Historic Newspapers: Search Results

(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Dec. 9, 1758; Aug. 23, 1760; Oct. 7, 1766; April 26, 1768; and Dec. 6, 1770. 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.

Background: Step into the epicenter of the British Empire with this extraordinary five-issue collection

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 16, 1764  Page 3 has a report headed: "America" with a Boston dateline concerning coal mining in Nova Scotia. The back page has reports noting: "...expected that...the removal of some grievances from the trade of North America as we are informed orders for that purpose were dispatched about 3 weeks ago. They write from New York that the greatest number of pack-horse traders were preparing to set out for the Indian countries in consequence of the present

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 22, 1759  Page 5 has reports headed: "America" containing an: "Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia".
It begins; "General Forbes has left a garrison within the ruined works of Fort DuQuesne, which are repaired as well as circumstances will permit. The difficulty of subsisting a larger number reduces the forcers left there to 200, which is scarce sufficient either to defend the place, or restrain the savages..." with more.
Also: "Canada is reduced to a very

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 9, 1763   Page 3 contains a very lengthy report headed: "Extract from the Journal of an Officer at the Havana, containing some interesting Particulars of the Siege, not hitherto set n a true Light to the Public." This report takes a full page, carrying over to page 4.
The siege of Havana was a successful British siege against Spanish-ruled Havana that lasted from March to August 1762, as part of the Seven Years' War. The American theater of this war was

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, April, 1774

• Boston Port Act of 1774 - Act
• Very rare illustration - print
• Pre Revolutionary War tensions

Over 20 pages within this issue are taken up with: "Debates Of A Political Society" which go into considerable detail discussing the ramifications of the historic Boston Port Bill. Also discussion of other concerns with the troubled relations with America. Eat the end of the "Debate" is: "An Abstract of the Boston Port Bill" providing the essence of the document

• 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

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, Oct. 7, 1773

• Phillis Wheatley poem "On Imagination"
• Famous "Slave" servant turned poet

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,

THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY, Or Thomas's Boston Journal, October 27, 1774

• Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
• Pre American Revolutionary War era
• "Join or Die" snake issue masthead

It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.

In the same way that the famous "Dewey Defeats Truman" issue of the Chicago Tribune is commonly used in

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 GLOCESTER JOURNAL [Gloucester], England, March 23, 1767  Page 3 has an interesting item: "Last week the skeleton of a man in setters, with one jaw and some of the large bones perfect, was dug up in removing some ground in our Castle Green, eastward of the ruins of the old County Hall, memorable as the place wherein was held the fatal black assize, in the year 1577... upwards of 500 other persons were infected by a gaol disease, and died between the sixth of July and the tenth of August.

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL; AND THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, December 7, 1774

• Benjamin Franklin's "Unite Or Die" cartoon

If there was one graphic which represented the spirit of the Revolutionary War it would have to be the ubiquitous segmented snake with the famous "Unite Or Die" caption. 
The engraving, a prominent device in the masthead of this newspaper, shows a snake cut into various pieces, each with a label of a colony with the implied message that only by each of the separate

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 Walter

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1771  See the photo for the terrific & large engraving in the masthead, making this a very displayable colonial newspaper.
Pages 1 and 2 are taken up with European reports, with a few brief references to America. Page 3 has an address to John Penn, Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania, followed by a: "Proclamation".
Four pages, two small mends inside at margins, nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 6, 1768  A great example of a typical American newspaper from the colonial period with various news items from Europe, America, and a wealth of ads, some illustrated.
As a bonus, it still has the smaller-sized, four page "Postscript" issue. There is a front page report of troubles in England with the balance of the Postscript taken up with ads.
Eight pages, 9 1/4 by 11 1/2 inches in great condition, with the Postscript having

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

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1755  Of great interest is: "Observations Concerning the Increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries, etc. By B. Franklin, Esq. of Philadelphia", which takes 3 pages.
Near the back are two prints on a single page, one headed: "Plan of Fort Frederick at Crown Point" and the other a map showing a much wider area including Lake George, the Hudson River, Lake Champlain & more.
There is descriptive text on the same page as well, beginning: "This fort, which is

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

SUPPLEMENT TO THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE FOR THE YEAR 1767, London. This is the "supplemental" issue published at the end of the year and having on the front page the table of contents and the title.
Within are articles including: "A Remarkable Lawsuit on a Case of Gaming" "Strictures Upon the Game Laws"  "Edicts in France Against Gaming" and an interesting article: "Remarks on the Boston Association" which includes: "...It would be to no purpose at present to renew a discussion of the merits of

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1757  Among the inside pages is a quite lengthy & detailed article titled: "An Historical Account of American Affairs during the Two last years, with a particular journal of the Siege & Surrender of Oswego" with this text taking over six pages. This text also includes a report headed "Account of the Surrender of Fort Granville" & "Col. Armstrong's Success against Kittanning".
Included as well is a very nice half page map headed: "Plan of the Forts

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 Justice Belcher from

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

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1750  Among the articles within: "Whence Differences in the same Climate--Sea Lions" includes two illustrations of sea lions.  Another article is titled: "Of the Crocodile" followed by: "Flourishing Settlement in Nova Scotia--Plants There" which is accompanied by a full page plate of various plants: "Drawn from the Life at Halifax in Nova Scotia, July 15, 1749" as noted in the print.
Other articles: "Lights in the Air--Longitude to Discover" which

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 Dependencies with all

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 8, 1765

• Reverend George Whitefield
• Colony of Georgia return

The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter from Savannah in Georgia" which reports that: "...the Rev. Mr. George Whitefield took a solemn & affectionate farewell of a very crowded auditory in our church...Early yesterday morning he went to Purysburgh on his way to Charles-Town..." with more on his visit.
Rev. George Whitefield was a famous evangelist and one of the founders of Methodism.
Eight pages, 8

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 19, 1765  Page 5 includes news from Charleston that: "...an Indian belonging to one of the parties of Cherokees which went out against the enemy Indians last summer...was taken by the enemy Indians...On the night foxed for committing him to the flames, he happily made his escape & got back to the Cherokee nation...he was carried to a good French settlement where he remains during the whole time of his captivity...the French gave them strong talks, with guns,

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 3/4

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 condition.
The article

(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 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 & Indian War

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 26, 1750

• 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 that would

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 as

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, April 2, 1774

• Boston Port Act passed in a British publication
• Boston Tea Party colonists punishment for destroyed tea

The front page has a report that Thomas Hutchinson, governor of Massachusetts, requests to return to England, with Thomas Gage appointed as his replacement.
But of great significance is the page 2, 3 & 4 printing of the Boston Port Bill, titled: "An Act to Discontinue, in Such Manner & for such Time as are Therein Mentioned, the Landing and

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1756  Among the articles within is a "Letter from Mr. Wesley Confirming the Yorkshire Earthquake", signed by him in type: John Wesley, the noted evangelist and founder of Methodism.
Also: "Of the Cultivation of Exotics" which concerns the red cedar & other trees in America. Another article taking over 3 pages is "A Dialogue between X, Y. and Z Concerning the Present State of Affairs in Pennsylvania" with much relating to the recent Militia Bill and the

THE MASSACHUSETTS GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 13, 1766  Earlier issues of this title were: "The Massachusetts Gazette And Boston News-Letter" with typical volume and issue numbering, along with the notation of Richard and Samuel Draper as publishers.
It is curious that this issue is numbered "0", that no publishers are listed, and the title is shortened. Here is clarification:
As noted in Brigham: "...With the issue of April 19, 1765, the Drapers changed the title to "The Massachusetts Gazette";

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 22 1756

• England declaration of war w/ France

The most significant item in this issue is: "His Majesty's Declaration of War Against the French King" which was the official beginning of the French & Indian War. It was prompted by England & France not being able to compromise on the border between their colonies in North America.

This text takes is entirely contained on the front page making it nice for display.

This is a very significant document,

THE 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, arrived in London from Boston in New England. She had a letter of recommendation from a merchant at Boston to a bookseller in London, and is shortly to be introduced to