Historic Newspapers: Search Results
*Uncommon EXTRA
Has political news of the day and some interesting advertisements plus a singlesheet Extra with various content. Small hole affects each leaf and the extra, stray writing in the outer margin of the first leaf, otherwise in good condition. Untrimmed. 4 pages.
1820 MASSACHUSETTS SPY Newspaper EXTRA
MASSACHUSETTS SPY EXTRA, Worcester, Oct. 11, 1820 Folio-size singlesheet containing some news, commentary and a committee report concerning the Worcester County Agricultural Societys Cattle Show.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 25, 1795 A handsome masthead with ornate lettering. Inside has reports from Salem, Rutland, Vermont; Charleston, Philadelphia, London & elsewhere. Four pages, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 14, 1785
* Paul Revere masthead engraving
* Post American Revolutionary War
The prime feature of this issue would be the masthead as half of it, that which includes the words "Massachusetts Spy", was engraved by the famed Paul Revere. Revere created the masthead designs for just a few newspapers in the Boston area, this being one of them. And this newspaper was published by Isaiah Thomas, arguably the most famous printer during this…
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…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5, 1800
* Eulogy on the death of George Washington
* Turn of the 19th century originals
A pair of consecutive newspapers from shortly after the death of George Washington.
The front page of Jan. 29 has nearly two column taken up with: "Judge Minot's Eulogy On Gen. George Washington, Delivered before the Inhabitants of the town of Boston" which continues to page 2, then concludes by taking over two-thirds of the front page of the…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 17, 1799
* "Declaration of Independence" anniversary
* Fourth - 4th of July celebration
The front page has: "Celebration of the Fourth of July" at Worcester, followed by the celebrations at New Salem, Lancaster & Petersham.
The back page has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government & Laws, in…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 27, 1803
* President Thomas Jefferson
* re. the Louisiana Purchase
Page 2 contains: "Washington - By the President of the United States of America. A PROCLAMATION" calling for convening Congress about the Louisiana Purchase, signed: Thomas Jefferson. Immediately following is: "Feature Of The Treaty" with the details of purchasing Louisiana from France.
Four pages, a few very discrete archival mends, nice condition.
Background: The publication…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY & WORCESTER ADVERTISER, Dec. 10, 1823
* James - Monroe Doctrine
* State of the Union Address
Pages 2 and 3 contain the "MESSAGE" being James Monroe's annual address to Congress.
Part of his message contains the historic language warning European powers not to get involved in any affairs in the western hemisphere. Notable within this text, near the beginning is "...as a principle in which the rights and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents,…
* Extremely rare publication w/ Paul Revere
* Pre American Revolutionary War era
* "Join or Die" snake issue masthead
It would be difficult to properly place both the scarcity and desirability of this newspaper in the context of American history. This issue has the famous "Join Or Die" engraving stretching across the masthead.
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 12, 1820
* Construction of the Erie Canal
A page 2 report notes: "The Great Canal in New-York is fast progressing...The whole expense is estimated at nearly five million dollars. The distance will be upwards of 350 miles--the rise and fall of water in the...rivers and creeks, about 661 feet...will require 77 locks. Lake Erie is 564 feet higher than the Hudson."
Completed in 1825, the canal was the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 10, 1799
* President John Adams famous letter
* 4th of July - American Independence
Page 3 has a printing of one of the more historic letters ever written concerning America's independence, being the letter signed in type by: John Adams, dated "Philadelphia, July 5, 1776".
It begins: "Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which was ever debated in America; and greater perhaps, never was, or will be, decided among men. A resolution…
Item from last month's catalog - #366 - released for May, 2026
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 11, 1812 Over 1 1/2 columns on the front page contain: "Copies of Letters from Major General Van Rennselaer...to Major General Dearborn...". Over half of page 2 (and a bit of pg. 3) are taken up with the "President's Message" to Congress in which he reports much on the War of 1812. It is signed in type: James Madison.
Also inside: "Another Gallant Achievement" "Battle Of Queenstown" "Important!" and other items.
Four pages, never bound nor…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, & WORCESTER COUNTY ADVERTISER, Worcester, Massachusetts, July 8, 1829
* Lacing clothes too tight causes death ?
Page 2 has a report about the death of a "colored woman" from New York who died suddenly while ironing clothes. An inquest was held and a physician examined the body. It was determined by the physician
* ...that the deceased had been in the habit of tight lacing to such a degree as to force the liver from its natural seat
Other news of the day with…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, & WORCESTER COUNTY ADVERTISER, Worcester, Massachusetts, July 7, 1830
* Bizarre
* Married couple born and died on the same date
Among the page 3 obituaries under "Died" is one that reads: "At Marie, near Quebec, June 9, Nouvelle Beauce Jacques Gagne, and Magsaline Morin, his wife, both 77 years old. These two persons were born the same day, baptized the same, made their first communion the same day, died and were buried the same day."
Other news of the day with…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Worcester, Massachusetts, June 13, 1798
* President John Adams
* 18th century American title
Part of the front page has "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress", carrying over to page 2. Pg. 2 has a lengthy: "Speech" to the Mass. Legislature signed in type by the governor: Increase Sumner. Pg. 3 has a brief mention that: "It is reported that Governor Jackson, of Georgia, has been killed in a duel with Mr. Seagrove." Also documents…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, & WORCESTER COUNTY ADVERTISER, Worcester, Massachusetts, February 17, 1830
* No smoking law in the early 19th century?
Page 3 has a report about the Pennsylvania Legislature: "A standing rule was adopted in the House of Representatives at Harrisburg...forbidding smoking, either in the hall or the adjoining rooms. The vote stood, ayes 61, noes 33. A motion was made to include snuffing and chewing which failed".
Other news of the day with many ads. Large areas of lite…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, & WORCESTER COUNTY ADVERTISER, from Worcester, Massachusetts, dated May 26, 1830
* Wesleyan University site selected
Page 3 has a report from the New Haven Herald: "Methodist College. We understand that the committee appointed to determine the location of the collegiate institution about to be established under the patronage of the New England Methodist Conference, have fixed upon Middletown for its establishment. The buildings lately occupied by Partridge's Military…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR, THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 13, 1791
* Massachusetts Governor John Hancock
Page 3 has a report concerning the collection of taxes, signed in type by the governor: John Hancock. Page 2 has a report on the: "Indian Expedition" of General Wilkinson.
Four pages, handsome & decorative masthead, great condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 19, 1799
* Increase Sumner death
* Massachusetts governor
The front page has: "On Matrimony". Page 3 has a black-bordered report on the death & funeral of Mass. Governor Increase Sumner including the "Order Of Procession" and the position of "The Corpse" with the pallbearers, etc.
The back page has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its…
* Troy New York census
* Paul Revere ad
* 1829 Worcester Massachusetts
A pg. 3 item says: A late census of the city of Troy, Rennsselaer county, (N.Y.) on the Hudson...opposite Albany, represents the population at 11,112....In 1825 the population was 7879. A back page ad for The Revere Cooper Company has a woodcut of a bell and two cannon barrels. Other news of the day includes: "Franklin's Discoveries" "Dreadful Calamity" and more.
THE ESSEX JOURNAL & NEW HAMPSHIRE PACKET, Newburyport, Massachusetts, March 1, 1776 There were but a few masthead engravings of the 18th century which were created by Paul Revere. The "Massachusetts Spy" is perhaps the most famous, plus there is the engraving in the "Boston Gazette" as well, with these two newspapers being among the most common, in a relative sense. But even these are quite rare.
Revere also created the masthead for the Essex Journal, very few examples of which are found on…
Item from our most recent catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 5, 1797
* Nice 18th century American publication
* President John Adams proclamation
The front page has reports from the: "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress". Page 3 has: "A Proclamation" concerning a need to convene Congress, signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 15, 1795 Evidence of how controversial the Jay Treaty with England was, page 3 has a report noting in part: "...about noon...the 4th...a number of people collected together and daringly attempted to burn, in effigy, our late minister J. Jay, together with the treaty...".
Also a lengthy listing of the ceremonial parade for the laying of the corner stone for the New State House in Mass.
Four pages, small wear hole at the fold junctures…
(5) Five very early 19th century American newspapers: United States' Gazette, Nov. 27, 1809; Massachusetts Spy, June 15, 1808; Boston Gazette, May 16, 1805; Independent Chronicle, Nov. 23,1807; and New York Herald, Nov. 19, 1803. All five are good "newsy" newspapers of folio size, 4 pages, some margin tears, generally good condition. A nice set of five different, early newspapers.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 10, 1798 Page 2 has an: "Address" prefaced with: "Among the numerous addresses presented to the President few, if any, have been better expressed than the following." signed: James Oliver. This is followed by the President's reply signed: John Adams.
Four pages, two very discrete archival mends inside, great condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 2, 1798
* 18th century American publication
The back page has an: "Address to the President" from the merchants & traders of Philadelphia, with his response signed in type: John Adams.
Four pages, good condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, April 21, 1813 Among reports within on the War of 1812: "Blockading Squadron" "Madison & A Navy" "Trouble in the Camp" "British Watering Place" "Lewiston Safe" "Further Particulars"; a letter from "Urbanna" with military activities; other items.
Four pages, handsome masthead, scattered foxing and light staining, good condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Nov. 10, 1813 Among reports within on the War of 1812: "Events of The War - On the Canada Frontier" "Indian Allies" "Fleets On Lake Champlain" "General Hampton's Army" "West-Florida" "The Enemy Based in North Carolina" and a bit more.
Four pages, two ink stains on the back leaf, generally good condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 29, 1813 Among reports within on the War of 1812: "Lower Canada" "The Essex Frigate" being a lengthy letter from its commander: D. Porter; "Embargo" "Fort George" and a few other items.
Four pages, handsome masthead, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Feb. 2, 1814 Among reports within are: "Tribute To Patriotism" "New Army Bill" "Five Hundred Dollars For Apprehending Traitors" and a few other war-related items.
Four pages, handsome masthead, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Feb. 9, 1814 The front page has: "The Road To Ruin - Mr. Madison's Doctrine of Retaliation" which carries over to page 2.
Among reports within are: "Singular Punishment" "Military Requisition" "Frontier Reports"; reports from Utica and Herkimer regarding the War of 1812; "Riflemen".
Four pages, handsome masthead, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 22, 1814
* Battle of Big Sandy Creek
* U.S. troops & Oneida Indians
Among reports within are "From Canada - British Account of the Affair at Sandy Bay" "Our Turn At Last" "Launch" which is a report of a failed launch of a new 74 gun ship; "Fourth of July" and several small tidbits relating to the War of 1812.
Four pages, handsome masthead, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 1, 1800
* Turn of the 19th century
* Nice issue for display
A wonderful masthead makes this a displayable issue.
Page 3 has over a full column report from Paris: "American Envoys - State of the Negotiation Between France and America". This is over the XYZ Affair, a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. Negotiators restored peace with the…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY; OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Boston, Dec. 22, 1791
* St. Clair's Defeat - Northwest Territory
* Battle of the Wabash River
* Native American victory
This is one of the best issues we have seen on the historic Battle of the Wabash, This was a tragic event in America's early military history, in which the American Army with 1,400 soldiers were swiftly devastated by an American Indian alliance of 1,500 warriors from nine different tribes.
Pages 2 and 3 have a…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, January 1, 1800
* George Washington death
* Historic & Highly sought item
This is one of the better issues to be had on the death & funeral of George Washington.
All columns and margins on pages 1, 2 & 3 have wide, black mourning rules. Page 4 has mourning rules at the top and bottom. The front page begins with a report headed with an engraving of a funeral urn above which is: "Testimonials of National Sorrow!" and beneath it: "On…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 26, 1799 The front page has an interesting: "Valuable Nautical Invention" noting: "A new Sea Log has lately been invented by Messrs. Chester & Calvin Gould for which they have received Letters Patent..." with details.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic Wars, including: "From Buonaparte in Egypt" and a: "Letter from Buonaparte - Army of the East" which is signed in type: Buonaparte. Page 3 has two "Once Cent Reward" ads for runaways.
The back…
Item from our most recent catalog - #367 - released for June, 2026
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 7, 1799 Most of the front page is taken up with: "Robespierre--The Detested", the famous name from the French Revolution.
A page 2 item from Pittsburgh has: "A new brig, the property of the United States, called President Adams, was launched on Rouge River, six miles from Detroit...She carries 18 guns & is remarkably handsome and well built."
Four pages, handsome masthead, very nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 11, 1799 Inside has much on the war in Europe including: "Army of Italy" "Army of the Danube" and other datelines from Vienna, Zurich, London, etc.
Page 3 has: "Latest News of Buonaparte in Egypt" which includes: "...Buonaparte has lost the confidence of his army, who are very discontented...". Also: "The Grand Fleets" which begins: "Captain Preble has arrived since out last, from Malaga and Gibraltar..." with more on his movements.
…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 9, 1799 P
* Alexander Hamilton during Quasi-War
age 3 has a report concerning the construction of a light house at Shell Castle and at Cape Hatteras. Also reports from New York, Pittsfield, Worcester, Boston and Lexington.
The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mentioning that: "All officers...who are...absent from their commands are required...to report themselves by letter to Major General ALEXANDER HAMILTON..." with a…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Oct. 16, 1799 The back page has a nice "War Department" notice mention that: "All officers...who are...absent from their commands are required...to report themselves by letter to Major General ALEXANDER HAMILTON..." with a bit more. This is the Alexander Hamilton who served again in the military during the Quasi War.
Four pages, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Aug. 19, 1795
* President George Washington
* Concerns over the Jay Treaty
Page 3 has the: "Answer" of the President to the concerns of the Selectmen of Boston over the controversial Jay Treaty, signed in type: George Washington.
Page 3 also has a report of a: "Negro Insurrection" in North Carolina.
Four pages, light damp stains, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, July 29, 1795
* 18th century America
* re. John Jay Treaty
Almost all of the front page is taken up with critical articles on the controversial Jay Treaty with England, designed by Alexander Hamilton, headed: "Candid Remarks on the Treaty of Amity & Commerce Between Great Britain and the United States of America". Also: "Proceedings of the Inhabitants of New York Relative to the Treaty". Also an address: "To George Washington,…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, Sept. 30, 1795
* President George Washington letter
* Norfolk, Virginia & the Jay Treaty
Page 3 has: "The President's Answer to the Address of the Citizens of Norfolk" which concerns the Jay Treaty. It is signed in type: George Washington.
Four pages, light damp stains, nice condition.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, June 5, 1799
* From the year of George Washington's death
Page 2 has a letter from Lord Nelson to his wife. Page 3 also has a very nice recruitment ad for the military headed: "ATTENTION ! " "To all who properly estimate the Independence of America, love its Constitution, and are willing to defend its Government & Laws, in the station of Soldiers, an opportunity now presents." following which are the enticements for joining the…
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, Dec. 4, 1799
* 18th century American original
This issue was printed less just ten days before the death of George Washington.
Inside has much on the Napoleonic War, including a back page article: "Buonaparte's Retreat from Syria". Page 3 has a detailed ad for: "Forty Dollars Reward" for deserted soldiers.
Four pages, minor foxing, nice condition.
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…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, dated Aug. 29, 1804. Click on the camera below to see the interesting page 2 article headed: "Counterfeit Bank Notes" with a brief article on this problem in Virginia. An early item and great to have in a period newspaper. Scattered foxing throughout, 4 pages, minimal edge wear, generally good.
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR THE WORCESTER GAZETTE, August 26, 1795
* First Bank of the United States creation
* Construction in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Page 3 has a very notable report, headed: "Description o the Bank of the United States, Now Erecting in Third St., from a Design by Mr. S. Blodget". It would be finished in 1797.
This building, The First National Bank, still stands and is a National Historic Landmark.
Four pages, light damp stains, minor loss at a lower corner,…
MASSACHUSETTS SPY, OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, May 12, 1819 Pg. 2 has: Gens. Jackson And Scott which includes letters signed in type by each general concerning a misunderstanding from 1817. Pg. 3 has a related letter signed in type: De Witt Clinton. Other news of the day includes: "Artic Discoveries" "The Senate" "Hints For The Season" and more. Several interesting advertisements as well. Minor edge wear, some foxing.
If you are searching for a newspaper from a specific date, please note that we have a vast selection available for purchase by using the date picker on our gifts and birthday newspapers page.