INTRODUCTION. 27 
present date, 1842. Thirty-nine newspapers were printed at the commence- 
ment of the revolution in all the American colonies. 
The earlier newspaper press was extremely circumscribed in its scope and 
powers. A newspaper rarely exceeded in size half a sheet of foolscap. It was 
a mere compilation, often crude enough, with “the freshest advices foreign and 
domestic.” How “fresh,” the reader, in this day of railroads, steam packets, 
and second and third daily editions, will learn not without amusement, from the 
fact that sixteen years after a newspaper was established in Boston it proposed 
to issue a half sheet every other week; by which hazardous enterprise it was 
hoped that the time between the paper and the latest European news, then 
thirteen months, might be reduced to five. For many years the “ Boston News 
Letter” contained no more than two advertisements. Until the close of the re- 
volution, no newspaper was issued oftener than once a week ; but with the pro- 
gress of political events, the press assumed a higher position, and put forth greater 
energies. It was yet restricted, its nghts scarcely understood, its power not ap- 
preciated, and its freedom curtailed by judicial decisions ; nevertheless, it was 
advancing in character and importance. The trial of Zenger, the passage of the 
stamp act, the claim of parliamentary right to tax the colonies without represen- 
tation and without consent, and the resistance to those claims on great principles, 
called forth the patriotism of the colonists; and the press. having then become 
the organ of an indomitable spirit of freedom, assumed a more elevated tone, and 
exerted a powerful influence in carrying the cause of the revolution to its tri- 
umphant consummation. 
So rapid was the increase of newspapers, that in 1810 the number of such 
publications in the United States amounted to three hundred and fifty-nine, of 
which sixty-six were printed in this state. These journals, like those published 
during the revolution, with rare exceptions, were controversial, and of a political 
and partizan character. The ability displayed in their columns exceeded that 
which the press exhibited during the revolution, in a proportion equal to the 
sphere to be supplied; but the public taste had not yet become sufficiently refined 
