Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE PENNSYLVANIA MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, February, 1775 

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

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

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Jan. 25, 1776   

* The "dishonest malevolence" controversy
* Thomas Paine "Common Sense" & Robert Bell
* Great year to have (1776) Revolutionary War

As a bit of a back story, printer Robert Bell ran an advertisement taking most of a column in the January 27 issue attacking both Paine and Bradford and ingenuously accusing them of "dishonest malevolence." He also continued his efforts to sell his own second edition of Thomas Paine's famous…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, Feb. 10, 1777  

* Thomas Paine's "American Crisis"
* Essay # 2 re. Revolutionary War
* Intended to bolster American morale 

Almost the entire front page is taken up with the continuation of Thomas Paine's essay #2 of his famous "American Crisis" series, a collection of 13 essays written by Paine during the American Revolutionary War.
In 1776 Paine wrote Common Sense, an extremely popular and successful pamphlet arguing for…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, May 18, 1803  Page 2 has an interesting report concerning Thomas Paine & his letters, noting: "...is composed principally of encomiums upon himself and upon his projects for reforming the world, and abuse of General Washington's administration. The only thing worthy of notice ...is a copy of the whole of Mr. Jefferson's affectionate letter of invitation to Paine..." with much more.
This is responded to by Jefferson, signed in type: Thomas Jefferson.
Page 2 also…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London,  August, 1794 

* 18th century vindication of Free-Masonry
* Thomas Paine kicked out of the French National Convention
* 18th century print of Arundel Castle

The most noteworthy content is a lengthy article on: "Proceedings of the National Convention in France" which includes: "...Thomas Paine, with all the other foreigners, was expelled from the Convention by a Decree...".
Also within are: "Vindication of the Principles of Free-Masonry" "Remarks on…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT, Hartford, June 14, 1809  Page 2 has a report from New York noting: "Died, on Thursday morning, the 8th inst. Thomas Paine, author of the Crisis, Rights of Man, etc. Mr. Paine had a desire to be interred in the Quakers burying ground and some days previous to his demise...He was yesterday interred at New Rochelle...I am unacquainted with his age, but he had lived long, done some good, and much harm."
Four pages, spotted foxing, good condition.

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.

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 14, 1797 

* USS Constitution & Constellation 
* United States Navy first warships 

A page 2 report notes: "Gen. Smith (of Baltimore)...mentioned that the Constellation frigate, building at that place, would be launched the 4th of July next. The Constitution, building here will be afloat the second week of August--She has upwards of 200 hands constantly at work on her; and such is the forwardness of her masts, sails, rigging, &c. that there is not the…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, May 17, 1794  

* President George Washington 
* French officer Louis de Tousard

The front page begins with an Act of Congress, giving a pension for life to Lt. Col. Tousard. It is signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington.
Louis de Tousard was a French artillerist who served in the American Continental Army under La Fayette, and later was given a U. S. commission. Tousard wrote two very influential books: one was a proposal for a school for…

THE PENNSYLVANIA PACKET, Philadelphia, Nov. 20, 1779

* Ethan Allen captivity
* Revolutionary War original

 Most of the front page is taken up with an Act of the Pennsylvania Legislature, prefaced with a paragraph signed in type by the Clerk of the General Assembly, none other than: Thomas Paine.
Page 3 has yet another Act which is prefaced with an intro signed: Thomas Paine.
All of page 4 is taken up with the continued "Narrative of Colonel Ethan Allen's Treatment during his…

COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 23, 1792 

* President George Washington
* Designing District of Columbia
* Federal buildings - Capitol

Most of the first column on the front page is taken up with an Act of Congress and a “Resolve”, each signed in script type by the President: Go. Washington, making this a nice issue for display.
Over 2 front-page columns are on: “Reflections On the State of the Union”.
Page 2 has a report from London on the: “Arrest of Mr. Paine”, being the famed…

Book: "Men and Times of the Revolution; Or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson", 1856

The full title is: "Men and times of the revolution; or, Memoirs of Elkanah Watson, including journals of travels in Europe and America, from 1777 to 1842, with his correspondence with public men and reminiscences and incidents of the revolution.", by Elkanah Watson, edited by his son, Winslow C. Watson. Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Paine, William Penn, and more all appear within the pages of his memoir.…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, April 5, 1779  Page 2 of this rare Revolutionary War-era issue features an important official communication from the Continental Congress, prefaced by an explanatory note signed in type by its President, John Jay, formally disavowing an unauthorized diplomatic publication that had surfaced in the Pennsylvania Packet newspaper. 

Sharing the page is a notable report extracted from the Boston Gazette concerning the movement of prisoners of war, stating that

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, March 30, 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.
The entire front page and a portion of the back page are filled with a terrific letter signed by "A Common Man" headed: "To Cato, Cassandra, and all the Writers on the…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, Feb. 29, 1776  This remarkably historic Revolutionary War issue contains a wealth of foundational content from the early months of 1876. 

Page 2 carries an exceptional military report from Montreal detailing the ongoing American campaign in Canada, reading in part: "Quebec is inclosed by a considerable body of forces under Brigadier General Arnold. They hope to avoid storming & thereby prevent effusion of blood on both sides...These circumstances we

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 PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Feb. 24, 1776  

* Governor John Penn
* American Revolutionary War
* Great year to have (1776)

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

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE & COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, July 29, 1775  In the world of American Revolutionary literature and manuscripts three bodies of work stand out: 1) Thomas Paine's Common Sense; 2) the Declaration of Independence; and 3) the earliest of the Revolutionary trinity: The Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms.
All of the front page and a bit of page 2 are taken up with this latter document, signed in type by John Hancock. This document is rarely offered in a period American…

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 CRISIS, London, March 11, 1775 

* Very rare publication
* British pro-American 

 In our over 50 years of dealing in rare newspapers, we have only once had the great fortune to encounter issues of this very rare title. Although we had sold all years ago, this one has come back to us.
This extraordinary paper is one of the most bitter political sheets to be found, issued in London both in defense of American liberty and their cause for independence, as well as to attack the policies of the King…

Samuel Webster's 1777 sermon...

GALES'S INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER, Philadelphia, Nov. 18, 1796  

* Rare 18th century American publication

A quite rare title which lasted just one year from Sept. 16, 1796 till Sept. 12, 1797. Actually the continuation of the "Independent Gazetteer", which was later sold to "The Universal Gazette". Just 7 American institutions have scattered issues of this title.
Page 3 has a chart of election results for President & Vice President, by county in Penna. And a note that: "...informed that the…

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…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 5, 1909  There is a color cover on this issue.The front page of this issue has a photo of "Julia Ward Howe at Ninety", the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic".

This issue has a photo spread of "New Jersey's Amateur Race Meet." There is an illustration of "A Notable Portrait in Water-Color" and there is a full page illustration of "That New Place in the Country" by Angus Peter Macdonall and much more.

Other advertisements of the day are included as…

Past Work of Thomas Nast ~ Republican Elephant and Democratic Donkey...

THE BOSTON INVESTIGATOR, Boston, Massachusetts, 1880-1882  A newspaper which holds the distinction of being the first American newspaper dedicated to the philosophy of freethought. Each issue has a highly displayable graphic masthead which includes the text: Truth, Perseverance, Union, Justice - The Means, Happiness the End, Hear All Sides - Then Decide, with various depictions of books labelled, Hume, Voltaire, Jefferson, Paine, Ingersoll, Volney, and two others we have yet have confidence as…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Dec. 16, 1893  Full ftpg. is a street scene in New York City. Nice fullpg. by F.S. Church showing dancing bears. Color doublepage centerfold. by H. Pyle: 'The Pirates' Christmas--a scene in the Town Jail'.  Fullpg: 'First Christmas Eve' & fullpg: 'Christmas In the South--'See, the Conquering Heroines Come'
Complete issue.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, from New York, July 13, 1878 Interesting full front page illustration of: "The New Flying Machine" shows a man piloting this combination balloon/propeller devise. Nice half page "Inaugurating the Glorious Fourth" shows boys playing with fireworks. A quarter-page illustration is of "Dr. W. F. Carver, the Celebrated Marksman". Nice full page "The Great Social Event at Blackville--The Wedding of the Twins" showing a wedding in a Black community. Full page Thomas Nast political…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 16, 1911

The front page of this issue is an illustration of "Christmas Memories" W. E. Mears.

This issue is a Christmas issue, so there are many short stories and color tinted illustrations. These full page illustrations include "Christmas Eve on the Flat-House Roof" by F. Strothmann; "The Great Divide" by George Watson Barratt and the double page illustration is "The Passer-By" by Power O'Malley. There is a black and white illustration of "A Yuletide…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, Feb. 27, 1875  Full front pg. Nast illus. of "The Trouble Has Commenced-A Tale of Anxiety." Inside is a full pg. Nast illus. of "Washington, Lincoln, and Grant."
Doublepage centerfold of "Lady Washington's Reception Day." 1/6 pg. portrait of "The Hon. Francis M. Cockrell." 2/3 pg. illus. of "General And Lady Washington." Eight 1/8 pg. illus. pertaining to "A Rheumatic Man's Day in the Country." 1 1/2 horizontal pg. illus. of "The Execution of Sir Thomas More." 1/4…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, July 11, 1863  The full front page is an illustration of: "Major-General George G. Meade, the New Commander of the Army of the Potomac". Other prints inside include a full page: "The Siege of Vicksburg--Approach of M'Pherson's Saps to the Rebel Works"; a full page with 3 illustrations: "View of Springfield Landing, Below Port Hudson, Louisiana--A Depot of Supplies for Banks's Army", "The Siege of Port Hudson--General Paine's Head-Quarters at Chambers's Sugar-House"…

NEW YORK TIMES, February 10, 1931

* George Eastman... guest of honor
* Kodak camera inventor - roll film

This 44 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 4 that include: "EASTMAN IS HONORED FOR GIFTS TO WORLD", "Hoover, Coolidge, Mussolini and Ortiz Rubio Join in Tribute to Philanthropist", "Two Nations Decorate Him", and more which includes a photo of Eastman (see images).

Other news of the day throughout. Light browning, otherwise in good condition.

wikipedia notes:…

Charles Dickens...

HARPER'S WEEKLY, Dec. 7, 1867 Five views of scenes on the Central Pacific R.R. Two illustrations 'Illicit Distillation of Liquors' in the South. Nice halfpg: 'Charles Dickens as He Appears When Reading' shows him on stage. 'Fullpg: 'Elephant Hunting in Africa'.
Complete in sixteen pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 2, 1911

This issue has a full, color cover before the front page. The front page of this issue is a photo of "On the Firing Line in Tripoli."

This issue is has an illustration of "The Opening of Congress" by Kemble and there is an article of "One Hundred Years of a Great Church" by John Hobart. There is also a page of "Art in Philadelphia" which is four illustrations done by artists that are now on display at the "Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine…

THE COUNTRY JOURNAL: OR THE CRAFTSMAN, London, Dec. 7, 1734  This was the leading anti-Walpole political journal of its time: Thomas Lockwood describes it as "the most successful political journal of the first half of the eighteenth century...". 
The stated purpose of the newspaper was to expose political craft--hence the title--but the overriding purpose was to unseat Robert Walpole as Chancellor, or as the new term of abuse called him, "Prime Minister".
Various news reports of the day with one…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, December 9, 1865  The full front page shows the: "Grand Reception of Lieutenant-General Grant at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, New York City".  Other full page prints inside include: "Lieutenant-General Ulysses S. Grant" and "Reception of Lieutenant General Grant at the Fifth Avenue Hotel--Guests in the Refreshment Room".
The doublepage centerfold is a nice Thomas Nast print with 7 scenes, titled: "National Thanksgiving". Other prints include: "The Chincha (or Guano)…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 13, 1892  Front full pg. illus. of "Military Tops in Action." Inside is a full pg. illus. of "The Van Rensselaer Manor House, Albany - Proposed as New York State Building at the Columbian Exposition." "Our Indian Contingent," includes six different works by Frederic Remington (see images for a few).
Full pg. illus. of "Curling at St. Paul, Minnesota." 1/4 pg. portrait of "Abraham Lincoln - From his First Photograph, Taken in Chicago in 1857." 1/4 pg.…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 9, 1876  Full front page Thomas Nast cartoon: 'A Box Stew; or, An Enviable Position'; Half page illustration of 'The Hon. Edwin D. Morgan'; Full page Thomas Nast cartoon: 'Governor Tilden's Democratic "Wolf (Gaunt and Hungry") and The Goat (Labor)'; Doublepage centerfold illustration: 'The Centennial, Interior Of Agricultural Hall'.; Full page illustration: 'The Centennial, The Regatta Course On The Schuylkill, Fairmont Park'.
Complete in 16 pages and…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, September 18, 1886  The front page of the issue contains a large illustration entitled "Jack Sprang Upon the Fellow, and Caught Him by the Throat" which accompanies a story "The World Went Very Well Then". Inside the issue is a very nice full page Thomas Nast print: "The Being That He Really Believes In".  A one-quarter page print of: 'Geronimo, The Captured Apache Chief' including an article on: 'Geronimo's Surrender'. Also on the same page is the article: "The New…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, June 9, 1866 Fullpg: "Burning of the N.Y. Academy of Music" shows firemen as well. Fullpg: "Gens. Steedman & Fullerton Conferring with the Freedmen at Trent River Settlement, opposite New Bern, North Carolina" and showing: "Negro Huts". "U.S. Steam Sloop of war 'Wampanoag' " "Gov. Thomas Swann of Maryland" "Col. William B. Thomas, collector of the port of Philadelphia" "Relics on a Battlefield"
Complete in 16 pages.

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, October 7, 1876  Full front page Thomas Nast political cartoon: '"Croppies, Lie Down"'; Full page scenes from The Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia; Half page: 'The Capture of Tweed--The Bay of Vigo, Spain, and Fort San Sebastian', with a very famous three-quarter page Thomas Nast cartoon  showing the print (seen by officials in Spain) which caused Tweed to be arrested, mistaking him for a child-stealer. Text on his capture as well.; Full page Thomas Nast…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, February 13, 1886 The front page features a full page illustration "That Garland Has Slipped - His Various Channels of Usefulness in Public Trust -- Are At An End!" by Thomas Nast. Within the issue is a full page illustration "The Chinese Highbinders in San Francisco" which is comprised of different illustrations. Dramatic dblpgctrfld: "A Snow-slide in the Rocky Mountains", a fullpg: "The Prisoners" shows a white man strapped to the ground with an Indian village in…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York,  April 23, 1870  The front cover features a 2/3 pg. illustration of "The Funeral of General Thomas-Depositing the Remains in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy" and has a related article.  A small portrait of "The Duke De Montpensier" and a 2/3 page illustration of "Irish Turf Carriers" with related articles are on one page. One-quarter page portrait of "Daniel M'Farland" and one-half page illustration of "First Day of the M'Farland Trial-Scene in the Court Room" comprise…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 11, 1865  The front page has prints of: "Hon. Charles Adams" and "Earl Russell" with articles on each. Prints within include: "Thomas Carlyle" "View of the Tobacco Exchange, Corner of Virginia and Cary Streets, Richmond, Virginia" "Interior of the Seabrook Tobacco Warehouse at Richmond, Virginia" "Residence of Lieutenant-General Grant's Father at Covington, Ky" "Execution of Champ Ferguson the Guerrilla at Nashville, Tennessee" "Governor James Wells of…

HARPER'S WEEKLY May 4, 1878  Front full page Thomas Nast illustration of "Giving U. S. Hail Columbia." Inside is a full page illustration of "Tramps and Their Ways." Full page Thomas Nast illustration of "The Tramp Period." Full page illustration of "Ree Indians Crossing the Missouri in Bull Boats." 2/3 page illustration of "Sketches of Russian People." Several illustration on a doublepage of "Ostrich Farming in South Africa."
Full page illustration of "Trust Betrayed - A Broken Savings…

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, November 11, 1882  The front page of the issue is comprised of a nice fullpage illustration 'A Fire at a New York Dock -- The River Fire Brigade at Work' which is a good view of a fire boat fighting a ship fire. Inside the issue is a three-quarter page 'The Burning of the Park Theatre'. The doublepage centerfold is of 'The New York Pension Agency' and three-quarter page 'The Dead Horse Festival' with 3 scenes. This issue also includes a story which features two…