Historic Newspapers: Search Results

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790 (a 4-issue set) 

The 4-issue set of Gazette of the United States from August 7, 11, 14, and 28, 1790, covers several key historical events and historic developments from the early U.S. government, focusing on the United States Funding Act of 1790 (which flowed from Alexander Hamilton's Treasury Report).

• United States Funding Act of 1790: This act, passed on August 4, 1790, was a critical piece of legislation where the new…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 7, 1796

* 18th century American publication

Published  by Isaiah Thomas, perhaps the most famous printer of the 18th century, and whose collection became the foundation of the American Antiquarian Society. Handsome masthead makes this a displayable newspaper.
Four pages, a little margin wear, generally in nice condition.

Background: Thomas’s Massachusetts Spy; or, the Worcester Gazette was a fiercely patriotic newspaper founded by Isaiah…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1798  Inside has an interesting letter which begins: "I was an eye-witness of the death of Marie Antoinette. The accounts given of that melancholy event are generally true. She was dressed in a white dimity jacket & petticoat..." with much more detail including: "...Her head was shown to the people, of whom I think 20,000 were assembled; it was then thrown into the basket with her body..." (see).
Near the back are news reports including over half a page…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1798  Inside has a number of naval reports of encounters with the French & others. Included is a report beginning: "On this morning of the 7th inst. I fell in with and captured an American snow, which had been taken by a French privateer on the 4th, and, in consequence of the information given me by the American master, went in pursuit of the enemy..." with more.
But the prime content in this issue is the of Sir Horatio Nelson's victory over French at the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1792  

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Taking over half of the front page and concluding on page two where it is signed in script type: G. Washington, is President George Washington's "Speech to Both Houses of Congress".
This was his annual state-of-the-union address, a tradition which he initiated in 1790 and which carries on to this day. There is a prefacing paragraph headed with a nice engraving of a heraldic eagle, which notes:…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, Dec. 14, 1795

* President George Washington
* State of the Union Address

Page 3 include the historic annual state-of-the-union address of President George Washington to Congress. Headed "SPEECH" it is prefaced with: "This day, precisely at 12 o'clock, The President of the United States met both Houses of Congress in the hall of the Representatives, and addressed them in the following..." and what follows is his state-of-the-Union address in which he reflects…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, December, 1790  

* President George Washington
* 2nd State of the Union Address

Certainly the most notable content is the 1 1/2 pages taken up with: "President Washington's Speech" which was his second state-of-the-union address, signed by him in type: George Washington. 
The balance of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted in the title/contents page. Among the articles are: "Account of the Moravian Settlement at Bethlehem in…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 7, 1791 

* French Revolution
* Constitution of France

A very notable issue on the French Revolution as the front page begins with: "The French Constitution, Revised, Amended and Finally Decreed by the National Assembly".
It begins with the historic "Declaration Of The Rights of a Man and a Citizen" which includes all 17 Articles (there were several iterations but the essence of each Article remains).
This is followed a lengthy report beginning: "The National…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 31, 1798 

* Daniel Hewes's Umbrella Manufacturer advertisement

The back page has an advertisement for the: "Boston Umbrella Manufactury" by Daniel Hewes. (see image)
Complete with all 4 pages, good condition.

background: Daniel Hewes’s 1798 establishment of the Boston Umbrella Manufactury at 57 Marlborough Street represented a pivotal shift in the American mercantile landscape, transitioning the umbrella from an elite European luxury to a locally produced…

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…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 24, 1798 

* The XYZ Affair - France relations
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson
* Battle if the Nile (Napoleon/Nelson)

The front page has an address: "To John Adams, President of the United States" from a military unit at Lexington, followed by his response signed in type: John Adams.
A page 2 bit concerning America making preparations for action against France during the XYZ Affair, with Thomas Jefferson intervening. Other reports concerning the troubling…

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, June 18, 1798

* Nice masthead engraving
* 18th century America

If you are looking for a handsome American newspaper of the 1700's which is displayable & priced reasonably, this is one of the best. This title features one of the more decorative mastheads of the era.
Complete in 4 pages, never-trimmed margins, some tiny binding holes along the spine, a little light foxing, two small, darker stains on the back page, generally in very…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, May, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Inauguration - inaugural address
* A detailed eyewitness account 
* In a American publication (rare)

Rarely are we able to offer an American imprint with a period report of Washington's inauguration and inaugural address. Great to have this text in this famous magazine published by perhaps the most renowned printer of the 18th century, Isaiah Thomas, whose private collection become the foundation of…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 30, 1799  Page 2 has an item noting the France has assured the President that the American envoys will be received to negotiate issues with the X,Y, Z Affair. Also a brief item noting: "This day the President of the United States completes sixty four years of age..." [re: John Adams].
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE INDEPENDENT LEDGER & THE AMERICAN ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 24, 1783  

"One Inflamed Enlightened Heart" patriotic masthead

A very nice feature of this issue is the masthead engraving which features a very patriotic theme: "All Hands with One Inflamed Enlightened Heart." signifying the 13 united colonies having a common, patriotic purpose. One of the more patriotic masthead engravings of the Revolutionary War era.

Interesting French criminal broadside announcing the acquittal of a trial against Etienne Michaud.  Headed in large type at the top (translated): JUDGMENT OF THE CRIMINAL COURT of the Department of Rhone, Who Declares Etienne Michaud Acquitted of The Charge Against Him." followed by details of the result of the trial.
There is a "dateline" at the middle: "Du 17 Floreal, l'an second de la Republique francaise une & indivisible." above which has been penciled "May 6, 1794" being the second year…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, June 12, 1788  

* Slavery on the Island of Jamaica 
* Revisions to current slave laws 
* Still legal but with certain exceptions
* Early movement towards eventual abolition 

Page 6 has a historically significant report from Jamaica beginning: "Our slave laws have been revised & consolidated & several regulations made in favour of the negroes...".
Among them are: "Every possessor of a slave is prohibited for turning him away when incapacitated by sickness or age...Every…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 4, 1793 

* Citizen Genet Affair
* Edmond Charles Genet

The front page contains nearly a full column headed: "Official Communications" which has two letters signed by Genet, the French ambassador to the United States, concerning what is known as the "Citizen Genet Affair" relating to his plans to get America to support the French in capturing British ships, which it would not do. Ultimately to avoid an appointment with the guillotine Genet was given…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 16, 1797  

* Rare 18th century publication
* President George Washington

A scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our (soon to be) 50 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 features a letter to George Washington from the Penna. Senate, offering congratulations for his public service. It is followed by his grateful response, signed in type: Go. Washington.
Four pages, never-trimmed margins, very nice…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston Sept. 22, 1798  

* General - President George Washington

Page 3 has under "Pennsylvania": "A meeting of the deluded citizens of Kentucky, at Lexington...to the number...of 5 or 6000, agreed to revolutions against the Alien and Sedition laws...They request their representatives to lay the resolutions before the national legislature and President."
Page 2 has an address: "To the President of the United States" from military officers of Baltimore County, relating…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, August, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles. Among the articles are: "The Test of Virtue" "Advice to Females on the Management of a Lover" "Anecdotes of Ignatius Loyola" "On the Utility of Trees in Cities" "On the Greek Fire" "On the Arabs" and so much more. 
Near the back is "Domestic Miscellany" with the latest news reports of the day including talk of developing Presque Isle near Erie, methods of improving the…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 12, 1798 

* Lord Horatio Nelson victorious
* Battle of the Nile - Napoleon Bonaparte
* President George Washington
* Masonic - free masonry - Masons

Most of page 2 is taken up with reports from the Napoleonic War relating to the Battle of the Nile, and includes four notes or letters each signed in type: Horatio Nelson.
The back page has a letter from the "Worshipful Grand Lodge of Maryland, to George Washington..." followed by his…

FEDERAL GAZETTE & BALTIMORE DAILY ADVERTISER, Maryland, June 18, 1796 

* President George Washington

The back page has an ad for: "Negro Tom" describing: "A Black Man, about 5 feet 6 inches high...ran off from Fell's Point on Sunday..." then describing his clothing, etc. Also a: "Twenty Dollars Reward" ad with details. Page 2 has an entire column taken up with: "AN ACT Making Provision for the Payment of Certain Debts of the United States" which is signed in type by the President: Geo.…

GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 26, 1794  The capital of the United States was in Philadelphia at this time while the District of Columbia was under construction. This anti-Federalist-leaning newspaper was published by Benjamin Franklin Bache, the grandson of Benjamin Franklin.
Four pages, tiny binding holes along the spine, untrimmed, great condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 15 1795  Page 3 has a report from "Pittsburgh" noting in part: "...accounts from General Wayne's head quarters any Greenville inform us that the Indians were coming in from all quarters to the Treaty...". This is followed by a report from Albany concerning the Indians.
The back page has: "More About the Treaty" being a list of 7 reason why the Senate will not consent to ratifying the controversial Jay Treaty.
Four pages, very nice…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 23, 1796  Fully half of the front page, the two middle columns, are taken up with a lengthy treaty of peace and amity between the United States and Algeria, relating to the problems with the Algerian pirates capturing American ships.
At the top is: "Treaty with the Dey of Algiers" with the George Washington script signature, and at its conclusion is a document noting its ratification, also with a George Washington script signature.
A significant document in…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 11, 1795  The front page has much centering controversies with Oliver Wolcott, Jr., Secretary of the Treasury. 
Page 2 has a letter  concerning politics noting in part: "...good men were elected who are friends to the federal government...danger from the evil designs of those who aim to deceive the people by their great but false professions of patriotism...our citizens view them as dangerous...The abusive & scandalous publication designed to incur the…

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Feb. 22, 1797  Page 2 has a report from the "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress" concerning the process for tallying votes for President & Vice President: "...that the two Houses shall assemble in the chamber of the House of Representatives on Wednesday next, at 12 o'clock, that two persons shall be appointed tellers...to make a list of votes...that the result shall be declared by the President of the Senate who shall announce the…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 16, 1789  Certainly one of the more desirable events to have in a period newspaper is the first inauguration of George Washington. American issues with such content are virtually unobtainable today, and reports in any newspapers worldwide are extremely uncommon.
Here is a nice report of this significant event found on page 2, datelined: "Extract of a Letter from New York, dated May 1" with the text giving more details on the inauguration than is found in…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Feb. 27, 1797  A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year.
Page 2 has over a full column on the: "Celebration" of Washington's 65th birthday, including the 16 toasts and much more. Also an article: "The President's Birth Day".
Page 3 has a report from the Treasury Dept. followed by a notice: "The President of the United States, we understand, attends the Theater THIS EVENING for…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, May 24, 1791  Most of the front page is taken up the continuation of: "A Brief Examination of Lord Sheffield's Observations on the Commerce of the United States of America", the first portion focused on "Flour & Wheat" a products from America, and then "Gunpowder" and it's future in America.
Page 2 has a "Circular" concerning the struggles of America to deal with its financial issues from after the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 has an item from Thomas Jefferson…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 19, 1794  A page 3 item says: "Mr. Thomas Paine... has petitioned the National Convention of France for liberty to retire to the United States; but the prayer of his petition has been rejected. His friends in Philadelphia are soliciting some appointment for him under the United States, as a mean to effect his regress from France."
Four pages, very nice condition.

PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1786  An issue from the brief period between the end of the Revolutionary War and before the creation of the Constitution & the new federal government.
Page 3 has a report: "Amongst the respectable patrons of the Alexandria Academy, a new & promising institution, appears the name of  the illustrious General WASHINGTON, who hath benevolently engaged  to vest in the hands of the trustees of  that seminary and their successors…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Nov. 14, 1795  

* George Washington letter
* re. John Jay's Treaty

The front page has a letter from the President to the inhabitants of Georgetown concerning the late Treaty with Great Britain, known as the Jay Treaty.
One bit notes: "...On a subject so complex, and having such extensive relations, some diversity of opinion might be expected...", signed in type: Go. Washington. 
The front page also has: "Federal Ship News" which begins: "The good ship…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Aug. 27, 1796  Page 2 has a curious article headed: "Amorous Fracas!" beginning: "The boxing match which lately happened between two elderly maiden ladies of fashion in the vicinity of Merrion Square..." with the details.
Four pages, very nice, clean condition.

THE HERALD; A GAZTTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Nov. 7, 1795  Page 3 has a report from Augusta, Georgia, being a letter signed by Timothy Pickering concerning a treaty with the Creek Indians. This is followed by a report from the Knoxville which begins: "Notwithstanding the Creeks have solicited the mediation of the President...to restore peace between them and the Chickasaws...that no parties would go out to war against the Chickasaws..." with much more.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1793  Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly scarce in today's market. This title was published  by the famed Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer from the Revolutionary War & founder of the American Antiquarian Society.
One of the best aspects of this issue is that the full page plate is still present, being: "Newbury Bridge over Merrimack River" which is accompanied by a nearly full page: "Description of the Plate" (see). Only rarely…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1796  Included is a very interesting article titled: "Present State of Printing and Bookselling in America" which is great for our hobby as there is talk of newspaper printing as well, including; "...people of North America manufacture their own paper...The newspapers of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland are unequaled whether considered with respect to wit & humour, entertainment, or instruction. Every capital town on…

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, May 24, 1797  Page 3 has commentary concerning President Adams' recent address to Congress, followed by the response of the House to the President.
Page 3 also has an address by Napoleon to his soldiers, noting in part: "I am now satisfied with you---The army of Italy has hitherto conquered by their courage & their intrepidity, the warlike legions of the Emperor; their discipline & their humanity have triumphed over calumny and malevolence..."…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 16 & 19, 1796  A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking much of the front page and part of page 2 in the issue of the 16th is part of Jay's Treaty through Article 12. Prefacing the Treaty is a "Proclamation" providing particulars about the conclusion and ratification of the Treaty. Includes word that the treaty was ratified…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1797  A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, May, 1797  The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day.
Perhaps the most notable content is the: "President's Speech" which takes 5 1/2 pages. This was his speech of May 15, 17907, Adams calling for the first special session of Congress to consider the worsening French-American crisis, which would lead to the Quasi War. It is signed at its conclusion: John Adams.
…

NEW YORK MAGAZINE OR LITERARY REPOSITORY, July, 1797  The issue is filled mostly with an eclectic collection of articles, while the back several pages contain news items of the day, some of which can be seen in the photos.
Quite rare in that this issue still contains the full page plate, which relates to the first article on the front page. Typically, such plates are missing.
Certainly one of the less common 18th century American magazine titles, existing from just 1790 to 1797.
Complete in 56…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 27, 1797  Page 2 has an interesting article: "Review Of Militia" commanded by Major-General Hull, with various particulars. The back page features 14 illustrated ship ads.
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: The September 1797 militia review commanded by Major-General William Hull captures a critical inflection point in early American history, highlighting the nation's fragile transition from a loose confederation of states to a unified, federally trained…

THE NEW WORLD, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1797  A quite scarce title, and until a recent find, the very first we have offered in our 44 years. It published for exactly one year. Various news reports and advertisements of the day.
Four pages, folio size, never-trimmed margins, very nice condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Oct. 7, 1797  Page 2 has a report: "From Presque Isle (on Lake Erie)...that Ensign Callender had arrived there with information that the inhabitants of the Nartches [Natchez] had rebelled & hoisted the tri-coloured flag. That a detachment of Federal troops had been marched against them & that the Indians had been defeated in an attempt to take Fort Recovery by surprise...".
Four pages, nice condition.

Background: This specific October 7, 1797 issue of the Columbian…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 2, 1795  

* President George Washington
* 2 Acts of Congress signed 

The front page has an address: "To The President of the United States" by the "...subscribers, merchants & traders of the city of Philadelphia." which carries over to page 2.
Most of the document is taken up with a very lengthy list of names of those who signed it. It is followed on page 2 by the response from the President, a rather brief letter signed in script type: Go. Washington.
Page 2 has a…

One of the earliest appearances...

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 

* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington

The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life are to be acquired & strengthened by it..." with much, much more.…

NEW HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE & THE GENERAL ADVERTISER, Portsmouth, April 18, 1792  Over half of the front page is taken up with reports from "Congress" which includes mention of the President, General Anthony Wayne and others. Page 3 has news from a letter from Philadelphia noting: "... Thirty or forty Chiefs of the six and other nation of Indians are now in this city..." with more.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, very nice condition.

Background: The 1792 Native American diplomatic delegations to…