Original Colonial-era Copy of "The Pennsylvania Gazette"

Original colonial-era copy of "The Pennsylvania Gazette" printed by Benjamin Franklin, from 25 April 1754 no. 1322. With Franklin's woodcut illustration on masthead and the slogan, "Containing the Freshest Advices, Foreign and Domestick", as well as Franklin's imprint on last page, "Philadelphia: Printed by B. Franklin, Post-Master, and D. Hall…" Paper is complete in six pages, containing numerous advertisements for slaves to sell, as well as rewards for runaway slaves. At this time in 1754 slavery was legal in Pennsylvania, with "An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery" still twenty-six years away. Numerous advertisements reflect the enslavement of individuals of Irish, English, African and Dutch descent, with one ad reading, "To be SOLD / A LIKELY Negroe Girl, about eleven Years of Age, is very handy, and is fit for Town or Country Business…" Other ads describe runaway slaves at length, down to the "brogue" accent of one, and lists reward for capture. Paper measures approximately 9.375" x 14.75". Toning to pages, with some chipping at edges, printer's offset to pages. Overall in very good condition.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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