Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 25, 1795

• 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 damp staining and rubbing, generally in good condition.

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

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 4, 1790

• President George Washington
• Act of Congress script signed
• Tonnage Act of 1790 - shipping

Almost a full column is taken up with an Act of Congress, headed with an engraving of a heraldic eagle, this is: "An Act Imposing Duties on the Tonnage of Ships or Vessels" which is signed in script type (desired) by the President: George Washington. Rarely is his full name spelled out in such documents.
Four pages, some some foxing and damp stain to the upper right,

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Aug. 29, 1798  Most of the front page is taken up with  3 Acts of Congress, one for: "...the relief of sick and disabled seamen.", each signed in script type by the President: John Adams.

Page 2 has: "French Duplicity" which relates to the XYZ Affair. Also: "From the Mediterranean" concerning Napoleon Buoaparte, and "More Stuff For Treason" regarding France, and a page 3 item gives updates on the Frigates United States and Constitution.

Four pages, great condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, March 25, 1786  The front page contains a very historic report, headed: "America - From the Virginia Gazette" with a Richmond, January 26 dateline. It provides the details of what would become known as the Annapolis Convention, beginning: "In the House of Delegates, Jan. 21, 1786, resolved, that Edmund Randolph, James Madison, Water Jones...and George Mason, Esqrs. be appointed Commissioners who...shall meet such commissioners...by the other States in union...to

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Feb. 27, 1796

• President George Washington
• U.S. government in it's infancy

Fully half of the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress which is signed in script type: Go. Washington, and in block type by John Adams. This Act was for providing money for the support of the government for the current year.
  Beginning on the front page & ending on page 2 is a letter signed in type by John Jay. And pg. 3 has a document concerning the sale of various tracts of land,

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, July 24, 1783

• General George Washington - Farewell to the Army
• Commander-in-Chief - American Revolutionary War

The entire front page and most of page 4 are taken up with one of the more noteworthy letters from General Washington during the war.
It is headed: "His Excellency General WASHINGTON'S LETTER to the several States which compose the American Republic - CIRCULAR" datelined at Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 11th, 1783.
This famous letter begins: "The great

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

• United States Funding Act of 1790
• President George Washington signs
• Also John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

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

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1798

• Marie Antoinette beheading
• Eyewitness account of execution

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..."

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1798

• Battle of Nile - Aboukir Bay, Egypt
• Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson

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

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 upon

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

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, May 26, 1787

• Constitutional Convention begins
• George Washington elected president

An exceedingly historic issue as this newspaper reports the formal beginning of the Constitutional Convention--terrific to have in a newspaper from the city where these notable proceedings were held.
As such, this is likely the first newspaper to report this event, which significantly includes the election of George Washington as its President.

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 Assembly

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

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 relationship

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 nice

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 the

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.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 7, 1790  Taking about a full page of text, including almost all of page 2 is: "An Act making Provision for the Debt of the United States" which is signed in type by John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington.

This was the very historic Funding Act of 1790 which was passed on August 4, 1790 by the United States Congress to address the issue of funding of the domestic debt incurred by the individual colonies during the Revolutionary War and

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.

Beginning on page 1 and taking almost the entire back page is the historic

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 person who

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 asylum in the

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 condition.

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 to the

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

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET & DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 4, 1789

• President George Washington
• 1st Inauguration - inaugural address

Most of page 3 is taken up with reports on the: "Proceedings of Congress" with datlines of April 28, then April 29, under the latter are reports on preparations for Washington's inauguration.
These reports include: "The committees of both houses of Congress, appointed to take order for conducting the ceremonial of the formal reception, etc. of the President of

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 response to them

COURIER DU BAS-RHIN, July 24, 1793 The title translates to "Courier From the Lower Rhine". This was a significant newspaper during the late 18th century, particularly known for its role in the Enlightenment period. Published in French from 1767 until around 1807–1810, it was based in Kleve, a Prussian exclave near the Dutch Republic. This location allowed it to benefit from the relative press freedom of the region, making it a key outlet for political and cultural news during a time of major

DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 25, 1792  The front page features 26 illustrated ship ads. Page 2 has a letter to Anthony Wayne from Capt. John Stake on his resignation from the army, followed by Wayne's letter encouraging him to reconsider, signed: Anthony Wayne, followed by Stake's letter insisting he will resign.
Four pages, archival mend to the inside spine, nice condition.

THE NORWICH PACKET, Norwich, Connecticut, Dec. 19, 1793  Certainly the prime content is the: "PRESIDENT'S SPEECH" to Congress, being the annual state-of-the-union address of George Washington, contained on both pages 1 & 2 of the supplement to this issue. It is signed by him in type: Go. Washington.
At its conclusion is a note that the Senate appointed the Right Reverend Dr. White as Chaplain of Congress, and that the House appointed the Reverend Dr. Green as its chaplain. Dr. White was the 2nd

THE DAILY ADVERTISER, New York, Jan. 28, 1789  A nice newspaper from what was the nation's capital at the time, in fact, Washington would be inaugurated in this city in just 3 months. Pages 1, 3 & 4 are filled with ads, with news reports on page 2.
Four pages, some foxing to the front leaf, nice condition.

OLLA PODRIDA, Oxford, England, Oct. 27, 1787  This was a short-lived publication from London\ with surviving archives spanning from 1787 to 1788. Its name, derived from the Spanish term "olla podrida" meaning "rotten pot" or a mixed stew, likely hints at the diverse array of topics and articles it featured.
This period in history was marked by significant upheaval—think of the American Revolution’s aftermath and the early rumblings of the French Revolution—which may have shaped the newspaper’s

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 18, 1797  The front page has a nice list of the various forts, the: "...posts necessary to be garrisoned in future, and the number of men required for each...".
Pages 2 & 3 contain an Act by the New York legislature which is pertinent to the world today: "AN ACT To Amend the act entitled, 'An Act to Prevent the Bringing in and Spreading of infectious Diseases in this State."
Page 3 has: "General Washington" which reports the publishing of

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, March 5, 1796  The front page has the document on the controversial Jay Treaty headed: "Ratification of the United States" reading in part: "Now, therefore, I George Washington....declare...a treaty...between the United States...and his Britannic Majesty...by the consent of the President...with the advice and consent of the Senate..." and is signed script type: George Washington.
Also on the front page is: "The British King's Ratification" noting the King of England

THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, July 23, 1796  Page 3 has nearly half a column headed: "Thomas Paine" concerning a pamphlet he wrote on: "...the Decline and Fall of the English System of Finance...". A smaller article mentions Hamilton.
The front page has an ad placed by the "Pennsylvania Population Company" concerning the sale of large acreage lots in the "Triangle Presque Isle". An "Aaron Burr" is listed as one of the managers of the company.
Four pages, great condition.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 26, 1798  A nice issue for display as the front page contains not just one but six letters, each signed in type by the president: JOHN ADAMS. There are two more letters signed by Adams on page 2.
These letters are in response to letters sent to him by people or groups in Lancaster & Harrisburg, Penna., and also Burlington & Bridgetown, N.J., and others.
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, July 27, 1790  The front page has much on the life and eventual fate of the great 17th century composer, Alessandro Stradella. The inside also has a mention of "Governor Phillip's Voyage to Botany Bay", which was a 21-volume contemporary account of the establishment of the Colonies of Port Jackson and Norfolk Island. Other news of the day and period advertising are found throughout.
Complete in 8 pages, 8 1/2 by 11 3/4 inches, very nice, clean condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Sept. 29, 1790  The front page has a short item signed: H. Knox, Secretary of War, concerning payments to wounded veterans of the Revolutionary War. The front page also has a notable item headed: "Treasury Department" concerning the historic Funding Act of 1790, whereby the new federal government assumed the debts of the individual states incurred during the Revolutionary War.
Page 3 has an: "Address to the King by Mons. de la Fayette..." with the reply

THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, September, 1792  This issue begins with a letter from Benjamin Rush concerning the academy at Bordentown, New Jersey, with a lengthy response. Also inside is the continued: "History Of the American Revolution" which takes 7 pages; "Capture of a Fort by a Drunken Sailor" "On The Indian War" & more.
There are 12 pages taken up with much detail on: "Proceedings of Congress" . There two letters each signed in type by La Fayette.
Near the

THE UNIVERSAL MAGAZINE, London, January, 1785  This magazine--much more scarce than the Gentleman's Magazine--published in serial form the account of: "Captain Cook's Voyage to the Northern Hemisphere...", this issue containing reports from after July, 1778 when he was exploring the far northwest coast of North America in search of a Northwest passage to the Atlantic, extending into what are now called the Aleutian Islands & to the Bering Strait then the Arctic Ocean before having to turn back

WALKER'S HIBERNIAN MAGAZINE, (Dublin, Ireland), July, 1789  Bill Reese noted in one of his catalogs: "This important Irish monthly was founded in 1771 and continued until 1811, the later years under the auspices of Thomas Walker's son, Joseph. During its long run in its different incarnations, the "Hibernian Magazine" filled the role of a general Dublin periodical in its coverage of news and politics from Ireland, Britain, Europe and North America...".
The back several pages are where various

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1795  The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page. Included are several letters signed in type by John Adams, Samuel Adams, James Madison & others. Also: "Description of a Visit to Mount Etna" among other articles. Near the back is the "Monthly Gazette" with the latest news of the day. Included is; "Revision of Constitution" which has an interesting & accurate commentary:

AURORA GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, May 14, 1798  Among the front page full of ads is one: "For Sale--A Negro Boy who is near thirteen years old..." with more. Page 2 has two early circus ads, and the bkpg. has a "Fifty Cents Reward" for a runway girl.
The back page also has an ad for a book: "Just Published...An Expostulatory Letter to Gen. Washington...On the subject of his continuing a Proprietor of Slaves".
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed with wide margins, numerical doodling to a

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 8, 1789  Page 2 features an address of the New York Legislature to the President of the United States congratulating him on assuming the Presidency. It is followed by his response which is signed in type: George Washington.
Pages 2 & 3 contain reports from the federal House of Representatives, beginning: "...informing the Hon. House that they had concurred with amendments in the bills for establishing the War Department--and for establishing the

THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, May 18, 1786  The front page has some discussion on: "The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania...", continued in a future issue.
Inside has a report noting in part: "The trade of America seems to be in a most deplorable state...". Also mention that, among others, Alexander Hamilton has been appointed to serve on a commission to create a document on trade with other nations. Another item mentions: "Lord Cornwallis, the hero of

THE MAIL; OR CLAYPOOLE'S DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 15, 1793  The back page has a document headed: "War Department" concerning pension benefits for those injured in the Revolutionary War. It is signed in type: H. Knox.
Four pages, wide, never-trimmed margins, great condition.

INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, July 30, 1795  The front page has over a column taken up with an Act of the Mass. legislature, signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Page 3 has some discussion concerning the controversial Jay Treaty.
Four pages, very handsome masthead, never-trimmed margins, light foxing, small binding holes at the blank spine. very nice condition.

GENERAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, March 27, 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.