Historic Newspapers: Search Results

CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Oct. 1, 1787  

* Historic United States Constitution 
* Constitutional Convention - Congress
* President George Washington signs 

Here is one of the more historic and desirable newspapers to be had on the creation of the government of the United States--The Constitution of the United States was approved by Congress. This, along with the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are likely the most historic 18th century documents to have in an American…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1787  

* Philadelphia printing of the Constitution of the United States

This title, along with the "American Museum", has the honor of being the first magazine to print the Constitution of the United States. Both publications were from Philadelphia, the city where the Constitution was created.
Comments from the Library Company of Philadelphia note that it cannot be definitively determined which of these two publications was the first to…

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 13, 1788

* United States Constitution
* Ratification of the states
* Pillar illustration - cartoon

This is one of the most 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 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…

SUPPLEMENT FOR THE YEAR 1791 for Gentleman's Magazine, England. Within this supplement issue, which was published at the end of the year, is a notable document titled: "The French Constitution, Established Aug. 4, 1791" which takes up nearly ten pages.
This was the first written constitution of France created after the collapse of the monarchy. One of the basic precepts of the revolution was establishing popular sovereignty. It would be effective for only one year.
Present are two full page…

THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, March 1, 1788

* United States Constitution
* State of New Hampshire
* Pillar illustration - cartoon

  This is one of the most 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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

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 INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787  

* Constitutional Convention begins
* George Washington elected president 

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1789  Among the articles are one concerning "...the new grass brought from the banks of the Santee in South Carolina..." with details, and includes 2 illustrations on a full page plate; "Strictures on the Absurd Custom of Dueling" "Proposal for the Prevention of Dueling" and so much more. Near the back is news headed: "America" with a report from Boston noting: "The first proceedings of the Congress under the new constitution of the United States has been…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1789  Among the articles are: "An Account of the Manners of the German Inhabitants of Pennsylvania" which takes 7 1/2 pages. Also a full page chart of the: "Moral and Physical Thermometer", created by Dr. Benjamin Rush.
Near the back is "The Chronicle" with the latest news of the day including 8 pages of report under the heading: "United States" presented state-by-state. Several states report the election of representatives to the new federal…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 20, 1795  A page 3 report under "Federal Frigate" reports the beginning of work on this famous addition to the U.S. Navy, stating in part: "...the keel of the United States frigate...was finished laying. It is 156 feet in length, and from the elegance of the workmanship, and the goodness of the timber of which it is composed...we anticipate she will be one of the finest vessels that ever floated...".
This was actually the keel of what would be the frigate…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1763  Over two pages within are taken up with: "Queries Relative to the Constitution of Maryland" which raises such questions as: "Does not the legislature of Maryland consist of three branches...?...Who composes the Upper House?...Does not the council consist of 12 members when complete?...Who sits as judges in the superior courts of judicature?..." and more, there being 17 such queries in total.
Also within this issue is a nice article: "Some…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 2, 1799  Page 2 has: "Buonaparte's Death" has near the beginning: "The important event...is general believed to have taken place; and Buonaparte, whose name has been a host in the hands of tyrants, is stated by some accounts to have fallen by the pistol of a slave...", but it was untrue. He did not die until 1821.
Page 2 also has: "Constitution Frigate" which begins: "We are happy in hearing of the safety of this excellent vessel...Off Guadaloupe, Capt.…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, November, 1788  Articles include: "To the Ladies on the Use of Cosmetics" "Interesting Extracts from the Life of General Putnam" which takes over 8 pages; "On the Religion, Language & Sciences of the Gypsies" "An Account of Campus Martius at the City of Marietta, Territory of the United States North-West of the River Ohio". Marietta was the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory.  The accompanying foldout plate of Campus Martius is lacking,…

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 PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1789  

* Ratification of the "Bill of Rights" - Congress
* United States Constitution - Amendments

Arguably the most significant documents of late 18th century in American history would be the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. This issue contains the latter, printed in its entirety as submitted to the states for ratification.
In September of 1789 the U.S. Congress passed and sent…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, August 29, 1789 

* U.S. Congress version of the "Bill of Rights"
* United States Constitution - Amendments
* Presidents George Washington & John Adams

This is a very significant issue, as page 2 contains an early version of the historic Bill of Rights.
As a brief history, the Constitution was signed in September 1787 and sent to the Congress. Eleven days later, it was submitted to the states for ratification. But as the people began to examine…

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…

THE HERALD OF FREEDOM & THE FEDERAL ADVERTISER, Boston, April 10, 1789  

* George Washington presidential election win

This is a very historically significant issue, reporting the official results of George Washington being elected President of the United States.
Page 3 has: "Interesting Intelligence" that includes:"...On the Monday following, (6th inst.) by the arrival of the Hon. Richard H. Lee, from Virginia, a quorum was formed of the Senate of the United States, when they proceeded agreeably…

One of the earliest appearances...

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 

* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington

The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life are to be acquired & strengthened by it..." with much, much more.…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, March, 1787  

* John Shay's Rebellion
* Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The issue begins with: "A Letter from David Rittenhouse...Respecting the Generation of Clouds in the Atmosphere". Other items include: "Description of Chalybeate Springs near Saratoga" "Description of a New Solar Dial" which includes a fold-out plate of it in nice condition; "Account of Remarkable Cascades & Caverns in Virginia" & much more.
Near the back is "Intelligence" with the latest news…

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 CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775 

* Very rare publication
* British pro-American 

 In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London both in defense of American liberty and their cause for independence, as well as to attack the policies of the King…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 26, 1799  The front page has an interesting: "Valuable Nautical Invention" noting: "A new Sea Log has lately been invented by Messrs. Chester & Calvin Gould for which they have received Letters Patent..." with details.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic Wars, including: "From Buonaparte in Egypt" and a: "Letter from Buonaparte - Army of the East" which is signed in type: Buonaparte. Page 3 has two "Once Cent Reward" ads for runaways.
The back…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston,  May 26, 1792  

* Philadelphia as the nation's capital (temporary)
* Future "White House" ? - Laying of the cornerstone

Page 3 has a somewhat inconspicuous report reading: "The following inscription is cut on the corner stone lately laid as the foundation of the house designed for the future residence of the President of the United States, viz 'This Corner Stone of the House to Accommodate the President of the United States, was laid May 10, 1792; when…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1793

* George Washington re-election
* Botany Bay - Australia

There are several items of interest, one of which is several pages on the: "Minutes of the Proceedings of the National Convention of France" with much text on what should be the fate of Louis XVI.
This is followed by: "The Last Will and Testament of His Late Most Christian Majesty" which has near the beginning: "In the name of the Holy Trinity...This day, Dec. 21, 1792, I Louis…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* A detailed eyewitness account 
* In a American publication (rare)

Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of…

THE ORACLE OF THE DAY, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, March 4, 1795  This is a quite scarce 18th century American title as it existed only until 1799 and rarely comes on the market. We suspect the circulation was somewhat limited.
The front page & part of page 2 contain a list of Resolves adopted by the Constitutional Association of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, one of which is: "That GEORGE WASHINGTON, our illustrious President, hath continued to deserve well of his country & especially by his late…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 25, 1785  Page 4 has most of a column headed: "American News" which is focused on the concern: "...That it has been considered & lamented as a fundamental defect in the constitution of Congress, that a full &* entire power over the commerce of the United States has not been given to that body...", a concern of the merchants of Philadelphia.
This is one of the issues that would lead to the Constitution Convention in 1787.
Page 5 has most of a column headed:…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 2, 1787 

* U.S. Minister to France Thomas Jefferson

 Two-thirds of page 7 is taken up with: "American News". It is most taken up with a report from Thomas Jefferson, at the time the ambassador to the court of France, relating to the trade in tobacco & rice, plus other matters.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, great condition.  Red tax stamp at the bottom of page 2. 

Background: In 1787, serving as U.S. Minister to France in succession to Benjamin Franklin,…

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 COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, April, 1789 

* President George Washington
* Election victory & inauguration

 Certainly the most notable content is found in "The Chronicle" section near the back where the latest news was reported, which covers the election & inauguration of President George Washington.
The full text is shown in the photos, however some items include the heading: "Commencement of Federal Government Under the New Constitution" followed by: "New York, April 1. This…

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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 11, 1798  The front page begins with two Acts of Congress, each signed in script type by the President: John Adams. One concerns suspending commercial trade with France due to the on-going XYZ Affair and the coming Quasi-War. The front page also has: "American Navy Spirt" with a list of 16 toasts: "Drank on board the Frigate Constellation at sea, on the 4th of July...".
Inside includes reports concerning the: "Constellation Frigate; Or, Notice for French…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1770  Among the articles are: "Difficulty of Explaining the Scripture" "Origin of Rhyming" "Reasons Against a New War" 'History & Antiquity of Berkley Castle" and so much more. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has the latest news reports of the day.
There is a brief mention of America with: "The general assembly of North Carolina was dissolved three days after its meeting in November last, by his excellency William Tryon, Esq., the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 26, 1791  

* President George Washington 
* Act of United States Congress
* re. census of South Carolina 

The front page begins with a half-column Act of Congress headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle. It is: "An Act Granting Farther Time for Making Returns of the Enumeration of the Inhabitants in the District of South Carolina", signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Page 3 has an article headed: M. La Fayette". The back…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 7, 1790 

* Act of Congress re. North Carolina's Western lands
* George Washington - John Adams - Thomas Jefferson 

Beginning on the front page & taking all of pg. 2 & some of page 3 are detailed reports from Congress during this formative year.
Over half of page 3 is taken up with two Acts of Congress, one for: "...a cession of the Claims of the State of North Carolina to a certain district of Western Territory" with aims of becoming the…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 30, 1789  Certainly the most significant & historic content is the page 3 report that: "The President of the United States has been pleased to nominate, and by & with the advice & consent of the Senate, to appoint, JOHN JAY, of New York, Chief Justice..." followed by a list of the Associate Judges of the Supreme Court as well.
Also of great significance are the other appointments listed: "Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State, Edmund Randolph,…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 19, 1789 

* President George Washington 
* Arthur St. Clair - Wabash Indians
* Federal government in its infancy

Page 2 has a letter to the House  of Representatives signed in type by the President: Geo. Washington, beginning: "The Governor of the Western Territory has made a statement to me of reciprocal hostilities of the Wabash Indians & white people inhabiting the frontiers bordering on the river Ohio...", which is followed by a lengthy letter on…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 19, 1789 

* Creation of the Department of War - Defense
* Beginnings stages of the federal government
* President George Washington signing

A very significant issue, as the back page contains the official Act of Congress creating the Department of Defense, then known as the Department of War. This was the "Sixth Act of the Legislature of the Union" and is titled: "An ACT to Establish an Executive Department, to be Denominated the DEPARTMENT…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 3, 1758  Inside has over a full page headed: "America" with a Halifax, Nova Scotia dateline, beginning: "The following Memorial, signed by the principal merchants & freeholders in Halifax was...delivered to the Lieutenant Governor."
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, good condition.

Background: The "Memorial" published in The London Chronicle on January 3, 1758, represents a watershed moment in Canadian constitutional history, capturing the intense civilian pressure…

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…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 19, 1799  

* Increase Sumner death
* Massachusetts governor

The front page has: "On Matrimony". Page 3 has a black-bordered report on the death & funeral of Mass. Governor Increase Sumner including the "Order Of Procession" and the position of "The Corpse" with the pallbearers, etc.
The back page has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES & PHILADELPHIA DAILY ADVERTISER, April 3, 1798  

* Uncommon 18th century American publication

The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction.
Beginning on page 1 and carrying over to page 2 are the latest reports from Congress.
Four pages, wide never-trimmed margins, nice condition.

Background: Philadelphia’s decade as the temporary capital of the United States from 1790 to 1800 was a vital period…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 18, 1777  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; they ordered all the militia…

CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Dec. 28, 1796  

* During George Washington's administration

Various news of the day and a wealth of ads, providing a flavor of life in New England in the 18th century. Half of the front page and all of page 2 are taken up with reports from the Federal Congress from the latter months of Washington's administration.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, minimal margin wear & foxing, printed on blue-green tinted paper, generally quite nice.

Background: The December 28,…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, Philadelphia, May 21, 1794  

* The Naval Act of 1794
* Birth of the United States Navy

Shortly before this date the federal government passed the historic Naval Act of 1794, authorizing the building of six frigates, the founding ships of what would become the U.S. Navy.
The back page has a detailed advertisement from the "Treasury Department which essentially is seeking bits for the building of these frigates. It notes in part: "Notice is hereby given that proposals…