Historic Newspapers: Search Results

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 20, 1849 

* California Gold Rush
* 49ers - mining - miners

Page 3 has a terrific, nearly full column report headed: "The California Gold Region" which has much detail and fascinating accounts. It begins: "It is now nearly two years since the discovery of the gold mines in this country...". There is too much fine content to detail here--see the photos.
Page 3 has: "Overland Travel To California" which has: "This gold excitement has caused an…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Oct. 11, 1849  Page 3 has over a full column of reports from California, mostly focused on the Gold Rush. Subheads include: "Placer Intelligence" "A Trinity River Expedition" "Successful Gold Diggings" with details; "The Mines" "Improvements at San Francisco" and more.
A wealth of fine reading from during the height of the Gold Rush mania.
Four pages,very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 8, 1849 

* Wagon trains heading West
* California gold rush era

Page 3 has a terrific report headed: "From the Western Plains" which provides a sense of the romance, at least in hindsight, of the wagon trains heading west.
But the truth was much more dangerous. A few bits include: "...advices from the Plains have been received...left Fort Kearny...were meet & surrounded by a band of Cheyennes and Sioux...robbed them of almost every…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 30, 1849  The front page has a print of: "Louis Kossuth", the President of Hungary, with related text.
But the better content is on page 2 with almost a full column headed: "California" with some fine content on the early period of the Gold Rush, including at least two letters. The photos do not show the full report.
Page 2 has a nice print headed: "Biography for Mr. Polk" with related text.
Four pages, large folio size, never bound nor trimmed, 3…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Oct. 6, 1849  Page 3 has about half a column headed: "The Gold Region - Life In California" which offers some interesting content.
Four pages, large folio size, never bound nor trimmed, 3 folds with mild fold & margin wear. Generally good. Folder size noted is for the issue folded in half.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 12, 1849

* President Zachary Taylor
* Inauguration - inaugural 

Page 3 has reports headed: "The President's Inaugural which begins: "The brevity and perspicuity of President Taylor's Inaugural Address are so striking that it would seem to be almost superfluous to make a single remark upon it...".
This is followed by: "The Inaugural" with more on his address, then yet a third report relating to it. Also: "Interview With the President". Great to…

DAILY HERALD, Newburyport, Massachusetts, April 25, 1849  This issue has many reports concerning the Gold Rush of 1849, with the front page beginning with a quite detailed letter which is prefaced with: "From Mexico" "...the following letter...who went out to California in command of a company of adventurers, taking the Mexican route...his narrative contains much interesting and valuable information." What follows is the letter.
Page 2 begins with: "Sufferings of California Emigrants", then…

THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., Aug. 2, 1849  Page 3 has nearly 2 columns of reporting headed: "Late & Important From California" with a wide range of news from the Far West. In fact, this is one of the lengthier reports from Calif. we have seen from this era.
A few bits include: "...Gold hunting is carried on with as much success as ever...emigrants are continually arriving..." with a bit more on the gold mining. Then a great deal on the political situation there, and so much more…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, July 28, 1849  Page 3 has: "From California" with the latest news, bits including: "...New towns were being laid out in different spots around the bay & building lots, in wilderness sites, were selling from $1500 to $2000 each...San Francisco was full of people & it is not an uncommon thing for 20 to 30 individuals to occupy one small apartment...The gold dust this season had not been dug out very freely...News has just been received that six men in 20…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Sept. 29, 1849  Page 2 has: "California" with the latest news, bits including: "...has been one of the fortunate 'hunters' having accumulated during his short sojourn in California between 11,000 and 12,000 dollars worth of the 'stuff'...".
Much more on the gold rush with subheads: "The Climate and Soil" "The California Camp" "New Process For Collecting Gold Dust" and more.
Four pages of very large size paper measuring 25 by 33 inches, folded three times,…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Sept. 22, 1849

* California gold rush - 49ers
* Steamship "Empire City"

 Page 3 has: "From California" with the latest news, bits including: "...The Empire City brings over $600,000 in species and gold dust...An attack had been made by a party of rowdy Americans in San Francisco...emigrants from Missouri...are now arriving daily...In the gold diggings, many of the placers are becoming exhausted but new ones are being continually discovered. About an…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 24, 1849  Page 3 has: "The Gold Region" with the latest from the California gold rush. A few bits include: "...Emigrants were flocking in by the thousands...by next August 1200,000 persons would have entered California...almost every one not engaged in gold digging was preparing to go to the mines in the Spring...At San Francisco real estate had advanced 500 per cent within 12 months...As to the profits of gold digging, accounts vary...Parties can…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1849  Page 2 has: "From California" with the latest news, bits including: "...The Sacramento still yields a good dividend of something like ten to fifteen dollars a day to all industrious laborers...The Feather River, where the finest gold has been found, is yet a favorite stream among the diggers...About 3,000 persons are now engaged there...The Ayuba River is said to be the surest place for making  money...The dry diggings on Wood's Creek have…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Aug. 4, 1849  Page 3 has: "From California" with the latest news, bits including: "...The Crescent City brings $230,000 in specie...that probably $300,000 would cover all the gold dust on board...one opinion among the passengers with regard to the gold in California; it is still found in great quantities...There was no sickness at the mines..." with much more on the latest.
This article takes over three-quarters of a column with a great wealth of…

SATURDAY EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 3, 1849  The top of page 3 has a column headed: "Mode Of Extracting Gold From the Ore"  being a timely article given the recent discovery of gold in Calif. But the article begins with: "...The metallic grains found in the sands of rivers in California do not require to be subjected to a metallurgic process."
Page 3 begins with: "California" being rather lengthy and includes two accounts of the gold diggings, plus more.
Four pages of very large size…

ILLUSTRATED LONDON NEWS, England, Feb. 17, 1849  The most interesting print is a nearly half page view captioned: "Construction Of The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge--Basket Ferry & Temporary Towers". This was the very first bridge over Niagara Falls, this print showing the early stages of the construction showing the: "...basket ferry and temporary towers". This print is the same shown in a website on its construction. See the web for the interesting back story on this the first rope spanned…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Nov. 3, 1849  A page 3 article begins: "Vessels For California" which gives the details of the large number of ships leaving from the East and bound for California. The first sentence sets the stage: "The trade between the Atlantic cities & the Pacific has increased to such an extent that but few persons are likely to form a just conception of its amount...".
Page 2 has a very lengthy article: "Railroad To The Pacific - Mr. Benton's Speech in the…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 10, 1849  The first column of the front page has the reviews of six newspapers on "The Inaugural Address" of President Taylor, with many diverse comments. Also on the front page is a lengthy: "List of Cadet Appointments for 1849" listed by state, and includes "John Hood" from Kentucky, who would become a famous Confederate general.
Page 3 has a lengthy editorial on "President Taylor's Inaugural".
But the most interesting report is also one of the…

New Orleans slave sale document: A part-printed, part-handwritten document headed "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. State of Louisiana" for the sale of a slave.
The full text can be seen in the photos, however portions include: "...he does...grant, bargain sell, assign, convey, transfer and deliver...Unto Sean Nontanee...of this city...purchasing for himself, his heir and assigns, a negro woman named Mathilde, aged about twenty-five years, slave for life and the lawful property of the said Mrs.…

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, June 5, 1849  

* Thomas Hart Benton
* California gold fields

The front page features a nice prying of the: "Odd Fellow's Hall, Corner of Grand and Center Streets, New York" with a lengthy article on its dedication.
The back page has: "Important from the West--Cholera Among Emigrants--Col. Benton's Speech" as well as: "From the Plains", both articles concerning travelers heading to the gold fields of California and their various tribulations.
Four pages, very…

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, Nov. 29, 1849  The front page has 2 1/2 columns taken up with: "Bayard Taylor's Letters...No. XXI" "A Walk to Monterey--California an Agricultural Country". This is a great travelogue of a visit to Monterey, extolling the virtue of the area.
Four pages, very nice condition.

NEW YORK DAILY TRIBUNE, April 10, 1849  A front page article is headed: "Piracy In the Pacific" which has some interesting particulars. Also on the front page: "The New Coinage" which reports on the new $20 and $12 gold coins.
Page 2 has: "Major Beall's Expedition against the Apaches" which is an early report on fights with the Apache Indians in New Mexico.
The back page has a partial list of: "California Emigrants".
Four pages, light damp stain ar the bottom half, generally good condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., July 16, 1849  Page 3 has an interesting article: "What The Ladies Do In California" now that they are in a dramatically different living situation than they were used to before moving close to the gold mines.
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH, Columbia, South Carolina, Feb. 21, 1849  

* Rare antebellum publication
* California Gold Rush report

Not only a rather rare antebellum title, but page 2 has California Gold Rush content with a letter headed: "California" which questions the consequences of the "gold excitement" and people & goods heading west. Another brief article: "California Gold Stories" is a bit tongue-in-cheek.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C.,July 11, 1849  Page 3 has a relatively short article: "California Gold" noting in part: "...that the amount of the precious metal from the 'diggings' already deposited at the Mint for coinage is within a small fraction of two millions of dollars...". and more.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 28, 1849  The top of page 3 has a column headed: "Additional From California" which has much concerning the growth of the territory. One bit includes: "The immigrants by the overland route were continuing to arrive...It is said that numbers are now coming by the northern trail...The emigrants think that much of the suffering which has already occurred, & much yet to be endured, is attributable to the false statements made by these different…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 22, 1849  

* California gold rush - 49ers
* Mormons at Salt Lake City
* Mormonism - emigration

Two-thirds of a column on page 3 is taken up with: "The Mormons" which notes in part: "...Seven thousand of them have found a resting place in the most remarkable spot on the American continent...to follow after a new Jerusalem in the West...They are again assaulted by popular persecution; their prophet murdered, their town depopulated, &…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 15, 1849  Page 3 has an interesting article: "Population Of California" noting that the entire "country" has about 60,000 people, broken down by country of origin. It also notes: "...Of the population already in the country, it is supposed that one-half...are engaged in various business pursuits, and the other half in digging for gold."
There is also a black-bordered report headed: "Death Of Albert Gallatin". And there is also half a…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 29, 1849  

* John C. Fremont
* Fatal 4th expedition

The top of the front page has a nicer account headed: "Col. Fremont--A Distressing Report" which is concerning his fateful fourth expedition in the West during which his party was caught in a snowstorm in Colorado causing loss of ten of his men & 130 of his pack mules. Near the end is: "...Later reports say that all of Col. Fremont's party perished except himself, and he is badly…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 10, 1849 

* California Gold Rush
* 49ers - mining - miners

Page 3 has a variety of reports under: "From California" which has the latest reports concerning the Gold Rush, a few bits noting: "...Gold is plenty, large quantities being brought every day from the placers...The quantity was thought inexhaustible...The health at the placers is very bad...A kind of Lynch law remains in force..." and more.
Four pages, very nice condition.

THE FLORIDIAN & JOURNAL, Tallahassee, Florida, March 31, 1849 

* Early California gold rush report
* Rare title from pre-civil war Florida

A nice & rare opportunity for a very early newspaper from the capital of Florida. Very rarely are we able to find antebellum Florida newspapers, particularly from the capital. Formatted much like other newspapers of the day with various news reports both local & national, and a wealth of ads as well. 
Page 2 has: "From California" which features a…

THE HOME JOURNAL, New York City, February 10, 1849 

* California gold rush

Page 3 has a report headed: "A Golden Joke" which focuses on a letter from San Francisco which includes in part: "After a journey of several thousand miles, during which we have suffered more than I was formerly led to believe human beings could endure, we have at last arrived on the borders of the Pacific Ocean..." and which includes an grizzly encounter with a pack of wolves as they crossed the continent. Then…

SUNDAY TIMES, N.Y., 1849-1852 The photo shows the very nice masthead of this title which measures 15 1/2 inches across and is 3 inches tall. Mostly topical reports and literary-related content, some ads.
Some lite staining, a little foxing, and a few small margin tears, but in overall average or better condition.
The issue you receive will differ in date and content from the one shown, but it will be similar and will have the displayable masthead.

OLIVE BRANCH, Boston, November 10, 1849 

* California gold rush

The back page has: "California Facts" which includes: "...Within a few days gold coins of the value of ten dollars made from the California metal have been issued by Messrs. Moffatt and Co...and by Messrs. Wright & Co...of San Francisco. They are very similar in appearance and also strongly resemble the $10 gold piece coined at the U.S. Mint..." with more. Also: "Mr. Sutter is now sitting to Mr. Osgood for a portrait..."…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 14, 1849  Page 3 has an article: "California Matters" which takes over a full column with a wide variety of reports. Included is: "...an outline of the measures to be submitted to the Convention for framing a State Government..." which lists eleven items. Then there is nearly a full column with a great wealth of reports concerning the gold diggings. Just too much interesting reading to note here--some seen in the photos.
Page 3 also has: "A…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Aug. 3, 1849  Page 2 has a simply terrific & very lengthy letter on California, taking nearly two columns it is headed: "A Mexican View Of California" "California Seen by a Mexican--Description of the Country--Its Physical, Agricultural, Commercial, and Mineralogical Characteristics".
This is perhaps the best description of California from such an early date. The photos show only portions.
Page 2 also has: "Great Britain and the Slave Trade"…

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., Dec. 18, 1849  Page 3 has an interesting letter headed: "California Items" concerning: "The only white woman that I have seen in the mines...came here from Calcutta...dresses in trousers & wears a thin hat & red shirt as most of the miners do...Failing in business & becoming poor, he determined to dig a fortune out of the earth in California & the wife, true to her companion, only consented when he promised she should accompany him...one of the…

FLORIDIAN & JOURNAL, Tallahassee, June 2, 1849 

* Minnesota Territory established (historic)
* President James K. Polk
* Rare title from pre-civil war Florida

On the front page under "Acts and Resolutions passed at the Second Session of the Thirtieth Congress" is: "AN Act to establish the territorial government of Minnesota..." signed in type: James K. Polk. Other news of the day includes: "History of the Horse" "The Fire At St. Louis" "An Alabama Blackleg" and more .
Early and…

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 9, 1849  Among the articles on the Gold Rush and Westward Expansion are: "The Travel Over The Western Plains" "From San Francisco" "Virginia Gold Mines" and two articles covering the Washington Monument. Also an interesting item on New York's Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, among the most renowned cemeteries in the United States.
Eight pages, very good condition.

THE DOLLAR NEWSPAPER, Philadelphia, May 30, 1849  Page 2 has an article headed: "California Gold - Very Late From California" which includes a letter noting in part: "The poorest man in this place can show from  $500 to $1500 in gold dust that he has gathered by his own hand in a month or so...No one with the least labor fines less than $15 to $20 per day..." and more. This is followed by a letter datelines: "Sutter's Fort, Upper California, Feb. 2, 1849" which includes: "...having been…

BOSTON DAILY JOURNAL, Jan. 11, 1849  Page 2 has several Gold Rush reports under the heading: "California Items" including: "...number of passengers who have already sailed, or are on the point of sailing from this port for California, is 370...are now between 20 and 30 vessels at this port up for California...The state than $2,00,000 worth of the dust was at San Francisco...that excellent order prevails & there had been but two or three petty depredations since operations commenced in the…

DAILY EVENING TRANSCRIPT, Boston, Jan. 13, 1849 

* California gold rush - 49ers

Page 2 has an article: "From California" which includes: "...the price of gold dust in the 'diggins' had  fallen to six  dollars an ounce, being less than one third its real value at the U.S. Mint...There was much suffering at the mines & even apprehensions of famine in consequence of the multitudes arriving from all quarters..." and a bit more.
Also a brief item: "New California Association" being created…

THE VERMONT CHRONICLE, Windsor, Sept. 19, 1849  This title has both religious/Christian-themed news along with general news of the day.  Page 3 has several reports from the gold rush region headed: "Latest From California". Page one has an update in the missionary efforts to the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands and various Native American Indian tribes including Oregon, Choctaws, Cherokees, Sioux, and more.
Four pages, minor foxing at upper front page folds, rejoined at the spine, nice condition.

LEBANON ADVERTISER, Pennsylvania, Aug. 1, 1849 

* Uncommon publication
* California Gold Rush
* 49ers - mining - miners

An uncommon title, and the volume 1, number 5 issue. Near the top of the ftpg. is: "From California" with a San Francisco dateline, & including: "The anchorage is crowded with vessels & more arriving daily...Provision & clothing are abundant & cheap...People in San Francisco are madly gambling in lands...New towns are laid out in different spots around the bay...Gold…

BOSTON DAILY JOURNAL, Jan. 10, 1849 

* California Gold Rush
* 49ers - mining - miners

The front page has: "Gold Region" noting in part: "...such astonishing news from California that they dare not publish it. If published the marvelous tale as to the length & breadth of the Gold Region would not be credited...Col. Fremont...acquainted with the existence of extensive 'gold findings' in California...resigned his commission...set off immediately for the mines...When all is known...of the…

THE DAILY UNION, Washington, D.C., Sept. 29, 1849 

* Colt Revolver Ad
* Runaway slave ad
* Gold Rush era newspaper

The front page is filled with ads including a: "$150 Reward" ad for a runaway slave, with details. Beneath this is an ad: "Colt's Improved Repeating Pistols" signed in type: Samuel Colt. (see)
Four pages, dark stain along the top, blank margin (see), generally very nice.

THE TIOGA BANNER, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, March 13, 1849

* President Zachary Taylor
* Inauguration - inaugural

Not just a very uncommon title from this small, Northern Pennsylvania town, but the front page has: "President Taylor's Inaugural Address" which takes over a full column. Also on the front page: "The Inauguration" with much on the ceremonies.
Four pages, some wear at the margins with some archival mends (one non-archival), generally good condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 23, 1849  Page 3 has: "Men and Business In California" which takes a more economic and business-focused look at the situation in California as a result of the rush for gold.
Four pages, very nice condition.

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., June 22, 1849  Page 2 has a very descriptive article: "The Bay of San Francisco" which is fine reading concerning the effects of the Gold Rush on the region.
Page 3 has: "Gold Digging In California" which is a great letter to those back East urging them not to venture West in search of their fortune.
Also on page 3: "California" which has more on the gold rush. Also a detailed article on: "A Fatal Duel".
Four pages, very nice condition.