Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.Newspapers from the 1700s
The eighteenth century saw the heyday of the Age of Reason, and the rising popularity and increased distribution of newspapers played a key role in deepening and expanding public discourse. We carry only absolutely authentic original newspapers, and there's no better way to discover the history of the 1700s than to hold a newspaper from that century in your own hands.
Secret societies... Free Masons... Illuminati... numismatics...
Item #698017
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, February, 1798 * Secret Societies, Freemasons, the Illuminati, and more!
* Provincial Half-Pennies (essay part II)... mention of Thomas Spence
The prominent feature of this issue would be the nearly 9 pages dedicated to the review of a new publication" "Proofs of Conspiracy against all the Religions and Governments of E... See More
A title we rarely offer...
Item #698007
January 30, 1735
THE FREE BRITON, London, Jan. 30, 1735
* Rare publication... 18th century original...
We rarely find issues of this title which lasted for less than six years. The entire issue is taken up with: "Continuation of the Lord Bacon's Defence of the Lord Burleigh".
Complete as a single sheet issue, very decorative first letter on the front page and a partial red i... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #698004
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 17, 1758, Jan. 1, 1760, Jan. 25, 1763, Jan. 4, 1766, and Jn. 2, 1770. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good conditio... See More
Much on the Quasi-War... Celebrating Washington's (last) birthday...
Item #698003
February 21, 1799
J. RUSSELL'S GAZETTE, Boston, Feb. 21, 1799 The front page and bits inside concerning the Quasi-War with France. Page 3 has a nice concerning an event at the: "Federal Street Theatre, In Honor of the Birthday of General Washington...".
Four pages, nice condition.
Political observations by Benjamin Franklin...
Item #697976
September 04, 1759
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,... See More
Second voyage of the HMS Dolphin: first Europeans on Tahiti...
Item #697946
May 30, 1768
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England (now spelled Gloucester), May 30, 1768
* Commodore John Byron
* HMS Dolphin 2nd World voyage
* Commander Samuel Wallis
Various British news reports throughout, with its finest feature being the handsome masthead with two detailed engravings and the ornate lettering.
Pages 2 and 3 have a great account of the second voyage of the HMS Dolphin, taken fro... See More
A family fends off two attacks by Indians...
Item #697921
GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, October, 1792 Near the back is three-quarters of a page of news headed: "America" mostly taken up with a very detailed and exciting account of a family attacked by Indians, noting how the mother and children were able to fend off the invaders not once but twice. A few other bits as well.Included are all 3 plates called for, one of which shows bo... See More
From Washington's administration... Sale of land in the Northwest...
Item #697917
February 01, 1797
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 1, 1797
* During George Washington's administration
* Northwest Territory land for sale report
A very nice newspaper from the closing weeks of George Washington's administration. John Adams would be inaugurated on March 4.
The back page has over a full column taken up with a detailed report concerning the sale of: "... See More
The Jay Treaty: preventing another war...
Item #697906
July 13, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE & UNIVERSAL ADVERTISER, Boston, July 9 and 13, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty
* George Washington
A very significant pair of issues as they contain, in its entirety, the full text of the Jay Treaty, one of the more significant 18th century documents in American history.
Taking all of the front page and a bit of page 2 in the July 9,
concluding in the issue... See More
Much on events in the South: General Greene & others...
Item #697888
March 13, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, March 13, 1781
* Rare Revolutionary War title
* General Nathanael Greene
* Battle of Cowpens - SC
* Events in the South
Most of the front page is taken up with reports concerning the: "Account of the Examination& Commitment of John Trumbull, for High Treason", some of the "rebel governor" of Conne... See More
Terrific & displayable issue with front page discussion from London on the futility of the war...
Item #697887
April 30, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 30, 1782
* Rare American Revolutionary War publication
A terrific front page as it is entirely taken up with reports of discussions in the "House of Commons" mostly focused on the Revolutionary War and the futility of continuing it.
A few bits include: "That it is the opinion of the house that the war ... See More
Very lengthy letter by Ben Franklin... British generals say America cannot be conquered...
Item #697886
September 09, 1779
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: &quo... See More
Sinking of the ship Mermaid... G. Germaine loves to hear of massacred Americans...
Item #697881
June 15, 1779
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, June 15, 1779
* American Revolutionary War era
* 18th century - from The Enemy
Page 2 has a report headed: "American News" which details the loss of the ship Mermaid near Egg Harbor, New Jersey. The ship was driven ashore and wrecked with the loss of more than 102 lives. She was on a voyage from Halifax, Nova Scotia, to New York.
The back ... See More
Death & funeral of the governor...
Item #697866
June 19, 1799
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 pa... See More
Great account of the siege of Fort Schuyler...
Item #697860
September 04, 1777
THE CONTINENTAL JOURNAL & WEEKLY ADVERTISER, Boston, Sept. 4, 1777
* Siege of Fort Stanwix - Schuyler
* American Revolutionary War
Page 3 has Revolutionary War content including an item reading: "We hear Sir William Howe has requested his Majesty, for very essential reasons, to allow him to exchange General Lee for some British officers; but that such a measure has been stro... See More
A two-issue set: George Washington and Paul Revere on the front page...
Item #697849
June 25, 1796
COLUMBIAN CENTINEL, Boston, June 22 and 25, 1796
* President George Washington
* Paul Revere's church bells
A two issue set with over half of the front page of the 22nd taken up with lengthy & detailed text of: "An ACT to Regulate Trade & Intercourse with the Indian Tribes & to Preserve Peace on the Frontiers." The Act carries over to take more than a full co... See More
Newspaper edited by the famed Jonathan Swift...
Item #697842
August 31, 1713
THE EXAMINER, London, Aug. 31, 1713
* Rare 18th century publication
This editorial-format newspaper was edited by the famed Jonathan Swift at this time (of Gulliver's Travels fame), It promoted a Tory perspective on British politics, at a time when Queen Anne had replaced Whig ministers with Tories.
Complete as a single sheet newspaper as was typical of the day, 7 1/2 by 13 inches... See More
News from the Caribbean...
Item #697819
May 29, 1759
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 29, 1759 Page 5 has most of a column headed: "America" with reports from the Caribbean with bits including: "...skirmish with the enemy...near Point St. Petre in which we lost four or five negroes..." and: "...Grand Terre, in the island of Guadeloupe, has surrendered to the English..." with a bit more on this.
Eight pages, 8 1... See More
The coming war with France...
Item #697809
May 15, 1798
THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, May 15, 1798 Page 2 has a spot headed: "America" taken up with a "Message from the President of the United States to the House of Representatives" concerning the report of the envoys to France, attempting to prevent a war with France. It is signed in type: John Adams.
Relating to this is a page 4 item noting in part: "... from the con... See More
One of the most intricately engraved mastheads to be had...
Item #697763
January 04, 1729
THE NORWICH GAZETTE, England, Jan. 4, 1729
* Rare 18th century publication
* Great masthead engraving
See the photos for the tremendous detail in the masthead of this early newspaper, showing the skyline of Norwich. Individual buildings and even the windows can be seen in this woodblock engraving. There are insets in the upper corners as well, one showing the patron Saint George slay... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697762
May 07, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, (Boston), May 7, 1743
* Very rare 18th century magazine
* 1st successful magazine in America
This was the first successful magazine in America although formatted unlike typical magazines. It was exclusively a chronicle of the Great Awakening in America, exclusively of secular news reports. It was preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of iss... See More
Five issue lot from before the Revolutionary War...
Item #697736
August 16, 1766
(5) THE LONDON CHRONICLE, England, A group of five issues dated Jan. 14, 1758, Jan. 2, 1759, Jan. 13, 1761, Jan. 25, 17673, and Jan. 1, 1771. A nice little group lot providing a flavor of life in England from the period when tensions were growing with its American colonies.
Each issue is complete in 8 pages, 8 by 11 inches, perhaps minor rubbing & foxing to some, generally in good condi... See More
Letter from President John Adams concerning France...
Item #697652
June 28, 1798
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, June 28, 1798
* France relations
* John Adams letter
Page 2 begins with reports from Congress concerning Aliens, later to be solidified in the Aliens and Sedition Act.
Also a letter from the President concerning France, ending with: "...I will never send another Minister to France without assurances that he will be received, respected, and honored ... See More
Proclamation by General Anthony Wayne...
Item #697642
April 25, 1795
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, April 25, 1795
* Northwest Indian War
* Gen. Anthony Wayne
* Native Americans
* Proclamation for peace
Page 2 has: "A Proclamation" signed in type by Anthony Wayne, for establishing a permanent peace with all the Indian tribes and nations northwest of the Ohio River.
Four pages, never-trimmed, two binding holes at the spine... See More
More on Prevost's defeat... A letter criticizing the war in America...
Item #697639
August 17, 1779
THE LONDON EVENING POST, England, Aug. 17, 1779
* American Revolutionary War Era
* 18th century from The Enemy
* Charleston, South Carolina
* General Augustine Prevost
The bottom of page 3 has a report noting: "...brings...a confirmation of the defeat of Prevost and that that General would have met with the fate of Burgoyne had it not been for the boats he had on the river, i... See More
British account of the Battle of Stono Ferry, and the Battle of Chemung, New York...
Item #697637
September 02, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, Sept. 2, 1779
* Battle of Stono Ferry, Charleston, South Carolina
* Battle of Chemung - New York - John Sullivan
A truly rare title from the Revolutionary War, as it lasted for less than 1 1/2 years from March, 1779 to August, 1781.
Nearly one-third of page 2 is a letter from an officer in the British army from ... See More
Responding to General Clinton's offer for a reconciliation...
Item #697636
April 03, 1781
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, April 3, 1781
* General Henry Clinton
* Peace with Americans ?
* Revolutionary War
Pages 1 and 2 contain an excellent response to the controversial "Declaration" of General Clinton in which he offers a proposal for peace to the Americans. A few bits include: "The first thing which is offered is a pardon to ... See More
Engraving of the skyline of London... News from Boston...
Item #697633
August 01, 1771
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, August, 1771 Perhaps the most interesting feature is the full title/contents page which has a very intricately engraved view of the skyline of London at the time, making this very decorative.
Near the back is the "Monthly Chronologer" which includes over a full page of reports headed "America" with items from Boston, including 2 messages fro... See More
Battle of Dettingen: last time a British King led troops into battle...
Item #697602
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, July, 1743
* Battle of Dettingen
* King George II
* Last British monarch
* to lead army in battle
Much on the Battle of Dettington - the last time that a British monarch, George II, personally led his troops into battle (see images).
One of the article is titled: "Objections to Mr. Yate's Theory of Comets" which include
... See More
* Battle of Dettingen
* King George II
* Last British monarch
* to lead army in battle
Much on the Battle of Dettington - the last time that a British monarch, George II, personally led his troops into battle (see images).
One of the article is titled: "Objections to Mr. Yate's Theory of Comets" which include
Very early, short-lived, colonial newspaper...
Item #697460
August 16, 1753
THE INDEPENDENT REFLECTOR, New York, August 16, 1753
* Rare Colonial New York original
* Short lived publication
This rare newspaper lasted for less than one year, publishing but 52 issues. Primarily moral and political essays, it gave offense to men in power and was "suppressed by authorities" as Brigham relates.
A fine opportunity to purchase at a reasonable price a very ... See More
Two Proclamations by General Howe... Wealth of war reporting...
Item #697395
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, June, 1777
* General William Howe
* American Revolutionary War
"American State Papers" has a Proclamation signed in type by: W. Howe, concerning soldiers who were pressured into leaving the King's allegiance, offering pardon if they return. Plus another Proclamation signed by Howe offering acres of land in America at the w
... See More
* General William Howe
* American Revolutionary War
"American State Papers" has a Proclamation signed in type by: W. Howe, concerning soldiers who were pressured into leaving the King's allegiance, offering pardon if they return. Plus another Proclamation signed by Howe offering acres of land in America at the w
Death of George Washington's mother...
Item #697392
September 09, 1789
THE MASSACHUSETTS CENTINEL, Boston, Sept. 9, 1789
* Mary Ball Washington death
* President's G.W.'s mother
Pages 2 & 3 contain reports from the: "Proceedings in the House of Representatives of the United States", this being the founding year of the federal government.
Page 3 has an inconspicuous yet significant report: "Died--At Fredericksburg, Mrs. Washin... See More
An 18th century extra re: Jay Treaty...
Item #697390
April 06, 1796
HERALD EXTRA, (New York), April 6, 1796 A folio size single sheet almost entirely taken up with discussion in the "Federal Legislature, House of Representatives" concerning the controversial Jay Treaty. See images for details. Never-trimmed margins, great condition.
Ambassadors to resolve the crisis with France...
Item #697388
March 28, 1798
THOMAS'S MASSACHUSETTS SPY OR WORCESTER GAZETTE, March 28, 1798
* 18th century American publication
The ftpg. has a full column article: "Slavery". Page 2 has much on the: "Proceedings of the Columbian Federal Congress" and pg. 3 has a document from President Adams which endorse Pinckney, Marshall & Gerry as representatives of the U.S. in attempting to resol... See More
Concerns about the pending Jay Treaty...
Item #697377
August 24, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 24, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty concerns
* Letter to George Washington
Page 2 has a letter from the people of Wilmington, Delaware: "To George Washington, President of the United States" on their concerns about the pending Jay Treaty. This is followed by another letter of similar concern "To Mr. Alexander Hamilton".
Four pag... See More
William Cobbett's famous newspaper...
Item #697371
May 31, 1797
PORCUPINE'S GAZETTE, Philadelphia, May 31, 1797 This was William Cobbett's important and controversial--but short-lived--daily newspaper.
Cobbett was a prolific & controversial publisher who often wrote under the pen-name of "Peter Porcupine." He was famous for sniping at his political opponents, usually those of a Jeffersonian-Republican sentiment. The first issue app... See More
Concerns about the pending Jay Treaty, with Washington's response...
Item #697239
August 31, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, Aug. 31, 1795
* John - Jay's Treaty concerns
* George Washington response
Page 2 has a letter from the people of Morris County, N.J. on their concerns about the Jay Treaty. Also a similar letter from the merchants of Phila. to the President followed by: "The President's Answer" signed in type: Geo. Washington.
Four pages, very handsome... See More
Naval battle between the Americans & British... Franklin the 'old fox'...
Item #697219
January 03, 1778
THE PENNSYLVANIA LEDGER OR THE PHILADELPHIA MARKET-DAY ADVERTISER, Jan. 3, 1778
* Revolutionary War Tory original
* Rare Pro British issue from America
This was a Tory newspaper published when the British occupied Philadelphia. It began in 1775 and ended when the British evacuated the city in May of 1778. Not surprisingly, the masthead features an engraving of the Royal coat-of-arms.
... See More
Washington's anger over the murder of Captain Huddy...
Item #697218
May 21, 1782
THE CONNECTICUT COURANT & WEEKLY INTELLIGENCER, Hartford, May 21, 1782
* Captain Joshua Huddy execution - hanging
* General George Washington angry reaction
* American Revolutionary War
Two-thirds of the front page is taken up with "Debates in the House of Commons Upon the American War". An excellent report providing much insight into the discussions on the troubling si... See More
The "humble" beginnings of Stephen Girard...
Item #697217
October 17, 1792
DUNLAP'S AMERICAN DAILY ADVERTISER, Philadelphia, Oct. 17, 1792 The front page features 21 illustrated ship ad making this a decorative issue. The ftpg. also has a small notice for the "Cincinnati of Pennsylvania" [The Society of Cincinnati] calling for a meeting of the standing committee.
The back page has an ad by Stephen Girard, for the sale of merchandise (including French... See More
Foldout map of France... Canada content...
Item #697215
THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, London, January, 1747
* Foldout map of France
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the very nice foldout map titled in the cartouche: "FRANCE With Its Acquired Territories In Germany, and the Netherlands...".
This map shows considerable detail including a close-up view of the harbor & town of Toulon. The map also shows the so
... See More
* Foldout map of France
Certainly the prime feature of this issue is the very nice foldout map titled in the cartouche: "FRANCE With Its Acquired Territories In Germany, and the Netherlands...".
This map shows considerable detail including a close-up view of the harbor & town of Toulon. The map also shows the so
Notable attempt at price controls during the War... Much fine war content...
Item #697211
July 15, 1779
THE AMERICAN JOURNAL & GENERAL ADVERTISER, Providence, Rhode Island, July 15, 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 is the volume 1, #18 issue.
The entire front page & most of the back page are taken up with what one scholar calls: &quo... See More
Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown...
Item #697208
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, London, December and the Appendix issue for the year 1781* Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis
* Surrender at Yorktown VA Virginia
* Revolutionary War from the enemy
Certainly the most historic report in this issue--and perhaps in any issue from the Revolutionary War--is that near the back of the issue under "American Affairs". It is an "Extract... See More
Inhabitants of New Zealand... Plate of Algernon Sidney...
Item #697207
July 01, 1773
THE LONDON MAGAZINE, England, July, 1773 Near the back is a nearly full column report headed: "America - New York". Also an article: "Interesting Anecdotes of the Life of Algernon Sydney, the English Patriot" as well as a full page plate of him. Sidney was an English politician who was accused of platting against the life of Charles II, for which he would be executed.
Ov... See More
The first successful magazine in the country...
Item #697098
April 30, 1743
THE CHRISTIAN HISTORY, Boston, April 30, 1743 This was the very first successful magazine in America, preceded by just a few magazines which lasted but a couple of issues--one of which was by Ben Franklin. Even this title lasted but a few short years.
As the subtitle reads: "Containing Accounts of the Propagation & Revival of Religion in Great Britain & America", th... See More
When the population of Pittsburgh was 1,355...
Item #697097
January 21, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Jan. 21, 1796
* 18th century Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Mad Anthony Wayne & John Wilkinson
Page 3 has a report headed: "Pittsburgh" noting: "We hear from Fort Washington that General Wayne has left the army on a visit to Phila. and that General Wilkinson has taken the command at Greenville. The number of inhabitants ... See More
Detailed report from the Dept. of War on the ports & harbors of the U.S...
Item #697096
February 03, 1796
THE HERALD; A GAZETTE FOR THE COUNTRY, New York, Feb. 3, 1796
* During George Washington's administration
Most of the front page is taken up with a: "Report From the Department of War, Relative to the Fortifications of the Ports and Harbours of the United States", with details city by city.
Four pages, very nice condition.... See More
Governor of Massachusetts & his Assembly...
Item #697081
THE GLOCESTER JOURNAL, England, April 25, 1768 * Colonial America reporting
(currently spelled Gloucester) The front page has an: "Extract of a Letter from Boston, New England, dated March 7" which hints at the dissension among the citizens which would ultimately result in the Revolutionary War.
A few items note: "...I never will have any dispute with the represen... See More
Battle of Bunker Hill... Washington as Commander-in-Chief...
Item #697032
June 27, 1775
THE PENNSYLVANIA EVENING POST, Philadelphia, June 27, 1775
* Battle of Bunker Hill - Charlestown
* Siege of Boston, Massachusetts
* George Washington named commander
* American Revolutionary War
Almost the entire front page is taken up with a terrific and vitriolic attack on General Gage concerning his actions at Boston, the full text shown in the photos below, with bits including: ... See More
1796 Acts by Sam Adams...
Item #696953
March 16, 1795
INDEPENDENT CHRONICLE, Boston, March 16, 1795
* Nice 18th century masthead
Page 2 begins with two Acts from the Mass. legislature, each signed in type by the governor: Samuel Adams.
Four pages, very handsome masthead, wide never-trimmed margins, small binding holes at the blank spine, great condition.... See More
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Timothy Hughes Rare & Early Newspapers
P.O. Box 3636
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Phone: 1-570-326-1045
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P.O. Box 3636
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: 1-570-326-1045
Fax: 1-570-326-7606
E-mail: info@rarenewspapers.com
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Monday through Friday, 7:30 - 4 (ET)
Full Contact Information
