Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE BOSTON CHRONICLE, Massachusetts, April 4, 1768  Inside has most of a page taken up with a letter from the Speaker of the Mass. Assembly to one of the King's Secretaries of State, which includes: "...it seems to be conclusive that as those acts were made with the sole & express purpose of raising a revenue out of America, the subjects here are in those instances unfortunately deprived of the sold disposal of their property...The people of this Province would by no means be inclined to

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 24, 1770

• The Boston Massacre
• Historic reporting

This is simply a terrific issue as it gives an excellent account of the Boston Massacre as taken from the "Boston Gazette" newspaper of March 12, 1770, the issue so famous that it was reprinted due to its excellent account of this, one of the most famous events of the 18th century, and a catalyst for action which would result in the Revolutionary War.
The report begins: "On the evening of Monday, being the 5th

(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

• 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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1753  Near the back is a terrific--yet inconspicuous--report which is part of various news items under the heading: "America" and dateline of Philadelphia, June 7.
It reads: "Last week was raised and fixed, in the State-House Steeple, the great bell, weighing 2080 lb. cast here, with this inscription, 'Proclaim liberty throughout all the land, to the inhabitants thereof'".
This is how they reported the installation of which would become known as the

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

• Pre-Revolutionary War America

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

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 25, 1773  Most of the front page is taken up with an article which could have been found in any trendy organic magazine today: "The Great Advantage of Eating Pure and Genuine Bread Comprehending the Heart of the Wheat, with all its Flour."
The front page has the full red tax stamp with both the die and plate numbers (unusual to find both). Four pages, nice condition.

THE PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 24, 1771  This newspaper features one of the larger & more decorative masthead engravings to be found in a colonial America newspaper.
Page 2 has "A Proclamation" signed in type by Richard Penn, concerning his recent ascension to Lieut. Governor of Pennsylvania. Followed by a letter of congratulations by the Penna. Assembly. Also mention of two Acts passed by the Penna. Assembly.
Four pages, some light dirtiness, archivally

THE RAMBLER, London, Aug. 20, 1751  An uncommon periodical done by the Samuel Johnson. Johnson was one of the most important English writers of the eighteenth century. It's long been traditional to refer to the second half of the eighteenth century as "the age of Johnson".
While working on the dictionary, for which he is perhaps most famous, he published a series of periodical essays. The closest modern equivalent of the genre would probably be something like a magazine or newspaper column. It

THE CONNOISSEUR "By Mr. Town [pseud.], Critic, and Censor-General", London, Aug. 29, 1754  A weekly paper which lasted about 2 1/2 years as a "commoner's" counterpart to "The World" (which we sell as well), a periodical of about the same time which dealt more with the interests of aristocrats.
James Boswell says in his "Life of Johnson", "...I mentioned the periodical paper called 'THE CONNOISSEUR'. He said it wanted matter. — No doubt it had not the deep thinking of Johnson's writings. But

THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, Oct. 11, 1753 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 found.
Four pages, 6 3/4 by 10 3/4 inches, some foxing &

THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL [Gloucester], England, March 23, 1767

• Oxford Black Assize of 1577

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

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 CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, June 6, 1768

• Rare colonial period publication

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

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1765  The issue begins with over 3 pages taken up with a notable report: "Review of Dr. Brown's Thoughts on Civil Liberty" of which much can be found on the internet. 
Also included: "Some Account of the City of Oxford" and "Proceedings Relative to the Discovery of Longitude" and more.
Over a full page is a: "Proclamation" by George Johnstone, governor of West Florida, which begins: "His Majesty having been...pleased to give to me instructions for the

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, June, 1759  Among the articles are a continued: "Life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland" "Friendly Address to the Jews" which takes a full page; "Articles of Capitulation between their Excellencies & the Inhabitants of Guadelupe, etc." and "Gazette Account of the Taking of Guadalupe" which takes more than a full page.
Lacking the map of Guadelupe, but still present is the other plate called for.
Complete in 52 pages with full title/contents page featuring an

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1759  Among the articles are a continued: "Life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland" "Friendly Address to the Jews" which takes a full page; "Articles of Capitulation between their Excellencies & the Inhabitants of Guadelupe, etc." and "Gazette Account of the Taking of Guadaloupe" which takes more than a full page.
Lacking both plates called for, one being a map of Guadalupe.
Complete in 52 pages with full title/contents page featuring an engraving of St.

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, February, 1770  Perhaps the most intriguing item is a fascinating article titled: "New Plan for an American Town" which takes over a full page and which includes an interesting and unusual print of it.
A legend of the various parts of the town is included as well, including the "common land" the "public squares" and various other aspects of such a town. No doubt many 18th century towns in the colonies were laid out using this plan.
Also of great interest are

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

• Forts Oswego and Ontario
• French and Indian war with map

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

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1760  Inside has a notable & lengthy article: "An Account of the Taking of Montreal & the subjecting all Canada to the Crown of Great Britain, from the Letters of Maj. Gen. Amherst...". This report takes over 3 pages.
It is followed by another nice article: "Description of the Town of Mont Royal, commonly called Montreal..." and this is followed by: "Translation of a very Extraordinary Letter...Before the Arrival of our Troops at Montreal".  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 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 15, 1762  Over a full column on page 5 is headed: "America" with several news reports datelined from Boston, New York and Charleston. Varied accounts including: "...that the Spanish Indians, who used to commit horrid barbarities on the unhappy wretches that were have been closely hunted by the Creeks, are all removed to the island of Cuba..." with more.
Eight pages, 8 1/4 by 10 3/4 inches, toning to the front page and some wear at the margins.

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