Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1776  The front page has half a column taken up with 2 desertion reward ads, with much detail. Over a column is taken up with the verbatim cross-examination of Governor Penn of Pennsylvania, which carries over to take one-third of page 2. A few questions & answers include: "...Q. In what estimation was the Congress held? A. In the highest veneration imaginable by all ranks and orders of men...what other forces had the Provincials of Pennsylvania…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Nov. 16, 1776  

* Hanging of Nathan Hale - American Revolutionary War 
* "I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country" fame

The back page has a letter from a man on board a ship at New York dated Sept. 25, 1776. It begins; "Our army has met with great success; we just arrived from Halifax when they made their landing on Long Island & saw the battles fought between our troops and the rebels..." with more detail (see). But it is a later sentence in…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, December 31, 1776 and January 2, 1777  

* Battle of Long Island - New York City 
* American Revolutionary War - 2 issue set
* Continental Army - George Washington loss 

These two issues contain an excellent report on the battle for New York and the eventual evacuation of the city by George Washington.
Beginning in the Dec. 31 issue and taking over 2 complete pages is the beginning of the report which continues on the front page of the January 2, 1777 issue along with…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, September, 1775  

* Battle of Bunker Hill diagram - print
* John Hancock & George Washington

A nice issue with much historic content from the beginning months of the Revolutionary War.
Perhaps the best content is the very nice half page illustration of the "Redoubt & Intrenchment on the Heights of Charles Town, Commonly called Bunker Hill, Opposite Boston, attacked & Carried by his Majesty's Troops, June 17, 1775" with some text on the illustration as…

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE LONDON EVENING POST, Feb. 20, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue.
A very nice issue from the middle of the Revolutionary War. Complete with 4 pages, minor margin wear, a few…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Feb. 13, 1779

* American Revolutionary War from the enemy

Page 2 includes: "...dispatches were brought to Lord George Germain's office...with an account of the surrender of the province of Georgia to his Majesty's troops under the command of Col. Campbell..." plus some reports from New York which include: "...That Colonel Butler had been extremely successful in his enterprise upon the back settlements & the interior of the country...That the Congress…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Dec. 8, 1777

* Battles of Saratoga - Revolutionary War
* General John Burgoyne surrenders

Certainly the most  significant content is the page 2 report on the surrender of Burgoyne at Saratoga, a very much-needed victory for the American cause. Some of the reporting includes: "...arrived in town express...we are sorry to say that Government have received the melancholy accounts that General Burgoyne and his army have been obliged to surrender…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England October, 1775  

* Conciliatory plan with the American colonies
* Continental Congress rejects the offer 
* Prelude to the American Revolutionary War

Over 2 pages area taken up with the document--signed in type by John Hancock--in which the Continental Congress rejects the conciliation plan of Lord North. The document is headed: "CONTINENTAL CONGRESS". See for portions. This is followed by a number of letters from notables of the Revolutionary War including…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, July 24, 1776 

 * News of the Declaration of Independence spreads
* Battle of Sullivan's Island - General Charles Lee 
* American Revolutionary War - great year to have 

 A great issue from less than 3 weeks after the Declaration of Independence was endorsed by Congress. Relating to this, page 2 has a report from New York: "Thursday last the Declaration of the INDEPENDENCY of the United States of AMERICA, was published at the Court House." A very notable report…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Oct. 21, 1775

* Ethan Allen captured
* American Revolutionary War

The front page includes a letter: "To the King" which references the American situation & includes: "...Let then, royal Sire, the liberty of England and America be ever in your heart, then shall the people be free, and America shall yet be happy in the full enjoyment of her rights...". Also on the front page is: "A Plan for Reducing the Rebellious Colony of New England & for the…

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…

Lexington & Concord content...

THE NEW ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE, Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1775 

* Lexington & Concord report
* John Hancock type signature
* The Conciliatory Resolution

A very historic issue as the front page contains not only the full text of the Conciliatory Resolution by Parliament, but the Continental Congress' lengthy response to it, signed in type by its President: John Hancock.
The Conciliatory Resolution was a resolution passed by the British Parliament in an attempt to reach a…

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

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

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

Although the title might sound rather common (similar title published in Salem & Cambridge), this is actually a very scarce, short-lived title. 
On April 25, 1776 this newspaper was removed from Cambridge and printed at Boston, just 2 issues before this one. The last issue of this title published was on September 12, 1776, meaning just eleven issues…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  It is rare to find newspapers or magazines with the magical date of "July, 1776". Here is one.
The first article is: "Debate on the American Restraining Bill" with has much interesting reading and takes six pages. There are also 3 pages of text on events in America, including: "Proceedings of the American Colonists since the Passing the Boston Port Bill" with various reports, including one stating that: "...the main army of the United Colonies has…

THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775 

* Pre American Revolutionary War 
* Thomas Paine - first time as editor 

This is a very rare magazine, published only from January, 1775 thru July, 1776, containing the Declaration of Independence in its final issue.
It was the only American magazine to print the Declaration, in fact it was the only American magazine ever printed in 1776. In the entirely of the Revolutionary War only two American magazine titles existed, they…

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, July, 1776  Certainly a very uncommon title from the 18th century, formatted much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine" or the era.
An inside page has a great document headed: "American United Colonies, In Congress, May 15, 1776" which is a statement concerning the lack of ability to give allegiance to the King and the desire to authorize each of the 13 colonies to form a new provincial government. It is signed in type by the President: John Hancock.
This…

THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE, Williamsburg (with Supplement), April 28, 1775  This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
This issue was printed 9 days after the battle of Lexington and Concord, however, the news of that historic beginning of the Revolutionary War had yet to reach Williamsburg.
Half of the front page is a report from London which has…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Dec. 26, 1778  The entire front page and half of page 2 are taken up with the  second half of the: "Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the Most Christian King and the United Starters of North America", this being the treaty of assistance between French and the colonies, which did much to support the American cause against the British and eventually lead to victory within 3 years.
At its conclusion if it signed in type by the American…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Aug. 16, 1781  Page 2 has some reports on the Revolutionary War, bits including: Letters from Charlestown [Charleston] say that the great activity of Lord Rawdon...is likely to surmount the difficulties they have had to encounter...purpose to overtake them & to scour the country which bids fair to put an end to that petty warfare...reasons at large for refusing the permit Congress money to pass in his lines, denying the demands of Congress & Washington for men,…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 23-27, 1778  A  very notable issue reporting a significant naval event in the Revolutionary War. The front page & nearly half of pg. 2 are taken up with letters headed: "Victory, at Sea" which give details of the naval battle between the Belle Poule and Arethusa, being the first naval battle between the British and new American allies the French, in the Revolutionary War.
Significant not only to have this report in a British newspaper, but on the front page.
…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1778  Among the articles within are: "The Theory of Insulating Bodies Examined, & some of the Supposed Properties which Electricians have ascribed to Glass, proved by Experiments not to Exist" which includes reference to Ben Franklin. Also: "On the Worshiping of the Primitive Christians to the East" and more.
The most significant content falls under: "Advices Received from America" which includes a number of war reports, one beginning: "...the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1776  This issue begins with "Proceedings in the House  of Commons..." which includes discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...Nothing could have afforded me so much satisfaction as to have been able to inform you...that the troubles which have so long distracted my colonies in North America were at an end; and that my unhappy people, recovered from their delusion, had delivered themselves from the oppression of their leaders, & returned to…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Jan. 12, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy 

Page 2 has a post-surrender report noting: "...from ...Earl Cornwallis, make mention that it is not his intention to return to this country until he has effected the entire exchange of the unfortunate veterans who shared captivity with him at York Town....". 
Most of another page is taken up with a "Chronological Table of Facts in the Order of Time for the Year 1781" which has many events…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1776 

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

(editor's copy) This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
The front page has a very detailed "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad for a runaway slave named Caesar. Page 2 has a report concerning an expedition into the western…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 9, 1776

* Rare Revolutionary War era title
* Tory issue from Pennsylvania
* Great year to have (1776)

 This was a decidedly Tory newspaper, supportive of the British efforts in America. This newspaper ended publication in June, 1778 when the British evacuated the city.
Over half of the front page is taken up with: "The following rules for establishing a Society for Relieving the Distresses of Prisoners...". Page 2 has reports from…

THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 1, 1776  There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common, in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also created the masthead for the Essex Journal, very few examples of which are found on…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL: of the NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIENCER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1781  Page 3 has a report from New York on the celebration of the British victory at Guilford Court House, North Carolina: "Last Saturday...a feu de joie was fired here, by all the troops in garrison, in consequence of the victory obtained by the British troops over the rebel army at Guilford court house...the 15th of March last...".
Also a letter from General Baron Steuben from Virginia noting in part: "...I…

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 19, 1778  Page 2 has over half a column concerning the historic duel between Generals Robert Howe and Gadsden, bot notable figures in the Revolutionary War.
The duel stemmed from a dispute over command of Continental troops in South Carolina. Gadsden, a local hero, had taken command during Howe's absence, and when Howe returned, Gadsden questioned the terms of his recall and argued for retaining command. The situation escalated into a…

THE INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & THE UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 24, 1778  The entire front page and part of the back page are taken up with a lengthy & very detailed account of the trial of General Burgoyne concerning his surrender of the post at Saratoga.
The report begins: "That this house will now resolve into a committee of the whole house to consider of the state & condition of the army which surrendered themselves on convention at Saratoga, in America; and also by what means that army…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 2, 1779  This issue has various items concerning the Silas Deane Affair, The Silas Deane Affair, a political scandal involving Silas Deane, a prominent diplomat and member of the Continental Congress, during the American Revolutionary War. The affair centered on accusations of financial impropriety and disloyalty leveled against Deane, ultimately leading to his recall from his post in Paris. There are several mentions of Ben…

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…

EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
An unusual "Extra" edition, with the entire front page taken up with a report from the "House of Lords" concerning the American Revolutionary War, bits including: "...he would  sell his shirt off…

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…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 6, 1780  

* American Revolutionary War
* French troops & Quebec

The back page has a report which notes: "We are informed that there are accounts received in town within these few days from America which signify that Congress are in speedy expectation of a large body of French troops which are to co-operate with their army in attempting the conquest of Quebec this summer."
Other news of the day, mostly European, and some ads as well. Eight pages, 9 by 12 inches,…

NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE OR ESSEX GAZETTE, (Cambridge), Feb. 22, 1776  

* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)
* Battle of Quebec - Canada
* General Benedict Arnold

The top of the first column begins with a report from Cork that: "...there has been commotions amongst the soldiers who are to embark for America; that a great numbers of them have deserted & that several of the officers who are absent have sent letters to acquaint their officers that they shall not join…

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE, London, May, 1776  

* Pre Declaration of Independence 
* American Revolutionary War

Certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War, but a format & layout much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine".
Over 4 pages are taken up with a continued article: "The Present State of America" which includes "Religion & Civil Government of New England" "The Different Governments in North America Explained" & "Different Provinces of New England" with…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Sept. 26, 1782  

* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century
* From The Enemy

Page 2 has news headed "America" mentions: "...lately sent to wheedle the Eastern provinces into a submission to the intolerable extractions of the Congress for the further support of their tyranny, are returned empty handed." Also a letter from New York: "People here in general talk much of peace...I fear it will be patched up, greatly in favor of the Rebels & against Britain,…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR BRITISH EVENING POST, London, Oct. 12, 1776  Nearly half of the front page is taken up with a very fine account of the British landing on Long Island and their advance toward Manhattan Island, resulting in the historic Battle of Long Island. It is datelined: "Camp at New-Town, Long Island, September 3, 1776".
This is one of the best accounts of the Battle of Long Island we have seen, and great to have it on the front page. The lengthy report is signed at its…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE OR BRITISH EVENING POST, London, Oct. 30, 1777  Many reports on the Revolutionary War, with the front page having several items headed: "America" that includes a report on Sir George Collier and his naval exploits. Also from Edenton, North Carolina noting: "...A number of creditable inhabitants from New Bern & other parts of this colony, who had refused the Test Oath..." with more on their plight.
Page 2 has some war reports including: "...nor was any attack made on…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 3, 1782  

* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century original
* From The Enemy

Page 3 has an article headed: "AMERICA" "The Petition of the Merchants & other Citizens of Charlestown [Charleston]...entered into commercial engagements since...1780...together with his answers thereto, dated Head-Quarters, Charlestown, Aug. 10, 1782" the text taking a full column.
Page 4 has a report from Boston that begins: "We now feel more than ever, that nothing can be more…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Oct. 8, 1782  

* American independence close ?
* General Sir Guy Carleton 
* American Revolutionary War

The front page has a report with bits including: "...The late overtures made to the Rebel Congress by Sir Guy Carlton...for making peace with America, having afforded much political speculation, it is with satisfaction we find ourselves enabled to state the simple fact, from respectable authority. When Sir Guy Carleton accepted of the chief command…

Samuel Webster's 1777 sermon...

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 25, 1782 

* re. Battle of the Assunpink Creek - Trenton
* re. George Washington crossing the Delaware 

Page 2 has a report beginning: "So determined are the French to pursue their favorite plan of annihilating the British power in North America, & particularly to the capturing the British army in New York...to co-operate with General Washington towards the reduction of that important garrison...".
All of pg. 4 & a bit of page 5 are taken up with…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, February 14, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with ads, one of which is for the printing of: "Common Sense".
Page 2 has numerous reports which relate to the Revolutionary War, bits…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Aug. 23, 1782 

* Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century original
* From The Enemy

Inside has a report noting in part: "The superior policy of the French cabinet has shewn itself in all the following instances: in exciting the ruinous rebellion in America; in watching for a proper opportunity to assist the rebels; in prevailing on Spain to join them in procuring the armed neutrality..." and more.
Eight pages, 9 by 11 1/2 inches, good condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Oct. 15, 1782  

* Possible peace treaty ?
* American Independence ?

The entire front page and one-third of page 2 are taken up with a lengthy letter concerning the situation with America and the terms for a peace treaty, with much thought on independence.
 The opening statement sets the tone for this notable report: "Nothing can equal the surprise...a letter signed Guy Carleton, R. Digby dated New York...addressed to Gen. Washington. It declares, that his…