Historic Newspapers: Search Results

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1776  

* Capture of New York City
* Rare Connecticut & Rhode Island map
* American Revolutionary War 

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…

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 AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779 

* Battle of Stono Ferry, Charleston, South Carolina
* Battle of Chemung - New York - John Sullivan

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Nearly one-third of page 2 is a letter from an officer in the British army from Port Royal with his account of the Battle at Stono Ferry, a failed attempt by the Americans, under General…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Sept. 7, 1782

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

Page 3 has a report on the Asgill Affair noting: "...who came from New York...we learn that Capt. Lippencot was acquitted by a general court martial & Capt. Asgill still continues on his parole; and that the Rebels had by some means taken a refugee American Captain on whom they threatened to retaliate for Huddy...people all New York were securing & putting the place next the…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1777  

* General William Howe
* Charles Cornwallis
* American Independence ?

The issue begins with a continuation of the: "Debate in the House of Lords...relative to the American War" taking over 5 pages & with much on the Revolutionary War. One bit notes: "...That America never aimed at independence till she was compelled to it by our harsh conduct; and that she is at least unanimous in one thing, never to submit to unconditional claims of the British…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 22, 1783  

* Plight of the British loyalists 
* American Revolutionary War

Two-thirds of the front page are taken up with: "Motion For Considering the Report on the American Trade Bill" in the House of Commons. Mention of the first trade ship from the U.K. to America.
The back page has a letter form Nova Scotia noting: "...arrived...above 400 refugees from New York; they are amply furnished with a year's provision & some materials for building & are promised…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Oct. 16, 1782  Page 3 has nearly a full column headed: "American News" which is a detailed letter by a committee of Loyalists in New York who express great concerning about their safety & future should England grant the American colonies independence. One bit note: "...But should the great event of the Independency of the Thirteen Colonies be determined, and we thereby have to encounter the most inexpressible misfortune of being forever cast out from…

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 17, 1775

* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington - spy publisher

James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial stance which shifted as a revolution loomed and public opinion polarized, until by late 1774 he was advocating the…

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Nov. 23, 1775

* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* James Rivington - spy publisher

 James Rivington, the famous printer of this newspaper, had an interesting career.
He began this newspaper in 1773 initially with an impartial stance which shifted as a revolution loomed and public opinion polarized, until by late 1774 he was advocating the…

RIVINGTON'S NEW-YORK GAZETTEER; or, the CONNECTICUT, HUDSON'S RIVER, NEW-JERSEY, and QUEBEC WEEKLY ADVERTISER, New York, Aug. 24, 1775

* Olive Branch Petition
* Patriots are considered traitors 
* Printed by James Rivington
* American Revolutionary War
 
Certainly the most notable content in this issue is found taking over a full column of page 1 and a bit of page 2, being the very historic Olive Branch Petition.
This was one of the more historic documents of the war, adopted by the Second…

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…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780  The first article has: "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.
Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1780  The first article has "Summary of Proceedings in the Present Parliament" which includes discussion of the situation in America.
Near the back the "Historical Chronicle" has several items from America concerning the Revolutionary War, including a letter from New York which has: "...since Gen. Clinton's departure from hence...the longest & most severe winter that was ever remembered...horses with heavy carriages could go over the ice into the…

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 GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE London, December, 1778  

* General John Burgoyne
* Revolutionary War - Saratoga

The first article, taking fully six pages, is debate on the: "...motion for the Instructions to Gen. Burgoyne..." , obviously relating to his defeat at Saratoga, with some reports including: "...convinced that the gallant Burgoyne had done all that man could do...Many of the Provincials whom Gen. Burgoyne thought well-affected betrayed him; some of the troops, though truly brave, did not, on…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 16, 1779  Nearly one-third of the front page has "Parliamentary Proceedings" which are focused on the actions of Sir William Howe in the Revolutionary War. A few bits include: "...With regard to Sir William Howe's reason for not marching the army up the east side of Hudson's River, the General said...there were  some small rivulets falling into that river...which might have retarded the march...The General having said that the Jerseys was much cleared…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, June 19, 1779  Page 2 has a report which includes: "...The rebels were growing every day more distressed & more dissatisfied & their leaders more divided. the Congress and the state of Pennsylvania had got into a high quarrel about a prize ship, each claiming it as its right..." and also: "...Butler...was briskly at work on the frontiers; he had destroyed a magazine of provisions above Easton and  laid siege to a fort near Wyoming--300 Continental troops…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1777 

* New Yorkers pledge allegiance to the King
* General William Howe proclamation
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Near the back are several letters from the seat of the Revolutionary War in America, including: "Extract of a Letter from the Gen. Wm. Howe to Lord G. Germaine dated New York, Apr. 1, 1777" which talks of plans to destroy provisions & stores at Peekskill.
Another letter details what was destroyed, with subheads: "Destroyed & burnt…

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 INDEPENDENT LEDGER & AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, May 12, 1783  

* "Great Expulsion" of American Loyalists
* The Fall of Count de Grasse - The Saintes 
* American Revolutionary War "Cleanup Phase"

A nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which shows "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose.
Over half of the front page has an item from London: "Anecdotes of the Count De Grasse" which begins: "The capture…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, August 17, 1776 This exceptional, content-rich issue was published just weeks after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, capturing the frantic military, diplomatic, and social upheavals of the summer of 1776. 

Perhaps most interesting is a page 3 article which contains a stunningly prophetic address to the American public, warning: "Remember, in all your deliberations, you are engaged in a most arduous undertaking. Generations yet unborn may owe

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 18, 1776  

* Great year to have (1776)
* American Revolutionary War
* Rare mention of Button Gwinnett
* Birth of the American Postal System

A front page report from Savannah includes: "Friday last our Provincial Congress proceeded to the election of delegates to represent this province in the grand Continental Congress..." with the winners noted, one of which was Button Gwinnett,.
This is rare mention of Button Gwinnett, who has the dubious…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, England, June, 1777  Nearly five pages are taken up with: "Debate in the House of Lords...Relative to the American War" which obviously has much concerning the Revolution, including reference to America declaring itself independent.
Another page has a "Proclamation" signed in type by William Howe, from New York, on "...Restoring peace to the colonies..."  which is good reading. Near the back is a great & detailed: "Extract of a letter from Howe to Germaine" from…

THE ST. JAMES'S CHRONICLE, London, Oct. 19, 1782  The back page has some American content which includes: "....private letters from New York agree in giving a wretched  description of the American finances & that parties had been formed in several states which openly defied the power of the Congress...On the whole they write from New York that anarchy & confusion was gaining ground very fast in the American provinces...".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, red tax stamp on the front page,…

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had…

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, May 23, 1780  Page 2 includes a report that: "...certainly various accounts in tow from very respectable quarters, all of which confirm Sir Henry Clinton's taking Charlestown [Charleston] by storm on the 7th of April after a great slaughter on both sides..." (see).
Fully 1 1/3 pages are taken up with "Letter V to the Right Hon. Lord Viscount Howe" which is quite critical of actions in America during the Revolutionary War. Some bits include: "...But Brooklyn…

THE EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, March 18, 1780 

* American Revolutionary War
* Georgia to leave the cause ?
* John Paul Jones

Page 2 has a report which includes: "...but New York is to be the grand point that is to be essayed. There is not a single line of battle ship now lying there & but one frigate; all the regulars & foreigners were drafted off for the expedition to Georgia...This plan was proposed by the Congress, who are to second them on land & assemble a great force to…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, April 27, 1780 

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

Near the back is a column headed "America" with news taking over half the page & which includes: "Last Tues. night a party of the British troops embarked...they landed on the east side & surprised a body of the rebel troops, 34 of which were made prisoners...troops returned to their post at King's Bridge yesterday..." and "...a detachment of the royal army under the command…

THE POLITICAL MAGAZINE, London, August, 1783  

* General George Washington
* Circular letter re. U.S. Army
* Revolutionary War ending 

ing the Revolutionary War. It contains a wealth of reports concerning the concluding events of the war.
Pages 1 and 2 have: "Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the American States". Another page has a lengthy list of the: "American Ships Taken" during the war. Another page has: "An Act for Forfeiture & ale of the Estates of Persons who…

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…

Less than 100 days prior to the Declaration...

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, April 23, 1776  

* Pre Declaration of Independence signing
* American Revolutionary War original 
* Great year to have (776) - very rare 

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with reports of ships trading in the Caribbean & related news. Also on the front page is: "The French appear exceedingly friendly to the American cause which they would have promoted by a much larger supply of arms & ammunition than they have hitherto imported had…

THE FREEMAN'S JOURNAL: of the NORTH AMERICAN INTELLIENCER, Philadelphia, May 9, 1781 

* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Guilford Court House

 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…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & THE WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 18, 1780 

* General John Burgoyne resignation
* re. Surrender at Saratoga - New York
* American Revolutionary War

The entire front page, two-thirds of page 2, and half of page 3 are taken up with: "...the various letters that passed between the late and present secretary at War and Lieutenant General Burgoyne, previous to that officer's resignation of his military employments.", with various references to his defeat &…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET OR GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, July 27, 1779 

* Battle of Stony Point - New York
* American Revolutionary War night assault
* Generals George Washington & Anthony Wayne

This title has one of the more handsome mastheads of the era, with very ornate lettering and an engraving of a three-masted ship.
Page 2 has a lengthy letter in defense of Robert Morris against Thomas Paine. Also much on a meeting of freeholders at Boston, moderated by Sam Adams, with…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 23, 1784  Page 3 has a report headed: "America - From the New York Royal Gazette" which was loyal to the British during the Revolutionary War. It notes in part: "...Assembly of New Jersey...Resolved unanimously, that the United States in Congress assembled, ought to be vested with the exclusive power of regulating trade & commerce throughout the United States of America...That the United States...out to be empowered & ought...to prohibit British…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 9, 1782  

* American Revolutionary War
* America sympathizers jailed
* Independence ?

Page 2 includes: "The enemy in New York are busy in prosecuting their canal...They are also erecting a line of works on Long Island...His Excellency GENERAL WASHINGTON and his Lady arrived last Monday at Head Quarters, New-Burg, in good health."
Page 3 has a report of a London printer going to jail for his criticism of the war in…

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 LONDON MAGAZINE, London, December and the Appendix issue for the year 1781

* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy

Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under "American Affairs". It is an "Extract of a Letter from Sir Henry Clinton to...George Germain..." dated at New York, Nov. 13, 1781, which has: "In my…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Oct. 31, 1778  

* British last attempt - peace with America

The entire front page and a portion of page 2 are taken up with an historic document headed: "MANIFESTO and PROCLAMATION" by General Henry Clinton.
Once France entered the war on the side of the colonists, Lord North became alarmed & sent commissioners to America with a peace offer, renouncing the right of taxing Americans. But Congress rejected this offer since, with the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778  

* Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen

Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with considerable detail.
This map measures 9 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, nice condition. A small bit was cut from lower left margin so it could be folded…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 14, 1785  The back page has a report concerning the early use of a parachute, bits noting: "...persons were assembled...late Blanchard's Aerobatic Academy near Vauxhall, to be spectators of an experiment made by a Italian with a parachute, who was to have let himself down from a prodigious altitude and to manifest his composure by playing on a violin during his descent...". But read the article for the comical result.
The bottom of the front page has a…

THE ROYAL AMERICAN GAZETTE, New York, February 23, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War
* Extremely rare publication
* Loyalist - support to the British cause

This is an exceedingly rare title, in fact the very first we have offered. It was published by Alexander and James Robertson, beginning in January, 1777 and existed until some tim in 1783.
Brigham's "History & Bibliography of American Newspapers" notes that just two institutions have this date.
The rarity of the title exceeds…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, Feb. 19, 1785  The back page has an: "Extract of a Letter from New York" which reports on the troubles with the Indians along the Ohio River. One big men lions: "...General Washington, who has now reduced himself to the rank of a private citizen, has offered to go to Nantucket... in the spring to endeavour to settle affairs, to hold a talk with the Chiefs of those nations..." with more.
Eight pages, never bound nor trimmed, 9 by 12 inches, full red tax stamp on…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 26, 1782 

* Reaction to Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown
* American Revolutionary War ending

Page 2 has some nice reporting on the military events further to the west, from a letter from Kentucky dated Dec. 6. It reports on the work of General Clarke near Fort Pitt, Colonel Loughrie, and some events near Detroit. An item mentions: "...that the enemy had evacuated John's Island about six miles from Charlestown & still…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL & THE NEW HAVEN POST-BOY, July 5, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
* Terrific issue w/ many reports

Nice engraving in the masthead of a post boy on horseback.
The front page has a letter from an officer in General Gage's regiment heading for Boston, which details his reason for wanting to retire, noting: "...As I cannot, without reproach from my own…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1779  

* American Revolutionary War era original

A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as we find almost no American content in this issue.
At the back under the "Historical Chronicle" is mention that the New York, Quebec & Newfoundland fleets have set sail under the convoy of Admiral Arbuthnot. The balance of the news reports is almost entirely European in focus.
The plate of the Siege…