…

THE WAR, New York, June 7, 1814 

* Oliver Hazard Perry
* War of 1812 hero
* General Andrew Jackson
* Creek Nation War - Indians

The front page has: "The Creek Indians" which includes a letter from Fort William signed in type: Andrew Jackson. Also on the front page: "Tribute To Personal Valor" which is in honor of Commodore O.H. Perry; and "Naval Warfare".
Reports inside include: "Saucy Jack's Cruise" "Privateer Scourge" "Capture of the Pelham" "Important News" "Abdication of…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Massachusetts, June 11, 1817

* Long Island Navy depot sought

Page 2 has a report stating: "We learn the President...has appointed Com. William Bainbridge, Capt. Samuel Evans, and Capt. Oliver H. Perry, Commissioners (under a resolution of the Senate) to examine and survey this harbour and bay and the eastern entrance into Long-Island Sound, with a view to the selection of a proper site for a Naval Depot, Rendezvous and Dock-Yard..." and a bit more.

Other…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 11, 1817  Page 2 has a report stating: "We learn the President...has appointed Com. William Bainbridge, Capt. Samuel Evans, and Capt. Oliver H. Perry, Commissioners (under a resolution of the Senate) to examine and survey this harbour and bay and the eastern entrance into Long-Island Sound, with a view to the selection of a proper site for a Naval Depot, Rendezvous and Dock-Yard..." and a bit more.
Other news includes: "President's Tour" "Spanish-American…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 31, 1818  The back page a rather small ad with a small heading: "GUITAR" reading: "For sale cheap--a new, elegant and superior toned English Guitar, together with instruction book, strings, etc. Inquire at the Centinel Counting Room".
Have you ever seen an earlier ad for a guitar?
The ftpg. has: "Indian War" being a lengthy report from General  E. P. Gaines, offering much detail.
Four pages, some light damp staining, good condition.

BOSTON COMMERCIAL GAZETTE, May 21, 1818.

On pg. 2 under "Domestic" and "Of The Indian War" is an "intelligence" report from an officer about the operations of General Jackson. Mentions the conflagration of the Indian town Missiskauki and that Jackson "..proceeded to St. Marks--the Spanish garrison surrendered...and [he] had arrived at Pensacola.." The report confirms the death of the Prophet Francis and says that "...
Arbuthnot is in Jacksons possession, and in irons." Says Jackson…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, June 18, 1818  The front page has a letter signed in type: Andrew Jackson as a Major General. Page 2 has lengthier letter headed: "On The Indian War" also by Andrew Jackson.
At least 3 rewards ads for runaway slaves.
Four pages, nice condition.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 30, 1819  

* Pirate George Brown execution by hanging 

Page 15 has a brief article: "Pirates". This is followed by: "Execution", beginning: "George Brown, convicted of piracy and murder at New York, on board the schooner Retrieve...on the high seas, has been executed in the harbor of that city by being hanged at the yard arm of the vessel which was the theatre of his crimes. This unfortunate man was only 22 years of age...".
 George Brown (given name…

MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 12, 1820  

* Construction of the Erie Canal

A page 2 report notes: "The Great Canal in New-York is fast progressing...The whole expense is estimated at nearly five million dollars. The distance will be upwards of 350 miles--the rise and fall of water in the...rivers and creeks, about 661 feet...will require 77 locks. Lake Erie is 564 feet higher than the Hudson."
Completed in 1825, the canal was the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 23, 1823  Among the reports is a 4 1/2 page continued article: "Christian Indians". Also: "Indian War concerning the Blackfoot Indians in t he Fort Atkinson vicinity.
Also: "Emigration" "The Pirates" in the Caribbean; "Catskill Mountains" "The Slave Trade" and an article on the sale of: "Public Lands" signed in type by the President: James Monroe.
Sixteen pages, 6 1/4 by 9 3/4 inches, nice condition.

As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 4, 1824  Among the articles are: "Presidential Election" which has a chart showing states and votes for each, plus another report of the Alabama votes for President by county.
Also inside: "LaFayette & the Sons of the Forest" being an emotional heart-felt meeting of Choctaw Indian chiefs and General LaFayette, which is ironically followed by: "Trial of the Osages" which describes in detail the accidental but unprovoked killing of white men by a handful…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 19, 1829 

* Offer to buy Texas from Mexico
* President Andrew Jackson proposal
* Pre-Texas War for Independence

The front page has an item: "Texas" which begins: "Many rumours have been afloat as to a project entertained by the executive to acquire the Mexican province of Texas by purchase or in exchange for other lands...". An interesting item in light of the Texas war for independence less than 7 years later.
Also within: "Newly Discovered…

NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, April 3, 1830  Page 4 has: "Texas" which reports in part: "Some quite violent articles are published in the Mexican papers as to the designs of the United States to secure the possession of Texas; and the introduction of slaves in s greatly complained of...that the president of Mexico has declared that the slaves already in Texas may remain as such...".
Sixteen pages, 6 1/4 by 9 1/2 inches, nice condition.

As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, August 6, 1831  Inside has: "Indian Disturbances", from Belleville, Illinois, regarding the onset of what was to eventually develop into the Black Hawk War. Several follow-up reports as well.
Complete in 16 pages, 6 1/4 by 9 3/4 inches, nice condition.

As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one of the most widely-circulated magazines in the United States...Devoted primarily to politics...considered an important source for the history of the period."

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Dec. 31, 1831  It's always fascinating to find mention of notable people years before they would become a household name.  Inside has one such report: an inconspicuous--yet noteworthy--mention of Davy Crockett, less than five years before he would die at the Alamo. As a member of Congress, this report notes: "...The speaker laid before the house certain depositions in relation to the election of William Fitzgerald...from the district in the state of Tennessee…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, April 14, 1832  Perhaps the most significant content is the full page report headed: "Treaty With The Creek Indians" which has the complete text of the Treaty of March 24, 1832 with all 14 articles followed by the signatures in type of Lewis Cass, William McGilvery, Benjamin Marshall and various Indian chiefs.
Also known as the Treaty of Cusseta, it required that the Creek nation relinquish all claims to land east of the Mississippi River, including the…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 2, 1832  The front page has a report: "The Indian War" which is on the Black Hawk War, noting in part: "...an engagement had taken place at Fox River with the hostile Sacs and Foxes & that the militia sent out to meet them had even defeated..." with more.
Also, page 3 has: "The Indian War" being a letter from Lewis Cass, Sec. of War at the time. This is followed by: "Treaty With the Seminoles".
The Black Hawk War was a conflict between the…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, June 9, 1832  Inside has over half a page headed: "Indian War" which includes a Proclamation from the Rock River, signed by: John Reynolds, noting: "It becomes my duty again to call on you for your services in the defense of your country. The state is not only invaded by the hostile Indians but many of our citizens have been slain in battle..." with more. Also much text on what is known as the Black Hawk War. It was this war that gave a young Abraham Lincoln…

EVENING POST, New York City, New York, May 3, 1833 

* Early Cincinnati, Ohio population...  
* Progress of  the West... 

Page 2 has a report: "Progress Of The West.--The section of land on which Cincinnati is laid out, was bought for forty-nine dollars worth of land warrants! This was in December, 1788. Its population in 1795, was 500; in 1813, 4000; now in 1832, 31,000. The population of the territory, now the state of Ohio; in 1790 was 3000; in 1830, it was 937,000." 

Other…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 7, 1835  

* Texas War for Independence begins
* Battle of Gonzales TX

Inside has 2 1/2 pages of news under the heading: "Texas" concerning events from the beginning of their war for independence. The reports seem to reference the Battle of Gonzales (first battle of the Texas war for independence) but there is no direct mention of it.
Included are: "....It was confidently asserted at Vera Cruz that the government was determined to put down the…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 7, 1835 

* Texas War for Independence begins
* Battle of Gonzales TX

Inside has 2 1/2 pages of news under the heading: "Texas" concerning events from the beginning of their war for independence. The reports seem to reference the Battle of Gonzales (first battle of the Texas war for independence) but there is no direct mention of it.
Included are: "...It was confidently asserted at Vera Cruz that the government was determined to put down the…

NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Jan. 30, 1836  

* Battle of the Alamo close
* San Antonio, Texas victory
* Texas War for Independence

This issue has a great deal of reporting: "From Texas" giving the latest information on their struggles during this significant year.
The first report with a subhead: "Declaration of the Victims" beginning: "We the undersigned prisoners of war, condemned to be shot on Monday next..." and more taking over a full column.
This is followed by a report from New Orleans…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, May 7, 1836 

* Texas war for independence
* Sam Houston & Santa Anna

The front page & page 2 have an article headed: "The Mexican Borders"  and includes a letter beginning: "The war in Texas...had induced the president of the United States to require a considerable augmentation of regular force to be concentrated upon this section of the national frontier..." with much more.
Page 2 has over half a page headed: "From Texas" which includes a letter:…

SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 24, 1836  Page 3 has a report on: "Mr. Hoar's Opinions on the Texan Question" in Congress (note: from shortly after the Alamo & San Jacinto), bits including: "...He  looked upon the people of Texas as having voluntarily expatriated themselves from a country which was large enough for all its citizens...He would not vote a farthing to support any army to go across the line under the pretext of sustaining our neutrality...Mr. Hoar said he should never vote for…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 6, 1836  

* Texas War for Independence
* Santa Anna to be tried & shot
* Creek War - Cherokees - Indians

The front page has a short report concerning the "outrages" due to the rescue of two runaway slaves.
Other articles inside include: "Lynching Among the Indians" "The Creek War" with reports from Fort Mitchell, Alabama; "The Cherokees" "From Florida" "Mexico & the United States" "Western Indians" and "Texas", the latter mentioning that the Mexicans had not…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 20, 1836  

* Treaty of Velasco
* General Santa Anna
* Texas Revolution ending

Inside has "Latest From Texas and Mexico" which includes a significant letter signed in type by: Antonio Lopez De Santa Ana in which he agrees to the treaty between Texas and Mexico, known as the Treaty of Velasco.
This is followed by the "Articles of the treaty concluded between his excellency Don Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana...president of the Mexican republic...and his excellency…

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Nov. 26, 1836  Among the many items in this issue is: "War In Florida" concerning the Seminoles and Creeks, taking the equivalent of a full page. Also: "Tennessee Volunteers" "Voyage In Search of Lost Whalers" "From Liberia" and more.
Sixteen pages, 8 1/2 by 12 inches, some very minor foxing, other in nice condition.

As noted in Wikipedia, this title: "...(was) one of the most widely-circulated magazines in the United States...Devoted primarily to…

NILES'S NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, April 2, 1842 

* Samuel Houston call to arms - Texas citizens
* Post Texas Revolution - Pre Mexican-American War

Inside has: "President Houston's Proclamation to the Citizens of Texas" which begins: "My Countrymen: Rumours have been brought from the southwestern frontier of invasion...The facts are sufficient to justify immediate preparation for defensive war. All who are subject to military duty are commanded to be in readiness to repair quipped to…

CITIZEN SOLDIER, Philadelphia, Feb. 15, 1843  Printed in the masthead is: "In time of peace prepare for war", a quote by Washington, which sets the tone for this newspaper printed during peacetime. But the Mexican War would loom just 3 years later.
This is the volume 1, number 4 issue of this paper which existed from just January 7 thru December 27, 1843. It is very similar in layout 7 content to the same title printed earlier in Norwich, Vermont.
Eight pages, 16 by 11 1/2 inches, never…

NEW YORK SPECTATOR, 1846 

* Pre Civil war era reading

One of the more popular titles of the mid-19th century, and from this critical year during the Mexican War. Contains various news of the day including reports on the Mexican War. Complete in four pages, large folio size, very nice condition.

FLORIDA SENTINEL, Tallahassee, Feb. 24, 1846 

* Rare antebellum title

A very early newspaper from the capital of Florida, and with a nice engraving in the masthead. This newspaper is formatted much like most newspapers of the day, being complete in four pages with various local and national news reports in addition to many advertisements. This issue is among the we have in our inventory.
Page 2 has "The Late Mexican News" concerning the Mexican War, and also: "Later From Texas" "Santa…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, March 21, 1846  The front page has an editorial concerning the Mexican War: "Shall We Have Peace or War?" Page 3 has a report: "Slavers Captured" being an account of the capture of the slave ships Panther, Patuxent, and Pons. Note that although slavery continued until the Civil War, the importation of slaves was outlawed in 1808.
A few bits include: "...The Yorktown captured at sea Sept. 25, 1845...suspected of slaving...She sailed from Monrovia...with 900…

NEW YORK OBSERVER, June 13, 1846 

* Mexican War 
* The slave trade 

The front page has: "Proceedings of the General Assembly" and "Discussion On The Subject of Slavery" which is quite lengthy. Page 2 has: "The Late Declaration on Slavery" and pg. 3 has; "Progress of the War--Surrender of Matamoras: Blockade of Vera Cruz--Murder of American Prisoners---The Blockade of Vera Cruz--Mexican Drafts on the Churches".
Four pages, large folio size, nice condition.

THE DAILY UNION, Washington City, June 27, 1846  The front page has: "Latest From The Army--Reported Surrender of Reynoso" with much on the Mexican War, and also includes a letter datelined; "Camp of Matamoras". Inside has; "Whig Views of the War" "From The Army...Reynosa Taken, etc." "Troops On the Advance" "The Gulf Squadron" and more.
Four pages, some wear at margins, good condition.

THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., July 17, 1846  The ftpg. has: "Later From the Army" "On Day Later from the Army--Confirmation of the Attack on Tampico--Mexicans Fortifying Monterey" and other subheads with 2 full columns of reports on the Mexican War.
More war reports inside with: "Route From Matamoras To the Interior of Mexico" "Transportation of Troops" "Mexico--Her Character & Course" and a letter to General Jesup among other items.
Four pages, some water staining to the top half.

THE DAILY UNION, Washington City, July 29, 1846  The ftpg. has a great wealth of reporting on the Mexican War. Some of the column heads include: "One Day Later From The Army" "Trial & Honorable Acquittal of Captain Thornton--General Taylor's Proclamation--Health of the Army--Advance Towards Monterey".
Taylor's proclamation is to the Mexican people & begins: "After many years of patient endurance, the U.S. are at lengthy constrained to acknowledge that a war now exists between our government &…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 15, 1846  

* Mormons Battalion - Mormonism
* Only U.S. military religious unit ever
* Mexican-American War

The top of the back page has a very notable report: "Mormon Volunteers" being a brief item noting: "Capt...Allen has reached Fort Leavenworth with 500 Mormon volunteer infantry. They proceed forthwith to join Gen. Kearney in his expedition against Santa Fe."
This is a very rare report on the 'Mormon Battalion', which was the only…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 12, 1846

* Early Abraham Lincoln 
* Springfield, Illinois (Whig)
* 7th district election victory

Page 3 has a report from Illinois on election returns, which notes: "...7th district, Cartwright (loco.), 4829; Lincoln, (whig) 6340 (elected...".
History tells us that n 1843 Abraham Lincoln sought the Whig nomination for Illinois' 7th district seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. He was defeated by John J. Hardin though he prevailed with…

NILES' NATIONAL REGISTER, Baltimore, Sept. 26, 1846

* Commodore John D. Sloat
* Mexican-American War
* Claims California for U.S.
* Illinois Mormon War ending
* Nauvoo, Hancock County

 Inside has a very historic article headed: "The Pacific Squadron - Commodore Sloat Takes Possession of California". The letter reports that Commodore Sloat has taken possession of California.
A few bits include: "...he left with a summons to the military commandant of Monterey to surrender the place…