Historic Newspapers: Search Results

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 PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 15, 1769 

* The Boston Non-Importation Agreement
* Boycott of British goods b merchants & traders
* Rare Colonial Pennsylvania publication

The entire front page is taken up with: "The Speech of Th-m-s P--wn--ll, Esq. in the House of "Commons, in Favour of America" which is an interesting defense of the colonists in list of the troubles they are having with England.
A few bits include: "...that there could be any…

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

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, Boston, May 9, 1776  

* Infamous traitor Benedict Arnold
* Pre Declaration if Independence 
* American Revolutionary War 

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…

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 BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739  

* Extremely early & rare Colonial publication 

This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben apprenticed in the printing business.
Brigham notes only 3 institutions have this date.
A handsome issue for display with…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 17, 1793  The front page has the Address presented to Citizen Genet upon his arrival at New York (French Ambassador to the U.S. during the French Revolution), followed by his answer to the Republicans of New York, signed in type on page 2: Genet.
Inside has a report on the heralded arrival of Genet in New Jersey.
Page 2 has a report of the naval battle between the: "Ambuscade And Boston Frigates" off the coast of Sandy Hook the previous month.
Other news of the…

THE AMERICAN APOLLO, Boston, May 25, 1792   An 16 page magazine featuring a large engraving on the front wrapper.
Inside is the continued: "Memoirs of the Life of Fernando Cortes, the Conqueror of Mexico", the continued: "Curious Account of the Hot Spouting Water Springs in Iceland", and 2 pages taken up with the: "...List of the Acts Passed at the Late Session of Congress" with other news under: "American Intelligence".
A scarce periodical which lasted but 39 issues, from Jan. 6 thru Sept. 28,…

THE AMERICAN APOLLO, Boston, July 13, 1792  A 20 page magazine featuring a large engraving on the front page.
Near the back is the "American Intelligence" with various news reports, including datelines of Quebec, Kingston, Jamaica; Philadelphia, Albany, New York, Boston, and Niagara, the latter having a descriptive article on Niagara Falls.
A scarce periodical which lasted but 39 issues, from Jan. 6 thru Sept. 28, 1792. Never bound nor trimmed with wide, deckle-edge margins. Much worm damage…

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…

FEDERAL GAZETTE AND DAILY ADVERTISER, Boston, Jan. 4, 1798  

* Rare 18th century publication
* President John Adams 

Certainly one of the less common 18th century American newspapers, as it was short-lived, lasting just 55 issues from Jan. 1 thru March 5, 1798. This is the number 4 issue.
All of pages 2 & 4 are taken up with reports from: "Congress of the United States" including a lengthy address of the Senate to Adams' recent state-of-the-union address, followed by his reply signed in type: John…

(6) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, a lot of six 2nd rate issues dating from 1795-1799. Various news of the day from this famous colonial town. This was arguably the most successful & well-known newspaper of in 18th century America. Could contain close-trimming, staining, archival mending, etc., but will not have loss of text. Please note: The S&H for this lot is a bit higher than that of a single issue, and being a wholesale lot, is not eligible for free shipping.

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1793  The front page has: "Thoughts On Social Intercourse" the text beginning: "Nobody but a blockhead proves tedious to a company. A man of the world presently comprehends whether he ought to stay or go; and knows too a moment the time it is fit for him to leave those who wish him at a distance..."with much more. The balance of the issue has an eclectic selection of articles including; "Description of Madrid" "Apology for Wrestling" and…

(5) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, lot of 5 issues dating from 1797-1801, each containing at least one John Adams signature. Somewhat 2nd-rate but not damaged.  Issues with his signature are increasingly hard to find, and these are priced at a significant discount.

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1793  

* Isaiah Thomas
* Early Alaska

Articles within include: "On the Inhabitants of Prince William's Sound" which takes nearly 3 pages; "Account of the Island of Magindanoa" [Maguindanao] which is near Indonesia; "The Female Warrior" & much more.
Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with news reports including much on the French Revolution, plus: "Domestick Occurrences" which includes headings such as: "Southern Indians" "Duel"…

THE NORTHAMPTON MERCURY, England, Dec. 9, 1771  Page 3 has reports headed: "America" with datelines from Charleston and Boston. Bits include: "...a chief of the Mohawk Tribe of Indiana...arrived in town & have had several conferences with...Lieutenant Governor...to make a general peace between the Six Nations & all the tribes inhabiting from the Ohio to the Chicasahs..." and other reports.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, scattered foxing, nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 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 entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terrific letter signed by "A Common Man" headed: "To Cato, Cassandra, and all the Writers on the…

(6) COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston  A lot of six 2nd rate issues dating from 1795-1799. Various news of the day from this famous colonial town. This was arguably the most successful & well-known newspaper of in 18th century America. Could contain close-trimming, staining, archival mending, etc., but will not have loss of text.
Please note: The S&H for this lot is a bit higher than that of a single issue, and being a wholesale lot, is not eligible for free shipping.

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, July, 1793  Page 1 has a descriptive article of the State House (the plate called for is lacking).
Also in this issue: "Essay on Female Charms" "Of Various Phenomena of the Ocean" "The Benefits of Adversity" "On the Excellence of Christianity" & much more.
At the back is "Foreign Occurrences" and "Domestick Occurrences" which have the news of the day, including headings: "Murder" "Phillip's Academy" "Gaming" "Southern Indians" "Military of Massachusetts"…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, July, 1793  Page 1 has a descriptive article of the State House (the plate called for is lacking).
Also in this issue: "Essay on Female Charms" "Of Various Phenomena of the Ocean" "The Benefits of Adversity" "On the Excellence of Christianity" & much more.
At the back is "Foreign Occurrences" and "Domestick Occurrences" which have the news of the day, including headings: "Murder" "Phillip's Academy" "Gaming" "Southern Indians" "Military of Massachusetts"…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, September, 1793  The front page has a "Description of the Plate" which is a two page view of the town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The plate is damaged as less than half off it is present.
The front page also has: "Thoughts On Social Intercourse" the text beginning: "Nobody but a blockhead proves tedious to a company. A man of the world presently comprehends whether he ought to stay or go; and knows too a moment the time it is fit for him to leave those who…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, lot of 5 issues dating from 1797-1801, each containing at least one John Adams signature. Somewhat 2nd-rate but not damaged.  Issues with his signature are increasingly hard to find, and these are priced at a significant discount.

(5) AN EARLY LOT - Five issues of the Columbian Centinel newspaper dating from 1794 to 1799. Each issue is in nice condition (not 2nd-rate). Increasingly rare from the 18th century. News of the day & period ads.  

(5) AN EARLY LOT - Five issues of the Columbian Centinel newspaper dating from 1794 to 1799. Each issue is in nice condition (not 2nd-rate). Increasingly rare from the 18th century. News of the day & period ads.  

INDEPENDENT LEDGER, AND AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, June 2, 1783  

* American Revolutionary War ending events
* Peace celebrations in Massachusetts 

One of the best features of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 5, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: "...waving all that may be said of your hypocracy, cruelty, villany, treachery, persidy, falsehood &…

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 14, 1796  

* USS United States construction

Page 2 has a report noting: "The United States frigate, building in Southwark under the direction of Mr. Humphreys,  is in such a state of forwardness that it is probable she might be launched before the ensuing winter, should occasion require (We wish we could say as much of the Boston frigate)."
This was the frigate 'United States", which was being built in Philadelphia. It was one of the first 3 frigates…

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, January 16, 1788  

* United States Constitution
* State of Massachusetts
* Pillars illustration - cartoon

This is one of the more desired & elusive issues of this  title to be had, as it contains one of the cherished "pillar cartoons". The only other newspaper we have discovered that used the pillar cartoons is the Independent Chronicle, also from Boston.
 Russell, the publisher, devised a cartoon showing each state as a column for the new "federal…

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England (now spelled Gloucester), Dec. 19, 1768  

* Pre Revolutionary War
* Nice masthead for display 

Various British news reports throughout, with its finest feature being the handsome masthead with two detailed engravings and the ornate lettering. This is from the period when the troubling relationship between England and America was coming to a head. The Boston Massacre would be less than 2 years away.
Page 2 has a piece of a letter, not specific to America but rather to…

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, August 31, 1769 printed with THE BOSTON WEEKLY NEWS-LETTER, August 31, 1769  Both newspapers were published by Richard Draper on Thursday. A partnership with John Green and Joseph Russell printed the "Boston Post-Boy & Advertiser" on Mondays.

Both titles are printed on the same sheet of paper (each s single sheet; verified when held to the light) and were meant to be separated for individual sale & distribution. But this pair was not, hence the interesting

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 21, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 14, 1743  This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 27, 1797  Page 2 has an interesting article: "Review Of Militia" commanded by Major-General Hull, with various particulars. The back page features 14 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: The September 1797 militia review commanded by Major-General William Hull captures a critical inflection point in early American history, highlighting the nation's fragile transition from a loose confederation of states to a unified, federally trained…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797  Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had been defeated in an attempt to take Fort Recovery by surprise...".
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: This specific October 7, 1797 issue of the Columbian…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Jan. 17, 1795 

* President George Washington
* John & Samuel Adams - Paul Revere

A nice feature of the front page is what's on the front page: An Act of Congress for making appropriations for the military, signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington & in block type by: John Adams.
Also on the front page is a letter from the President concerning a report by the Secretary of War on the protection of the frontier, signed by him in block type: G.…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 26, 1798   Over a column on the front page is taken up with: "Extracts From a Thanksgiving Sermon, Delivered in the Vicinity of Boston" which is under the heading: "Clerical Patriotism", followed by: "Extracts from the Rev. Dr. Eckley's Discourse on Thanksgiving Day" which carries over to page 2. 
Four pages, light spotting and inking, a slightly rough left spine, but in overall nice condition.

THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), March 10, 1743,4  (year noted as such as it was 1743 or 1744 depending on which calendar was used).
This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", this magazine is almost entirely taken up…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 16, 1798  The front page has a lengthy letter being an: "Answer to the Young Men of the City of Philadelphia..." signed in type by the President: John Adams. Also: "The Address - John Adams, President of the United States" by the young men of Boston concerning the potential for war & noting: "...when the most conciliating measures which the pacific disposition of our government has adopted, have been repelled with indignity, SILENCE would become COWARDICE, and…

NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Mass., Oct. 12, 1775  

* Battle of Bunker - Breed's Hill
* Charleston, Boston, Massachusetts
* General Thomas Gage account

Certainly a terrific issue as page 3 begins with a letter, signed in type by: Tho. Gage, in which he gives his account of the historic Battle of Bunker Hill, dated June 25 just 8 days after the battle.
In this letter Gage offers much detail, beginning: "I am to acquaint your Lordship of an action that happened on…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, December, 1787

* United States Constitution ratification
* Pennsylvania and Delaware ratify

The first article in this issue is: "A Description of Boston".
Near the back of the issue is "Intelligence" which has the latest news reports of the day, including an historic one noting: "The deputies of the state Convention of Delaware met at Dover on Monday the third...and a House being formed, they elected James Latimer, Esq. President. On Thursday they…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 30, 1798  

* President John Adams
* Masons - Masonic 

Page 2 has an address of the Grand Masonic Lodge of Boston to the President, with his: "Answer" signed in type: John Adams. Also the President's letter to the people of Braintree, Mass., also signed: John Adams.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, July 16, 1794 

* re. United States Navy creation
* Construction of the frigates begins
* USS Constitution, Constellation & U.S.

 The front page has an Act of Congress signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington. Also two Acts of the Massachusetts Legislature, each signed in type by Samuel Adams.
The top of page 2 has: "The Age of Reason" which begins: "A work under this title has lately been written by the celebrated Mr. Paine...".
Page 3 has a…

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 MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 19, 1789  The front page has an interesting article which could be appropriate today: "Propositions for Reforming the Present System of Publick Education in Boston".
Page 2 begins with reports from the House of Representatives concerning discussions on setting the salaries for House & Senate members.
Page 3 has: "THE PRESIDENT has been pleased to nominate, & with the consent of the Senate to appoint, the Hon. ALEXANDER HAMILTON, Esq. Secretary of 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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 14, 1797 

* USS Constitution & Constellation 
* United States Navy first warships 

A page 2 report notes: "Gen. Smith (of Baltimore)...mentioned that the Constellation frigate, building at that place, would be launched the 4th of July next. The Constitution, building here will be afloat the second week of August--She has upwards of 200 hands constantly at work on her; and such is the forwardness of her masts, sails, rigging, &c. that there is not the…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1793  (note: the "July" at the top of page 1 is a printer's error) Articles include: "Accounts of Hatteras Shoals" "Concise Character of the Persians" and more.
Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with news reports including much on the French Revolution, plus: "Domestick Occurrences" which includes headings: "Ambuscade and Boston Frigates" "Murder and Piracy" "Southern Indians" "American Commerce" and more.
Lacking the plate called for.
…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 7, 1790  

* Seamen's Act of 1790
* George Washington signed

The entire front page is taken up with the full text of: "An ACT for the Government & Regulation of Seamen in the Merchants Service" headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle. It is signed in script type by the President: George Washington.
This may be the only issue we've handled where an Act of Congress entirely consumes the front page.
Page 2 begins with another Act of Congress signed in…