Historic Newspapers: Search Results

* Lot of 3 issues
* Revolutionary War Era

Three Revolutionary War era newspapers from England but I find no content concerning the War worthy of being written up. Sold as a group of three issues offering a flavor of reporting from the war period. Two are the London Chronicle of May 29 and January 16, 1779; the third is The York Courant of February 15, 1780. All are complete, nice condition, & the Courant is folio size.

THE LONDON EVENING POST, Feb. 20, 1779

* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy

Newspapers from England during the time of the Revolutionary War are always interesting as they give a sense as to life at that time and what political discussions were the "hot topic" of the day.
I could find no "meaty" references to the Revolutionary War in this issue.
A very nice issue from the middle of the Revolutionary War. Complete with 4 pages, minor margin wear, a few…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Aug. 26, 1779  

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Page 3 has a: "...letter from an officer of distinction to the honorable Major-General Gates..." which begins: "I am happy to have the pleasure to again congratulate you on the success of our arms. His Excellency having formed a plan…

STORY & HUMPHREYS'S PENNSYLVANIA MERCURY & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, October 6, 1775 

* Battle of Bunker Hill
* Revolutionary War
* Very rare publication

Certainly one of the more scarce titles from during the Revolutionary War. This is the volume 1 number 27 issue of a newspaper that existed only from April 7 to December 22, 1775, publishing a total of just 38 issues. Brigham notes that only two American institutions have this date.
The interesting engraving in the masthead…

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 CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Nov. 19, 1778  Page 2 has over half a column concerning the historic duel between Generals Robert Howe and Gadsden, bot notable figures in the Revolutionary War.
The duel stemmed from a dispute over command of Continental troops in South Carolina. Gadsden, a local hero, had taken command during Howe's absence, and when Howe returned, Gadsden questioned the terms of his recall and argued for retaining command. The situation escalated into a…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Aug. 23, 1779 

* Rare Revolutionary War era title

Although from during the midst of the Revolutionary War this issue has no war-related content. All the content is European in nature. Complete in 4 pages, folio size, some period notations in ads & their margins, very nice condition.

THE UNITED STATES MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, June, 1779 

* The only American magazine that published during the heart of the Revolutionary War

In the entirety of the Revolutionary War only two American magazines existed, they being this one and the "Pennsylvania Magazine" which published in Philadelphia as well, from January, 1775 thru July, 1776.
The "United States Magazine" was the only American magazine that published during the heart of the war and lasted but one year from January thru…

THE NORWICH PACKET of the CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Connecticut, Dec. 10, 1783  

* Historic Treaty of Paris (peace)
* End of the Revolutionary War

This must rank among the more beautiful mastheads of the 18th century with the handsome engraving of the ship.
Taking almost all of page 3 is perhaps the most significant document of the Revolutionary War era, being the complete text of the Treaty of Paris ending the war, formally headed at the top of the first column: "The Definitive Treaty…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1780 

* American Revolutionary War
* From the enemy

A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as there is very little American content in this issue. Just one report in the "Historical Chronicle" with two items: "There have been no material advices from America that can be rely'd on. A vague report...that two French ships...had been drove ashore between the Capes of Virginia, & that the…

THE CONNECTICUT JOURNAL, New Haven, Jan. 19, 1780 

* American Revolutionary War
* Rare single sheet issue

Most of the front page is taken up with a document concerning relations between Holland and England. The back page has a document from D. Diego Joseph Navarro, governor of Cuba., regarding declaring war against Great Britain (see). The back page also has an item from Congress concerning a lottery, and concerning pay for certain officers (see).
Complete as a single sheet newspaper…

THE TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE, London, May, 1776  

* Pre Declaration of Independence 
* American Revolutionary War

Certainly one of the less common titles from the Revolutionary War, but a format & layout much like the more common 'Gentleman's Magazine".
Over 4 pages are taken up with a continued article: "The Present State of America" which includes "Religion & Civil Government of New England" "The Different Governments in North America Explained" & "Different Provinces of New England" with…

Events in Charlestown, SC - pre-Battle of Alamance...

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, June, 1771  Near the back is a full page headed "American Affairs" which includes: "Charles-Town, May 8. The General Assembly of the province of Georgia, met at Savannah on the 23d past. On the 24th the new elected Commons House of Assembly unanimously re-chose the Hon. Noble Wimberly Jones, Esq; for their Speaker; but he being disapproved of by the Governor, they, the same day, unanimously chose Archibald Bullock, Esq;...". This event was instrumental in what…

EXTRA SUPPLEMENT TO THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, March 2, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
An unusual "Extra" edition, with the entire front page taken up with a report from the "House of Lords" concerning the American Revolutionary War, bits including: "...he would  sell his shirt off…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1783 

* Closing events of the Revolutionary War

Eighteen pages are taken up with "Summary of Proceedings in the 3rd Session of the Present Parliament" which include  discussion on concluding events with the war in America, including: "...With respect to America, parliament had left little for ministers to do in negociating a peace with that country..." and further on is more detailed discussion of the provisional treaty of peace for ending the Revolutionary…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, February 14, 1778  

* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America

This was a strongly Tory (supportive of the British cause) newspaper which began in 1775 and closed shop in May of 1778 when the British evacuated Philadelphia.
The entire front page is taken up with ads, one of which is for the printing of: "Common Sense".
Page 2 has numerous reports which relate to the Revolutionary War, bits…

THE MORNING POST & DAILY ADVERTISER, London, June 9, 1783 

* General George Washington letter
* Announcing the end of hostilities
* American Revolutionary War ending

Certainly the most significant content takes almost an entire column of page 3, which has George Washington's letter announcing a cessation of hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
It is prefaced with a note stating: "The following is a copy of the Orders issued by General Washington to his troops on the arrival of the…

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, May 7, 1779 

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781. This issue is volume 1, number 8.
Inside has a report from Charleston beginning: "Five deserters who came last week to Purysburgh [Purryisburg] informed that the British troops were moving down the country to Savannah...a body of them …

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, April 29, 1783 

* American Revolutionary War - closing events

The front page has some reports concerning the negotiations for a treaty of peace to end the Revolutionary War. Also reports headed: "America" which carry over to page 2 concerning various events in America, one bit noting: "...In January last, Col. Willet, with about 600 men...set out from Albany on an expedition up the Mohawk River on purpose to surprize & reduce the British post at…

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, February 15, 1783 

* End of Revolutionary War
* King George III proclamation
* The cessation of hostilities

Certainly the prime--and very historic--content takes over one-third of the back page, headed: "By the KING, A PROCLAMATION Declaring the Cessation of Arms, as well by sea as land, Agreed Upon Between his Majesty's the most Christian King, the King of Spain, the States General of  the United Provinces, and the United States of America...".
This is…

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…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, Dec. 3, 1782  

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

Page 3 has an article headed: "AMERICA" "The Petition of the Merchants & other Citizens of Charlestown [Charleston]...entered into commercial engagements since...1780...together with his answers thereto, dated Head-Quarters, Charlestown, Aug. 10, 1782" the text taking a full column.
Page 4 has a report from Boston that begins: "We now feel more than ever, that nothing can be more…

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 PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL & THE WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Dec. 17, 1783  

* American victory in the Revolutionary War
* George Washington and Nathanael Greene

This is certainly one of the more displayable newspapers of the Revolutionary War era with this quite large & decorative engraving in the masthead.
Page 2 includes a letter of congratulations to Major-General Nathaniel Greene by the people of Newport, R.I., for his heroic effort during the war, followed by his response…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1780  A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as there is very little American content in this issue.
Just one report in the "Historical Chronicle" with two items: "There have been no material advices from America that can be rely'd on. A vague report...that two French ships...had been drove ashore between the Capes of Virginia, & that the loyalists had got possession of them..." and the other…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1780  A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as there is very little American content in this issue. Just one report in the "Historical Chronicle" with two items: "There have been no material advices from America that can be rely'd on. A vague report...that two French ships...had been drove ashore between the Capes of Virginia, & that the loyalists had got possession of them..." and the other…

THE KENTISH GAZETTE, Canterbury, England, 1780  This is one of the more decorative & displayable mastheads from the Revolutionary War era to be had. Note the ornate lettering and the engravings on either side of the masthead. The issue is complete in 4 pages, is folio size, has mostly ads on the front page with various news on the inside pages. There are some very minor references to the Revolutionary War with nothing significant to note. There is some browning and some minor repairs but…

THE LONDON GAZETTE, England, June 23-27, 1778  A  very notable issue reporting a significant naval event in the Revolutionary War. The front page & nearly half of pg. 2 are taken up with letters headed: "Victory, at Sea" which give details of the naval battle between the Belle Poule and Arethusa, being the first naval battle between the British and new American allies the French, in the Revolutionary War.
Significant not only to have this report in a British newspaper, but on the front page.
…

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…

THE GENERAL EVENING POST, London, May 6, 1783  As might be expected the news reports are almost entirely European, just the end of the Revolutionary War. No war-related reports are within.
Four pages, good condition.

DREWRY'S DERBY MERCURY, England, Dec. 5, 1782 

* Revolutionary War ending

Page 2 has a report concerning Guatemala which mentions: "Captain John Campbell of the Wanks River District, who had collected 150 able Negroes for the purpose of harassing the Spanish garrison..." with much more on this, & followed by the; "Articles of Capitulation proposed by Don Thomas Julia....Guatemala...and Major James Lowrie, His Majesty's superintendent of the Indians & Mosquito Shore." There is also a…

THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER, Philadelphia, Sept. 28, 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 front page has an ad for the desertion of two soldiers from military service, with details. Page 2 begins with a report noting: "General Lee writes from Purrysburg...that…

THE WESTMINSTER MAGAZINE, London, England, February, 1778  

* American Revolutionary War era
* Very rare political cartoon illustration

The prime feature of this issue is a great full page plate which is a political cartoon concerning England as it relates to the American colonies (click here to see a high-resolution photo of the cartoon).
A page has an: "Explanation of the Political Print--A Picturesque View of the State of the Nation", while an auction hall has a better…

THE SALEM GAZETTE, Massachusetts, Oct. 17, 1782 

* American Revolutionary War
* Closing events in U.S. publication

Page 2 has a letter from Amsterdam which begins: "The happy moment having at last arrived when America's independence was acknowledged by our States..." with more.
Elsewhere is: "A Charlestown paper of the 27th of July last gives an account of the evacuation of Savannah..." and also: "...although the Indians have been much more quiet lately than for some time before, yet…

THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 15, 1781 

* Rare American Revolutionary War publication

The front page has a brief item: "The American spy, mentioned a few days since, is taken at Harwich and will be examined before the Privy-Council. Many papers were found upon his person, touching a treasonable correspondence."
The front page also has some items from the war including the mention of  the British capturing a ship off the capes of Virginia, plus quantities…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 24, 1777  Page 2 has a few reports concerning the Revolutionary War including: "From Connecticut that the jail in that colony are filled with loyal Americans who are treated in the most barbarous manner. Some are chained on their backs to the floor & others so loaded with irons that they can hardly walk...General Lee has a good room in New York, has six or seven dishes on his table every day...He talks freely about his confederates the rebels &…

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 CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, August 14, 1781  

* Battle of Green Spring
* James County, Virginia
* American Revolutionary War

The front page has news from captured correspondence including: "The revolt of the Pennsylvania line & Jersey brigade...are certainly events of very great importance, & must have very extensive effects both in reducing Washington's present force & preventing its being recruited by new levies..." and: "...I flatter myself the southern…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1779  A fine opportunity to purchase a magazine from during the Revolutionary War at a reasonable price, as I 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 of Rhode Island called for is typically found in…

THE PROVIDENCE GAZETTE and COUNTRY JOURNAL, Rhode Island, Feb. 14, 1778  

* American Revolutionary War
* Battle of Brandywine & more

Almost the entire front page is taken up with a report on the treatment of American captures by the British, with considerable detail.
It begins: "The following is an account of the treatment that the Continental officers, taken in the frigates Hancock and Fox, and lately returned from a six months imprisonment, met with at Halifax...". Much detail.
Page…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, Jan. 18, 1777  Half of page 2 is taken up with reports concerning the Revolutionary War, a few of the reports noting: "...has been reported that they contain private advices that Philadelphia was in possession of the King's troops. A report...that the provincial Congress at Boston has made proposals to the King's commissioners of returning to their allegiance, which have been accepted....The Congress have lost their authority; they ordered all the militia…

THE EDINBURGH ADVERTISER, Scotland, March 9, 1781

* Uncommon title

A nice newspaper from the closing months of the Revolutionary War, however I find no American content. All the news reports seem to be European in focus. Many ads as well.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4 inches, nice condition.

ARIS'S BIRMINGHAM GAZETTE, England, April 16, 1781  Page 2 has mention of the noted John Paul Jones, with: "Paul Jones arrived at Philadelphia the first of March with only a single frigate. It is said he brought some very important news which had not transpired..." and further on is a note from St. Eustatia: "The Americans that fled to the woods & attempted to make a stand were the crews of the American vessels & consisted of near 200; they have all been taken & sent on board the men of war;…

EDINBURGH EVENING COURANT, Scotland, May 24, 1779  Page 2 has lengthy reporting from the "House of Commons" which includes much discussion concerning the Revolutionary War including an examination of the Conduct of Sir William Howe when commanding in America. Page 3 also has some American content, including: "...was declared in the House of Commons that there can be no success in America while Lord George Germaine continues Secretary for the American Department..." and also: "Sir William Howe…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, May, 1779  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 of Rhode Island called for is typically found in the…

THE LONDON COURANT AND WESTMINSTER CHRONICLE, London, 1780  Two engravings in the masthead make this a decorative newspaper. Various news of the day and a wealth of ads. From the Revolutionary War era, but I don't notice any America-related content.
Folio-size, 4 pages, red-inked tax stamp, irregular & partially loose at the spine, otherwise in rather nice condition. Note that the photo is "generic" and the issue you get will not have these specific photos or be of this specific date but will…

THE DAILY ADVERTISER, London, England, 1772  A nice four page newspaper, which as the name would suggest, is mostly taken up with advertisements, offering an interesting glimpse into life from just before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. Some news items on the front page as well.
Folio-size, four page, nice condition. Note that the photo is "generic" and the issue you get will not have these specific photos or be of this specific date but will have the format as shown.