Historic Newspapers: Search Results

THE ANTI-SLAVERY BUGLE, Salem, Ohio, May 11, 1850

• Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
• Emancipation of the enslaved - abolition
• Over 10 years prior to the Civil War

The motto printed in the masthead reads: "No Union With Slaveholders", which sets the tone for the newspaper's theme. This is one of the less common anti-slavery newspapers we have encountered.
This issue has a wealth of fine, anti-slavery-themed articles including: "Colored Children Entitled to the Benefits of Common Schools" "The

THE ANTI-SLAVERY BUGLE, Salem, Ohio, April 27, 1850

• Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
• Emancipation of the enslaved - abolition
• Over 10 years prior to the Civil War

The motto printed in the masthead reads: "No Union With Slaveholders", which sets the tone for the newspaper's theme. This is one of the less common anti-slavery newspapers we have encountered.
This issue has a wealth of fine, anti-slavery-themed articles including a poem: "To Slaveholders & Their Allies" by John. G. Whittier;

EMANCIPATOR AND FREE AMERICAN, Boston, July 6, 1843

• Rare anti-slavery publication
• Abolition movement - free slaves
• About 18 years prior to the Civil War

As the title would suggest, this is an anti-slavery themed newspaper, and a great name for a newspaper with this focus.
Page 2 has a political notice supporting "For President, James G. Birney" for the Liberty ticket, created by abolitionists who believed in political action to further antislavery goals. It existed only from 1840-1848.
The content

THE ANTI-SLAVERY BUGLE, Salem, Ohio, Jan. 12, 1850

• Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
• Emancipation of the enslaved - abolition
• Over 10 years prior to the Civil War

The motto printed in the masthead reads: "No Union With Slaveholders", which sets the tone for the newspaper's theme. This is one of the less common anti-slavery newspapers we have encountered.
Among the articles: "The Work To Be Done" "Selling a Free Boy into Slavery" "Slave-Catching" and more. Page 3 has a report on the

THE ANTI-SLAVERY BUGLE, Salem, Ohio, August. 3, 1850

• Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
• Emancipation of the enslaved - abolition
• Over 10 years prior to the Civil War

The motto printed in the masthead reads: "No Union With Slaveholders", which sets the tone for the newspaper's theme. This is one of the less common anti-slavery newspapers we have encountered.
Among the articles: "To the Members of the Western Anti-Slavery Society" "Lynch Law" "Cause of the Slave in Ellsworth" "Parker Pillsbury"

NATIONAL ANTI-SLAVERY STANDARD, New York, Sept. 29, 1842

• Rare abolitionism publication
• American Anti-Slavery Society

As the title would suggest, an anti-slavery newspaper from 19 years before the Civil War.
Among the articles: "Declaration of The Anti-Slavery Convention" "Henry Clay" "Church Action on Slavery" "Letter From James Monroe" "Slaveholding Christianity" "Anti-Slavery Items" "To the Friends of the Slave".
Page 3 has an item with a small head: "Joe Smith" concerning a report that the

THE LIBERATOR, Boston, July 1, 1864

• Rare anti-slavery title
• For freedom of slaves
• Slave auction illustration
• American Civil War era

This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison. The masthead features two engravings, one of a slave auction and the other showing slaves being emancipated.
The front page has much concerning General John Fremont and his bid for the Presidency against Lincoln (he would withdraw before the election) including:

FACTS FOR THE PEOPLE, Washington, D.C., Oct, 1853

• Very rare anti-slavery publication
• Slaves about 8 years prior to Civil War

A very scace title, not listed in Gregory, nor in Union List of Serials.
This is the volume 1, number 5 issue which apparently listed until May, 1854. or 11 issues. Then there was a "new series" printed from May, 1855 thru April 1856.
This was an anti-slavery newspaper with articles including; "Does the Constitution Require Freemen To Hunt Fugitive Slaves?" "Slave

THE NON-RESISTANT, Boston, Aug. 25, 1841

• Nauvoo, Illinois 4th of July celebration
• Joseph Smith & the Mormons - Mormonism
• Rare Anti Slavery publication - slaves
• New England Non-Resistance Society
• About 20 years prior to the Civil War

This is a quite uncommon anti-slavery newspaper with an interesting history.
The New England Non-Resistance Society was an American peace group founded by William Lloyd Garrison (publisher of the famous 'Liberator' newspaper) in 1838. At the organizing convention,

THE NON-RESISTANT, Boston, Sept. 8, 1841  This is a quite uncommon anti-slavery newspaper with an interesting history.
As Wikipedia notes: "The New England Non-Resistance Society was an American peace group founded by William Lloyd Garrison (publisher of the famous 'Liberator' newspaper) in 1838. At the organizing convention, members of the American Anti-Slavery Society & the American Peace Society expressed discomfort with Garrison's philosophy 'of non-resistance & inclusion of women in public

EMANCIPATOR AND FREE AMERICAN, Boston, June 15, 1843  As the title would suggest, this is an anti-slavery themed newspaper, and a great name for a newspaper with this focus.
Page 2 has a political notice supporting "For President, James G. Birney" for the Liberty ticket, created by abolitionists who believed in political action to further antislavery goals. It existed only from 1840-1848.
The content is mostly anti-slavery reports from various conventions, meetings, and societies at the various

THE NEW YORK HERALD, April 11, 1870

• Anti-Slavery Society at Apollo Hall
• Wendell Phillips - Lucretia Mott

The top of page 4 has one column headings: "Anti-Slavery's Wake" "Wendell Phillips' Farewell..." (see)
Complete with 12 pages, some spine wear, generally in good condition.

THE ANTI-SLAVERY BUGLE, Salem, Ohio, Feb. 23, 1850  The motto printed in the masthead reads: "No Union With Slaveholders", which sets the tone for the newspaper's theme. This is one of the less common anti-slavery newspapers we have encountered.
Among the articles: "Disunionists & Freesoilers--The Issues Between Them" "Traitors To Freedom" "Clay's Speech" "Notes From the Lecturing Field" and more. 
Page 3 has a report from California on the "gloom" of the Gold Rush. The back page features a

THE NEW YORK HERALD, May 10, 1860

• American Anti-Slavery Society meeting
• William Lloyd Garrison speech

Pages 2 & 3 have a reporting headed: "The American Anti-Slavery Society" "The Republican Party Defended and Denounced--Disunion Speech by Mr. Garrison..." Text takes up over 5 columns total.
Other news of the day. Complete in 12 pages, a little irregular along spine, nice condition.

NATIONAL ANTI-SLAVERY STANDARD, New York, June 29, 1848  This newspaper was the official weekly newspaper of the American Anti-Slavery Society, established in 1840 & was published continuously until the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1870.
Page 3 has: "Douglass And the Leaguers" and is nice article concerning Frederick Douglass and his running for Vice President of the League Convention.
Frederick Douglass ran for President of the United States, at the National

THE LIBERATOR, Boston, MA 1861-65 (with minor water-staining or other minor imperfections which make them somewhat 2nd-rate)

• Ornate masthead
• Anti-Slavery Title
• edited by William Lloyd Garrison

See the photo below for the terrific masthead of this famous anti-slavery title. The ornate woodcut in the masthead features three scenes: a slave auction, an image of Jesus breaking the bonds of the oppressors, and a family about to depart for their journey to emancipation. Much of the content concerns

THE LIBERATOR, Boston, May 10, 1861

• Rare anti-slavery title - early Civil War
• For freedom of slaves - slave auction print

This is the famous anti-slavery newspaper by famed abolitionist publisher William Lloyd Garrison. The masthead features two engravings, one of a slave auction and the other showing slaves being emancipated.
Among the articles: "What Of The Slaves?" "Treason & Disunion Avowed" "Fugitive Slaves" "The Relation of the Anti-Slavery Cause to the War" "Letter On The War" "The

THE LIBERATOR, Boston, 1861-65 (first rate)  See the photo below for the terrific masthead of this famous anti-slavery title. The ornate woodcut in the masthead features three scenes: a slave auction, an image of Jesus breaking the bonds of the oppressors, and a family about to depart for their journey to emancipation. Much of the content concerns slavery and the anti-slavery movement. Edited by the famed emancipator, William Lloyd Garrison.
A full-size, 4 page newspaper.

THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., March 20, 1851

• Rare abolitionism publication

An anti-slavery newspaper that is best known for its link to the best selling novel of the 19th century, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Harriet Beecher Stowe. This historic work first appeared as a 41-week serial in The National Era, starting on June 5, 1851.

The complete serialization appeared almost entirely in the National Era before the book was published, with an overlap of just ten days.

The back page has:

THE SEMI-WEEKLY TIMES, New York, May 15, 1857  Pages 2 and 3 have significant coverage of the 24th anniversary gathering of the American Anti-Slavery Society. Among the speakers were William Lloyd Garrison (President), Wendell Phillips, Frances Ellen Watkins (a free negro woman), William Wells Brown (a fugitive slave), and more. While most are familiar with the first two mentioned above, the latter two are worth exploring.
The coverage takes over 6 columns of text.
Other news of the day is

NEW YORK TIMES, Aug. 9, 1865  The front page has: "Sports of the Turf - The Second Day of the Saratoga Meeting - The Coveted Bauble Won by the Horse Kentucky", Page 3 has: "Death of an Ex-Slave at the Almshouse - His Will" which has the will of Denison wherein he leaves all his worldly belongings to the person that had been attending to him. Page 4 has "The Anti-Slavery Agitation - Its Relation to the Result".
Note (not shown in the photos): The front page also has an article headed: "Indian

THE SAN DIEGO UNION, California May 28, 1879  The front page includes: "Death Of Lloyd Garrison", who was publisher of the famous anti-slavery newspaper 'The Liberator'. Much on his life.
Four pages, tiny binding indents at the blank spine, slightly fragile, very nice condition.

THE EMANCIPATOR, Boston, 1846 As the title would suggest, this is an anti-slavery newspaper from before the Civil War. Never bound nor trimmed, some minor edge wear and some light browning. Complete in 4 pages.

EMANCIPATOR, Boston, Aug. 12, 1846  A newspaper focused on emancipation: the freedom for slaves. Articles include: "Another Suicide by a Slave" "Results of Emancipation" "Law vs. Philanthropy" "The Great N.W. Liberty Convention" "Texas" and much more.
Four pages, good condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, April 20, 1866

• The 1866 celebration of the abolition of slavery within the District of Columbia

• Historically called the "Emancipation Day" parade

The front page has one column headings that include: "WASHINGTON NEWS", "The Celebration of the Abolition of Slavery", "A Large and Very Orderly Parade", "Remarks of President Johnson to the Freedmen", and more. Coverage on the 4th anniversary of the abolishment of slavery in the district of Columbia which is now referred to as

NILES WEEKLY REGISTER, Baltimore

• The "Mitigation of Slavery" - 8 issues

• Serialized essay by Hezekiah Niles'
• His plan to abolish slavery in America

A set of 8 issues which contain all eight essays by publisher Hezekiah Niles titled the: "Mitigation of Slavery" in which he puts forth five propositions to that end.
The issues are dated May 8, 15, 22; June 19, 26; July 17; Aug. 14 & 21, 1819. The following details are excerpted from www.civilwarcause.com:
"In 1819, in the midst of intense

HARPER'S WEEKLY, New York, May 12, 1866 The most desirable print is traditionally: a great halfpg: 'Celebration of the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia by the Colored People in Washington'.
Ftpg. shows: 'The Levee at Cincinnati, Ohio'. One-quarter pg: 'Map of New York Bay'. Halfpg: 'On the Mississippi--Religious Services on Board the 'Ruth' '. Very nice fullpg: 'View of Shockoe Creek Valley, Richmond, Va.' & fullpg: 'Cotton Team in N. Carolina' shows black men leading a cart

EMANCIPATOR & WEEKLY CHRONICLE, Boston, Dec. 11, 1844

• Rare anti-slavery publication
• Abolition movement - free slaves

One of the less common anti-slavery newspapers with content as you might suspect. 
This abolitionist newspaper was first published in New York City and by this time in Boston. It was founded as the official newspaper of the American Anti-Slavery Society, and from 1840 to 1850 it was published by the Liberty Party.
The Liberty Party was an early advocate of the abolitionist cause

NEW YORK SEMI-WEEKLY TRIBUNE, Feb. 10, 1860  Page 2 has: "The American President On Slavery" and; "The Admission of Kansas--Democracy nd New Territories".
Page 3 has over a full column from Cincinnati headed: "Another Expulsion From Kentucky - More Anti-Slavery Men Banished - Mob Law Enforced--The Proceedings--Arrival of some of the Exiles in this City".
Eight pages, nice condition.

NILES REGISTER, Baltimore, Oct. 3, 1835

• Slavery & abolitionists
• Slave trade - abolition

An inside page has: "Slavery & the Abolitionists" which begins by reporting on: "A great anti-abolition meeting...at Troy, New York, the mayor presiding. The resolutions were all pointed & severe...we consider all attempts to induce congress to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia...as unwise, inexpedient & incendiary..." with more.  This report takes over half of the issue, or more than 8 pages.

THE COLUMBIAN MAGAZINE, Philadelphia, January, 1787  One of the more intriguing articles is: "Letters Relative to the Treatment of Capt. Asgill, while Prisoner in the American Army, being a full Refutation of the Charges of Inhumanity Exhibited in London Against General Washington". This is on the Huddy-Asgill Affair. Website have full details, but in brief Capt. Huddy, an American officer, was hanged by the British in reprisal for the killing of a Loyalist. Washington was incensed, and had

THE LIBERATOR, Boston, May 3, 1861  The very famous anti-slavery newspaper published by William Lloyd Garrison, with three slave-related vignettes in the masthead.
This issue contains reports on the Pratt Street Riot, or the Pratt Street Massacre as it was called. It was considered the first bloodshed of the Civil War, as troops from Massachusetts encountered Confederate sympathizers as the troops passed through Baltimore on their way to Washington, D.C. Significant to have this content in this

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., March 8, 1850

• Abolitionist-leaning Daniel Webster
• His historic call for unity before Congress

• He shockingly (?) supports the "Compromise of 1850"

Starting on page 2 and continuing on pages 3 and 4 is the full text of Daniel Webster's pivotal, historic, "March 7th Speech" before Congress. An excerpt includes: "I wish to speak today, not as a Massachusetts man, nor as a Northern man, but as an American… I speak today for the preservation of the Union.

THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., Dec. 2, 1852  This newspaper is forever linked to the best-selling novel of the 19th century: "Uncle Tom's Cabin", for the book was originally released as a 40 week serial in this anti-slavery newspaper beginning in June, 1851. It was the newspaper's publisher who encouraged Stowe to produce the work in book form, and it is common consensus that the book had much to do with popularizing sentiment which led to the Civil War.
The top of page 2 has: "Uncle Tom's

EMANCIPATOR & REPUBLICAN, Boston, April 25, 1850  Although the title would seem to imply this is an anti-slavery newspaper, the content is almost entirely political, plus advertisements as well.
Four pages, never bound nor trimmed, a few minor archival mends.

NATIONAL ANTI-SLAVERY STANDARD, New York, Nov. 3, 1842

• Rare abolitionism publication
• American Anti-Slavery Society
• Capture & trial of George Latimer

As the title would suggest, an anti-slavery newspaper from 19 years before the Civil War.
Among the articles: "Henry Clay" "Henry Clay & His Slaves"  "United States Oppression" "Clay & Slavery" "Anti-Slavery Items" which concerning: "The Philadelphia Slave Case". 
Of special note is a detailed article: "The Boston Slave Case" being the case of George

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 against slavery until

THE CRISIS, Columbus, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1862

• Emancipation Proclamation
• President Abraham Lincoln
• Rare pro-Confederate publication

Given the focus of this controversial newspaper, being supportive of the Southern cause while publishing in the North, it is particularly noteworthy that this issue contains on page five the Emancipation Proclamation whereby President Lincoln would free the slaves on January 1 of the coming year.
The introductory subheads would be of no surprise as well: "The

NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 26 and 28, 1836 (a two-issue set)

The May 26th issue has much of the contentious dialogue in The House of Representatives regarding the resolution which, if passed, would prevent any discussion in the chamber on the subject of slavery. The 3rd column of page three has mention of John Quincy Adams’ declaration: "Am I gagged?" This is his famous declaration (more than a question) which led to the house rule being nicknamed "The Gag Rule". While this

EMANCIPATOR & WEEKLY CHRONICLE, Boston, Oct. 1, 1845  One of the less common anti-slavery newspapers with content as you might suspect. Page 3 has: "Mormons" noting in part: "The troubles between the Mormons and anti-Mormons are serious. The latter have determined that Nauvoo shall be broken up, and the worshippers driven from the county. The sheriff...has issued s proclamation for 2000 men to hold themselves in readiness...committee of the Mormons had had an interview with their opponents...

FREDERICK DOUGLASS' PAPER, Rochester, New York, Sept. 8, 1854

• Extremely rare publication

We are pleased to offer this exceedingly rare--and highly desirable--newspaper by the famed Frederick Douglass. This weekly title is the continuation of his newspaper "North Star" which began in 1847.
Among the articles: "The Results of Emancipation" "The Fugitive Slave Act--Proposition For Its Repeal" "What Becomes of the Free Colored People" "Colored Emigration Convention" "Aid To Fugitives" "Special

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, Nov. 26, 1859

• John Brown's insurrection - invasion - raid
• Harper's Ferry, West Virginia & slavery

Page 7 has nearly 3 1/2 columns taken up with very detailed reports under the heading: "John Brown's Invasion", containing a wealth of reporting. The subheads include: "Cook's Confession" "The Virginia Fright" and: "The Pardon Of Cook". Included are several letters signed in type by John Brown and John E. Cooke as well as a J. Smith.
Page 5 has: "Later From Mexico--The Brownsville

THE NATIONAL ERA, Washington, D.C., Oct. 30, 1851

• Uncle Tom's Cabin novel in progress
• Harriet Beecher Stowe - pre-book release
• Rare Anti-slavery publication
• Pre-American Civil War era

Page 3 of this anti-slavery newspaper has a letter to the editor concerning this newspaper's serialization of Uncle Tom's Cabin. Keep in mind that this famous work was about halfway through its serialization at the time this letter was written.
It is headed: "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and begins: "Uncle Tom's Cabin

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 13, 1856

• Bleeding Kansas
• Missouri border invasion
• War on slavery
• P.T. Barnum

Pages 4 & 5 contain a wealth of reporting concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions as Kansas worked toward achieving statehood.
Page 4 has a nearly half-column article relating to this, and page 5 has column heads: "IMPORTANT FROM KANSAS" "Gov. Robinson Arrested by Ruffians" "Attempted Assassinations" "Southern Emigrants in Distress" "Effects of Gaming & Drinking". It also has two other

DAILY NATIONAL INTELLIGENCER, Washington, D.C., May 12, 1856

• Bleeding Kansas
• Missouri border invasion
• War on slavery

Page 3 has nearly half a column of reports, mostly letters datelined from Lawrence, Kansas, concerning the growing troubles in that state over the slavery, anti-slavery residents. The full text is shown in the photos.

Bleeding Kansas describes the period of repeated outbreaks of violent guerrilla warfare between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces following the creation of the new

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 14, 1856

• Bleeding Kansas
• Missouri border invasion
• War on slavery

Page 5 contains several items concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions as Kansas worked toward achieving statehood.
Articles include: "Arrest of Gov. Robinson of Kansas" "The Mass. Legislature on the Admission of Kansas" and "Hostilities Again Commenced In Kansas".
Bleeding Kansas describes the period of repeated outbreaks of violent guerrilla warfare between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, May 19, 1856

• Bleeding Kansas
• Missouri border invasion
• War on slavery

Inside has a wealth of reports relating to the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions as Kansas worked toward achieving statehood.
Page 4 has a lengthy editorial on the situation, and page 5 has a column headed: "Important From Kansas" "Indictments For High Treason" "Buford's Men Enlisted as Militia" "Civil War Probable" which has much good content, taking over a full column.
And all of page 6 and some of page 7

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, April 25, 1856 (due to printing error the year is missing on page 1 but appears at the top of pages 2-8)

• Bleeding Kansas
• Missouri border invasion
• War on slavery
• P.T. Barnum

Page 5 has over a column of reporting concerning the slavery vs. anti-slavery factions in Kansas as they work towards statehood.
The article is headed: "The Prospects Of Kansas" and offers much detail on current events there.
Bleeding Kansas describes the period of repeated outbreaks of violent guerrilla

NEW YORK TRIBUNE, June 19, 1856

• Republican Party is created
• John C. Fremont's nomination
• 1st GOP nominated for U.S. president

A very historic issue for the Republican party as it reports their first Presidential nominee, John Fremont. The newly created political party held the prohibition of slavery as the principal issue of their platform.
The top of page 4 has a nice print of: "Col. John Charles Fremont" with the following text, taking a full column then carrying over to taking the entirety of

NEW YORK TIMES, May 13, 1865

• "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"
• Closing events of the American Civil War
• re. Abraham Lincoln's assassination

Among the front page column heads on the ending events of the Civil War are: "THE HOMEWARD MARCH" "The Second & Fifth Corps Arrive Near Alexandria" "They Meet with the Kindest Treatment on the Way from Richmond" "Sherman's Veterans Will Begin to Arrive About Sunday" and more.
Page 4 has: "The Trial of the Assassins--Action of the Government". The back page