Historic Newspapers: Search Results

* 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…

ACT OF PARLIAMENT, London, England, 1759  

* 18th century original document

Nice full title page has an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms. Inside has an act: "...for taking off the prohibition of the exportation of corn, malt, meal, flour, bread, biscuit, and starch."
A decorative document given the displayable title page.
Four pages, 11 by 7 1/4 inches, nice condition.

Background: The passing of this act in 1759 was a critical economic lever pulled by the British government to navigate the…

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated June 15, 1758; May 3, 1760; Nov. 23, 1762; Dec. 1, 1768; and Feb. 23, 1773. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 5, 1763  

* Colonial America reporting

Over half of the first column on the front page has news headed: "America" with datelines of New York and Boston, both of which report various maritime items.
Page 5 has a few short reports headed "America" from New York and Philadelphia.
Eight pages, 8 by 11 inches, some rubbing to front page folds cause a small hole, good condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 16, 1772  Page 6 has a report headed: "America" with a Charleston dateline which reports on a ship: "...had on board three companies of the Royal Irish Regiment of foot in the Spanish service...was one of several transports ordered to carry back the troops sent to Spanish America on the apprehension of a rupture between Great Britain and Spain..." plus two other items.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, very nice condition.

background: In the 18th…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 17, 1770  Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report headed: "The History of Dueling", being a review of a book.
The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter From New York" concerning several men chosen as commissioners: "...for settling the boundary line between the Colonies of New York and New Jersey, met at Hartford..." with a bit more.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 inches, very nice condition.

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, July 18, 1768  

* King of England growing impatient 
* Tensions in the American Colonies 
* Pre Revolutionary War original 

All of pages 1, 2 & 3 are taken up with a detailed report of the island of Corsica, the latter page including a biography of Pascal Paoli which carries over to take close to half of page 4.
Near the back under "America" are reports from Charleston and Annapolis, as well as "A Message from the Governor" of Maryland which includes: "The King, our most…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 7, 1773  An extraordinary issue, as page 5 contains what might be the first periodical publication of one of Phillis Wheatley's poems, "On Imagination".
Wheatley was an American writer considered the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was kidnapped and subsequently sold into slavery at the age of 7 or 8 and transported to North America, where she was bought by the Wheatley family of Boston. After she learned

THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Sept. 20, 1753 

* Rare Colonial New York 
* Short lived publication

This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities", as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very early issue--over 270 years old--by James Parker from the colonial press of New York. American titles from the 1750's are rarely…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768 

* Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
* Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica

Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this publication. As was typical of Franklin, it was signed using one of his many pseudonyms: "Medius". This was one of the most detailed letters Franklin had written devoted to the care of the poor. Portions are quoted in…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1765  A nice issue of this very famous & successful British magazine from this significant year of the Stamp Act, and some ten years before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Included is "General Gage's Account of the Reduction of the Indians" which takes over half a page.
Other items include: "Reasons Against Extending Excise Laws" "Account of the Number of Acres in Maryland" with a nice chart; "Disorders In The Ear" "Act for Securing the Liturgy"…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1763  Certainly the most significant item is the nearly 3 1/2 page article: "An Account of the Commerce of Louisiana" which is very detailed.
It includes: "...the Mississippi is a very rapid as far as the Missouri, which is about 1200 miles from its mouth, which, though it makes it difficult to ascent, yet facilitates the conveyance of the gross commodities down it which constitute the chief staple of North America. The worst part of the navigation is…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1763  Certainly the most significant item is the nearly 3 1/2 page article: "An Account of the Commerce of Louisiana" which is very detailed.
It includes: "...the Mississippi is a very rapid as far as the Missouri, which is about 1200 miles from its mouth, which, though it makes it difficult to ascent, yet facilitates the conveyance of the gross commodities down it which constitute the chief staple of North America. The worst part of the navigation is…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1756  Under the heading: "American News" is a report which includes: "...concerning Oswego still continue to be contradictory...the last letters from Albany say that the French had burnt the fort & put almost the whole garrison to the sword..." and mention that Col. Webb was sent to reinforce the place & found the fort blown up & found "...about 500 dead bodies scattered in & about the place...".  
Not a lengthy report yet historically important.
 Also…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1766  One of the better items is a letter: "...from the Principal Merchants in London trading to the Colonies, to John Hancock, Esq., and the rest of the Merchants in Boston, on the Repeal of the Stamp Act" which has some great reading. This letter takes a full page.
Other articles within include: "An Account of a white Negroe Boy" "Remarkable Petition to Oliver Cromwell" "Behaviour of a Young Heretic executed at Abbeville" and more.
Three-quarters of…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1757  This title is less common than the popular "Gentleman's Magazine", and contains a wonderful, very ornate engraving of the skyline of London on the title page as well as on the first page.
Much reporting on the French & Indian War events in New York including: "State of Face Relating to the Loss of Oswego..." which takes several pages. Also: "Fort Ontario Evacuated"  "Oswego Surrenders" "Account of the British Plantations in America" "Disputes at New…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1768  Articles include: "American Transactions Continued" from the previous issue which takes over 10 pages with a great wealth of content concerning the growing tensions between England & the American colonies.
Perhaps this lengthy text is summed up best with one paragraph: "...We wish & pray for the happy time when a national attention shall be given to the grievances we labour under, & the true source of them. When such a period shall come, we are…

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…

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…

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…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Sept. 2, 1761  This is one of the early newspapers from Scotland with various reports from throughout Europe. The back page has an ad for the publishing of: "The American Gazetteer...a distinct account of all the parts of the New World, their situation, climate, soil, produce, former & present condition, commodities, manufactures, and commerce..." with more.
Four pages, a nice, full red tax stamp on the front page, nice condition.

Background: The…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768  

* Pre Revolutionary War tensions

This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an article voicing his support for the Boston Tea party. The paper's sympathies and general revolutionary message were a cause of great concern to the British. Soon the…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1755  Among the articles are: "Secret of the Fire-eating Art" "An Account of some New Experiments on Human Blood" "Life of a Modern Physician" "A Letter from R. Brook, M.D. in Maryland..." concerning Fahrenheit's thermometer; "New Improvement of the Barometer" which includes a nice illustration of it; "An Account of Canada, Given to the Governor of New York" which takes over a full page, and has as a page heading: "Journey from Quebeck to…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756 

* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer

A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at that time: "Last week Colonel Washington arrived here [Phila.] from Virginia; as did the honorable Chief…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, August, 1759  Of prime interest are the 3 full page plates on the Seven Years' War, the first titled: "A Map of the Part of Westphalia in which the French Army Were Defeated , Aug. 1, 1759" which shows much details (see), the plate titled: "Line of Battle of the Allied Army Before the Engagement on the First of August, 1759", plus another full page plate titled: "Plan of the Battle of Thornhausen from the Original Published at Hanover by Order of the Regency",…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1758  The prime features of this issue are the two maps, one being a full page plate titled: "A Map of the Rhine Between Wesel & Duseldorp..." (see), and the other a foldout map measuring 8 by 10 1/2 inches titled "A Complete Chart of the Coast of France from Ostend, to Cape Finisterra, including the Opposite Coast of the British Channel" which shows the southern coast of England, from Land's End to Rochester. Also a bit of Ireland and the northern coast of…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1762  

* Siege of Havana, Cuba w/ foldout map
* British occupation - Seven Years' War

The prime content would certainly be the account of the battle of Havana, Cuba, headed: "Account of the Taking of the Havannah" which is nearly a full page account.
This is followed by the: "Articles of Capitulation agreed upon between Sir George Pocock...and the Earl of Albermarle, & the Marquis of Real Transporte...for the Surrender of the City & all its…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 12, 1762  Page
6 has news headed: "America" with Boston and Charleston datelines, the latter mentioning: "Edward Wilkinson is appointed, by the directors of the trade with the Cherokees, to be factor for that purpose...".
The back page has a very brief but notable report: "This morning an express arrived at the Admiralty with the agreeable news of the retaking the Island of Newfoundland from the French."
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, rubbing to the front…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 23, 1765  The top of the frontpage has a report headed: "America" with a Savannah, Georgia, dateline. It reports on the various funds for the orphan house in Georgia, one of his causes.
Whitefield (also Whitfield) was an English Anglican minister and preacher who was one of the founders of Methodism and the evangelical movement. He spent much time evangelizing in the Southern colonies of America. 
The back page has an item from Savannah concerning…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 12, 1765  The front page has reports headed: "America" including a note of boats in the Upper Lakes being destroyed by enemy Indians, etc. The back page has an item from Jamaica that begins: "A fellow here, a gold coast Negro, whom I bought two years since, & can already speak English, has made a discovery...".
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 11 inches, very nice condition.

Pamphlet: "An EXTRACT from a late SERMON On the Death of the Reverend Mr. Joseph Emerson, Pastor of the First Church in Malden, Who Died very suddenly On Monday Evening July 13th, 1767. In the 68th Year of his Age. Delivered at Malden, By Joseph Emerson, A.M. Pastor of the Church at Pepperrell.
Boston: Printed by Edes & Gill...MDCCLXVII [1767]
Complete in 24 pages with full title page containing wide mourning rules, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, original string binding, 5 by 7…

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated March 4, 1758; Sept. 6, 1759; Feb. 26, 1760; March 17, 1763; and Feb. 25, 1768. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Dec. 19, 1772  The second page has the follow-up petition from the Freeholders of Boston expressing once again their concern about the salaries of the judges of the Superior Court, as well as a request for a special meeting of the General Assembly to discuss this important and alarming matter.
A reply from the Governor says their reasons are insufficient and they have not altered his opinion in the matter. He also denied their request for a special meeting.
Also a small…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1772  Among the articles are: "Memoirs of the Life of Sir Henry Fynes" "Characteristics of Saxon and Norman Architecture" "Perpetual Motion Said to be Discovered" and other items. Near the back is the "Historical Chronicle" which has the latest news reports of the day. Included is a report from Georgia concerning the exportation of Indian corn.
Included are all three plates called for, one of which has prints of a "Collared Duck" and an: "Astracan…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, Dec. 19, 1772  The second page has the follow-up petition from the Freeholders of Boston expressing once again their concern about the salaries of the judges of the Superior Court, as well as a request for a special meeting of the General Assembly to discuss this important and alarming matter.
A reply from the Governor says their reasons are insufficient and they have not altered his opinion in the matter. He also denied their request for a special meeting.
Also a small…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1761  An article: "Thoughts on the Present Posture of Affairs" includes some discussion concerning America, and includes: "...Hence it is evident that as North America was the bone of contention, Great Britain must not be induced to part with any of her conquests on that continent; because that would be a means to renew the war...". Also an article: "Letter of the Quakers on Pacific Measures".
Also: "On the Importance of the Rich Country on the Banks…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, September, 1750  Over a page is taken up with: "Of a small Venomous Serpent...." which includes on page 2 a print of it. Another article is: "An Account of the Conversion of Daniel Tnangam Alexander, an Eminent Jew" to the Protestant religion.
There is a continued article on: "Lewis XIV Greatest of Monarchs" by M. de Voltaire which includes a print of a medal showing him. Other items in this issue include: "Errors in Mr. Brent's Astronomy" "The Scripture…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, December, 1773 

* Captain James Cook
* North America map

Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the nice foldout map that accompanies the lengthy article: "Epitome of Lieut. Cooke's Voyage Round the World", showing most of North America, all of South America down to Cape Horn, and even portions of West Africa, Spain, France & England. Notice the shape of Florida & California.
This map folds out to 9 3/4 by 11 1/2 inches and is in great…

THE WORLD, London, England, Feb. 1, 1753  

* 18th century original

This is an interesting, six page newspaper that only existed for four years. It's focus was satirizing the vices and follies of the fashionable world rather than reporting the news of the day. 
Six pages, 7 by 11 inches, very light damp stain to an upper corner, nice condition.

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated March 9, 1758, June 10, 1760, MArch 3, 1763, Feb. 20, 1768, and May 28, 1772. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies. 
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condition. 

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 LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 7, 1765  

* The Stamp Act crisis 
* Sir Francis Bernard speech
* Boston riots response

The front page has a report from Boston appointing a committee to be comprised of James Otis & Sam Adams, among others, to offer thanks for "...his Majesty's...noble, generous & truly patriotic speeches...in favour of the Colonies, their rights & privileges...".
But certainly the prime feature of this issue is the historic speech of Governor Bernard to the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753

* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)

In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint after 1765.
This issue is from before the French…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753

* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper

A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War and all the oppressive Acts of Parliament of the 1760's and 1770's…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 9, 1758  The middle of the front page has a report from New York headed: "America" with naval reports.
Page 6 has another report headed: "America" with reports from New York and South Carolina, the former including: "We hope to have another brush with M. Montcalm at the breastwork this fall...when we shall then be able to muster about 12000 regulars...commanded by Col. Gage. The provincials at the lake, fit for service, amount to 3500 men only & there are…