Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Feb. 12, 1756 

* Rare Benjamin Franklin publication
* Early Colonel George Washington
* French and Indian War officer

A fine Ben Franklin issue from the French & Indian War period, which includes what we believe is the earliest mention of George Washington we have found in an American newspaper. He was a colonel in the Virginia militia at that time: "Last week Colonel Washington arrived here [Phila.] from Virginia; as did the honorable Chief…

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, Oct. 4, 1753

* The iconic Benjamin Franklin newspaper

A quite early colonial newspaper published by none other than Benjamin Franklin, although the "advertising leaf" which appeared with this issue, and upon which was the imprint of "B. Franklin", is not here as it was typically not bound with the issue since it carried only ads.
This issue is from before the French & Indian War and all the oppressive Acts of Parliament of the 1760's and 1770's…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 24, 1790  

* Benjamin Franklin death (1ST REPORT)

Our records indicate it has been over 12 years since we have been able to offer a newspaper with some report on the death or funeral of Ben Franklin. Such issues have been very elusive.
The back page has a very notable--and early--report headed datelined at "Philadelphia, April 20, 1790" beginning: "Died on Saturday night, in the 85th year of his age, the illustrious BENJAMIN FRANKLIN of this…

One of the earliest appearances...

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1787 

* Benjamin Franklin - Morals of Chess
* re. U.S. Constitution - George Washington

The most notable content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals Of Chess, By Dr. Franklin of Philadelphia", which takes nearly two pages. The article begins: "The game of chess is not merely an idle amusement; several very valuable qualities of the mind, useful in the course of human life are to be acquired & strengthened by it..." with much, much more.…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, April, 1768 

* Ben Franklin letter regarding the poor
* Engraving of Pascal Paoli of Corsica

Taking nearly two pages (156-157) is a letter: "Hardheartedness to the Poor Considered" which was written by Ben Franklin specifically for this publication. As was typical of Franklin, it was signed using one of his many pseudonyms: "Medius". This was one of the most detailed letters Franklin had written devoted to the care of the poor. Portions are quoted in…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790

* Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
* Early report from his hometown

Certainly the most notable report is the death of the revered Ben Franklin. At the back of the issue, in "The Gazette" section, is a report that: "On the 17th of April, departed this life, at Philadelphia, the venerable & celebrated Philosopher and Patriot, His Excellency Benjamin Franklin..." with some particulars on the funeral procession. This is a very early…

THE COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, Dec. 25, 1790  

* President George Washington
* re. State of the Union Address
* United States Congress reaction
* re. death of Benjamin Franklin

The front page begins with the Senate's response to Washington's state-of-the-union address, followed by his response signed in script type: George Washington. This is then followed by the House of Representatives' response to Washington's address, & again followed by Washington's response to them signed in…

THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, March 30, 1776  

* American Revolutionary War 
* Great year to have (1776)
* Benjamin Franklin song 

The front page begins with a wonderful letter beginning; "The Ministry have boasted much of their regular, their disciplined troops, which they fancied capable of beating all the irregulars in the world. One would wonder how men of any attention to what has passed, could deceive themselves into such an opinion when so many facts, within the…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE OR MONTHLY MUSEUM, Boston, September, 1789  

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

The first article takes over a full page and is titled: "Description of Charles River Bridge". The plate called for is not present.
Other articles include: "Marriage Ceremonies Among the Tschouwasches, a Finnish Nation"; the conclusion to the article: "The Way to Wealth" signed in type: Richard Saunders (pen name of Benjamin Franklin); a full page: "Letter from Dr. Franklin to

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Aug. 25, 1790 

* Death of Benjamin Franklin 
* President George Washington
* John Adams & Thomas Jefferson

 Page 2 has an item from the National Assembly of France which begins: "M. Mirabeau rose, & made a funeral panegyric on Dr. Franklin. 'Franklin is dead--the man who emancipated America--the Sage who was the ornament of the two worlds..." with more.
Page 3 contains "An Act Authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to finish the Light House on Portland

THE PENNSYLVANIA GAZETTE, Philadelphia, July 19, 1753

* Most famous of newspapers
* Benjamin Franklin (very rare)

In the imprint at the bottom of the back page is the much desired Benjamin Franklin imprint, noted as: "Printed By B. FRANKLIN, Post-Master, and D. HALL at the New Printing Office, near the Market". Franklin would later dissolve his involvement with this newspaper he made famous, and his name no longer appeared in the imprint after 1765.
This issue is from before the French…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 19, 1790  

* Benjamin Franklin death funeral - eulogy 

The entire front page and most of page 2 are taken up with lengthy & very detailed discussion on: "Congress - House of Representatives" on the report of the Secretary of the Treasury.
Page 2 has two-thirds of a column headed: "Notices Of Dr. Franklin" which reads like a eulogy on him, having died just the previous month. A few bits note: "...is astonishing how the whole city was moved--His…

THE INDEPENDENT GAZETTEER; OR THE CHRONICLE OF FREEDOM, Philadelphia, Aug. 9, 1783  

* American Revolutionary War
* Ending events towards peace 
* Benjamin Franklin as a diplomat 

Page 2 has over half a column is taken up with: "The Address of the Citizens of Philadelphia & the Liberties thereof, to his Excellency the President and Congress of the United States". This address deals with the end of the war with England, one small bit noting: "...we beg leave to assure Congress of the affection of…

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, Sept., 1790 

* Benjamin Franklin letters
* Dangerous lightning deaths

A nice issue with a full title/contents page with an embellishment at the top.

Included within are two item by Ben Franklin: "Letter on the Death of Persons Struck with Lightning--by Dr. Franklin" and "Extracts of Letters form Dr. Franklin to Monsieur Dubourg, the French Translator of his Works" .

The back page has an "Anecdote of Paul Jones" being the famed John Paul Jones. 
…

THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, January, 1792   

* Benjamin Franklin's will 

The bulk of the issue is taken up with a wide range of eclectic articles as noted on the full title/contents page.
The issue begins with: "Extracts from Dr. Franklin's Will" which takes over a full page and provides many details on various beneficiaries.
Also within: "Thoughts on Dueling" "The Child Trained up for the Gallows" "A Description of the Dismal Swamp in Virginia" "The Distresses of a Frontier Inhabitant"…

THE MARYLAND GAZETTE, Annapolis, March 13, 1755  

* Very rare & early American publication

A very scarce and early newspaper from the early period of the French & Indian War. Rarely are we able to offer Maryland newspapers from such an early year.
Page 2 has a report from Halifax, Nova Scotia, that: "...they are building two new batteries upon the beach...That the three gun battery at the South End is to be greatly enlarged and more cannon added to it...".
Also: "...have advice that…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, September 4, 1759  

* "Political Aphorisms...", by Benjamin Franklin (?)

The first and a portion of the second column on page 7 has "Political Aphorisms concerning Population", signed "F", which has recently been attributed to Ben Franklin (see Swann Auctions for more information).
Another London Chronicle from 10 days later, which also has the identical signature "F", was attributed by Ford, 605 in a Bonhams' auction in 2009.
Eight pages, 8 1/2 by 11 1/4…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 29, 1790  

* President George Washington
* Two acts of United States Congress
* Benjamin Franklin's will after death

On page 3 beneath a woodcut of an eagle and shield are: "Laws Of The United States Published By Authority" containing: "An Act to prescribe the mode in which the public Acts, Records, and Judicial Proceedings in each state...", signed in type: John Adams, George Washington & Thomas Jefferson, plus a second Act concerning…

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, April, 1792 

* Benjamin Franklin - morals of chess

By far the most significant content is the historic/collectible essay: "The Morals of Chess. By Dr. Franklin", which takes 2 1/2 pages. Note: This essay was first printed in the Columbian Magazine in the Dec. 1786 issue. Regardless, this contemporary printing is among the few publications which printed the essay which is highly desirable among those who collect items related to the history of chess.…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, May 26, 1790  Given the death of Ben Franklin just the month prior, it is not surprising that page 3 includes a poem titled: "Dr. Franklin".
Pages 2 & 3 contain various discussions from "Congress".  Also included is part of one of John Adams' Discourses on Davila (#VII), which was concluded in the following issue.
Four pages, nice condition.

THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 9, 1779  

* Very rare American Revolutionary War publication
* Lengthy letter from Benjamin Franklin

A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
The entire front page and a bit of the back page are taken up with a very lengthy: "Address To the Inhabitants of Ireland", signed in type at its conclusion: B. Franklin. Versailles, October 4,…

THE WORLD, London, Nov. 4, 1791  Page 2 has a brief item: "Greater jealousies than ever subsist between the French, Spanish, and American Colonies on the banks of the Mississippi; each party complains of the encroachments of the other, although each has more ground than they can possibly occupy."
The top of page 3 has an: "Anecdote of Dr. Franklin".
Four pages, a few minor binding holes near the spine, good condition.

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, April 28, 1790  

* Benjamin Franklin death FUNERAL

Almost half of the front page is taken up with a wonderful article headed: "Dr. Franklin" followed by a quote: "When an eminent man dies, it is worth while to enquire into the causes which conducted him to eminence..." The report goes on to heap praise on the late, celebrated Dr. Franklin, "...illustrious patriot and philosopher..." complimenting his political and academic genius. "...The whole…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London,  August, 1790  Included is: "Remarks on the Slave Trade Occasioned by Bruce's Travels". Near the back is a brief bit  noting: "The common council at Paris paid to the illustrious Franklyn [Franklin]  tribute of homage, singular in its nature but due from a free & enlightened city to the memory of a man who gave liberty to the New World...". Ben Franklin had just died a few months previous. Also a very early items concerning the Northwest Coast of America:…

THE LONDON CHRONICLE, January 19, 1768  Page 2 has a letter from Pittsburgh mentioning: "It is feared here that an Indian war will break out in the Spring...on an act of hostility committed by a party of Indians on their return to their settlements among the six nations, from an unsuccessful war in which they had been engaged with the Cherokees...they plundered & murdered ten of our people...". Then a letter from Niagara.
Page 6 has over a full column of news headed: "America" with datelines…

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM, Philadelphia, October, 1790  Articles include: "Remarks on Capital Punishment" "Sketch of the Nature & Causes of Diseases" "Short Account of Mr. McGillivray" who was the famous chief of the Creek Indians; "On the Architecture of America" "Letter from Dr. Franklin to a Lady in France".
Most of a page is taken up with: "The Whistle--A True Story. Written by Dr. Franklin to his Nephew"; a letter: "...on the Manufacture of Wine from the Grapes of America..."; an interesting…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783  Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America. Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, particularly details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, & the public, must remember an object of compassion who used to sing ballads about the streets & went by the vulgar…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, March, 1783  Near the beginning are 15 pages of: "Summary Proceedings in the Third Session of the Present Parliament" which include some discussions concerning America.
Another article concerns the tune Yankee Doodle, including details on the presumed author of the famous tune (questionable) who had recently died. It notes: "Your readers, & the public, must remember an object of compassion who used to sing ballads about the streets & went by the vulgar appellation…

THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, January, 1779  Inside has nearly two pages on: "Useful Hints For Learning To Swim, In a Letter to a Friend, by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. F.R.S."
Also within: "On the Fatal Effects of Revenge" and: "On Female Conduct" & so much more. Near the back are news reports of the day but I see no war-related content.
This issue does feature a very nice engraving of "Holt Castle" and the facing page includes a nice article titled: "Description and History of Holt Castle"…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Nov. 25, 1789  

* Benjamin Franklin re. slavery - slaves
* Newly elected President George Washington

It contains: An Address to the Public" by Benjamin Franklin as President of the: "Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes, Unlawfully Held in Bondage".
This is an extremely noteworthy address as it is Franklin's strongest moral statement on the subject of slavery.
Franklin did not speak out…

GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES, New York, Feb. 24, 1790 

* President George Washington
* Benjamin Franklin

Half of the front page is taken up with reports from: "Congress - House of Representatives" which includes talk on: "...the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. -- Mr. Madison's motion for a discrimination under consideration...", carrying over to take all of page 2. 
Page 2 discussion includes: "...The amendment of the senate to the bill for enumerating the inhabitants of the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1778  

* Rare Revolutionary War New York map
* Benjamin Franklin letter - Ethan Allen

Of great significance is the very nice foldout map headed: "Map of Hudson's River with the Adjacent Country", which shows from Crown Point & Ticonderoga, south to Philadelphia, & also from Long Island to Lake Ontario with considerable detail.
This map measures 9 1/4 by 12 1/2 inches, nice condition. A small bit was cut from lower left margin so it could be folded…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 10, 1937

* Benjamin Franklin "Prophecy" "Forgery"
* Antisemitic speech - Jewish - Jews
* Charles A. Beard expose

Page 9 has one column headings that include: "FRANKLIN FORGERY EXPOSED BY BEARD" "Anti-Semitic 'Prophecy' Cited in Germany Was Discredited by Historian 2 Years Ago" and more. (see)
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 48 pages, a little margin wear, a few margin tape mends within, generally good.

NILES' WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore, Aug. 1, 1829  The top of the ftpg. has a small bit about Martin Van Buren, Secretary of State at the time, being granted an honorary doctorate of law degree from Rutgers' College.
Inside has an article: "Slavery In Colombia" as well as: "Georgia And The Cherokees" being a letter from the brother of a chief and his anger at their treatment by the federal vs. state government. Logically related to the on-going "Trail of Tears".
Page 6 also has in interesting…

THE UNIVERSAL ASYLUM & COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, October, 1790  The issue begins with the continued: "History of the Life & Character of Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D." which takes 6 pages & includes 4 letters signed by him in type from 1753 & 1754: B. Franklin.
Other articles include: "On the Invention of Porcelain in Europe" "Thoughts on Education...", more on the continued article: "History of the American Revolution" "Strictures on Dr. Brown's Elements of Medicine" "An Oration on the…

THE AMERICAN MAGAZINE, Boston, May, 1745  

* Very rare & early colonial magazine
* Great Boston masthead engraving

This is a very rare title, actually the first successful magazine in American history done in the traditional magazine format (Christian History preceded this by several years but was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening).
This magazine existed for about 3 years. Two previous attempts at a magazine in the colonies only lasted a few issues, one published by Ben…

THE NEW-ENGLAND CHRONICLE, OR THE ESSEX GAZETTE Cambridge, Sept. 21, 1775  

* American Revolutionary War

This title has a rather short lifespan in Cambridge existing from just May 12, 1775 thru April 4, 1776, less than a year. After the latter date the newspaper was removed to Boston.
The front page begins with a strong appeal by the City of London to the King concerning his handling of the situation in America. It mentions: "...The abhorrence we entertain of civil bloodshed & confusion will, we…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1780 

* Siege of Savannah - Georgia
* Benjamin Lincoln letter
* Captain James Cook - South Seas

Near the back is a section headed: "Advices Received from America" which includes: "Gen. Lincoln's Letter to Congress on the defeat of the combined Army before Georgia" with a dateline of Charleston, Oct. 22, 1779. This letter concerns the battle for Savannah & takes nearly a full page, signed in type: B. Lincoln, and includes mention of the death…

THE BOSTON GAZETTE, "New-England", March 12, 1739  

* Extremely early & rare Colonial publication 

This is one of the most noted & long-lived American newspapers we have had the pleasure to offer, and is the earliest of this title we have offered. It began publishing in 1719 and existed thru 1798. It was founded by James Franklin, older brother of Ben Franklin and from whom Ben apprenticed in the printing business.
Brigham notes only 3 institutions have this date.
A handsome issue for display with…

THE PENNSYLVANIA CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Sept. 26, 1768  

* Pre Revolutionary War tensions

This newspaper was a primary means of voicing the anti-British sentiment that was rapidly spreading throughout the colonies prior to the American Revolution. The paper gained much notoriety when Goddard printed an article voicing his support for the Boston Tea party. The paper's sympathies and general revolutionary message were a cause of great concern to the British. Soon the…

GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1779  

* Great siege of Rhode Island print
* American Revolutionary War original

This issue leads off with reports on the debates in Parliament, which include discussion on the Revolutionary War, including: "...the conduct of the army under the command of Gen. Howe; he seized the opportunity of painting in the blackest colours the ingratitude of the Americans; & concluded with exhorting the House to unanimity in prosecuting the war against them..." with…

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 VIRGINIA GAZETTE (with Supplement), Williamsburg, Mar. 17, 1775 

* Very rare Colonial Virginia publication
* Election of Patrick Henry

 This newspaper was published by Alexander Purdie, a distinction to be made since there were three newspapers of this title printed in Williamsburg during the early period of the Revolutionary War.
The entire front page is a terrific letter: "To the Gentlemen of the Provincial Congress of Virginia" relating the treasonous action of the "...eleven polluted…

THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, November, 1783

* The Treaty Of Peace (partial)
* John Adams and Ben Franklin (block) signatures
* Reports from New York, Philadelphia, and Charleston

Included is a portion of text headed: "The Definitive Treaty between Great Britain & the United States of America, signed at Paris, the 3rd day of Sept. 1783"  the text being just the beginning & ending of the Treaty, not the complete text. It ends with Article X and includes the signatures of John Adams,…

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.…