University of Virginia Library

NORTH CAROLINA.

The establishment of three newspapers had been attempted
in North Carolina before the revolution. One of
these, after the first trial, was discontinued for several
years, and then revived. Another was published only
three years, between 1763 and 1768, and dropped. The
third was begun about 1770, and this, as well as the first,
was published when the war commenced.[1]

NEWBERN.

The first paper published in the colony was printed at
Newbern, under the title of

No. 1 appeared in December, 1755, printed on a sheet of
pot size, folio, but often on half a sheet. It was published

weekly, on Thursday. Imprint, "Newbern: Printed by
James Davis, at the Printing-Office in Front-Street; where
all persons may be supplied with this paper at Sixteen
Shillings per Annum: And where Advertisements of a
moderate length are inserted for Three Shillings the first
Week, and Two Shillings for every week after. And
where also Book-Binding is done reasonably."

This paper was published about six years, after which it
was discontinued.

On the 27th of May, 1768, it again appeared, numbered
one, and enlarged to a crown sheet, folio; the imprint,
after the title, was: "Printed by James Davis, at the Post Office
in Newbern." The price of Advertisements, and
the paper per annum, the same as in 1755. It was continued
after the commencement of the war.

WILMINGTON.

A newspaper was published in this place about the year
1764. I am not certain respecting the title of it, but if I
recollect aright, it was

A small cut of the king's arms was in the title. This
Gazette was printed on a sheet of pot, on pica and long
primer types, by Andrew Steuart, who styled himself
"Printer to the King's Most Excellent Majesty." It was
discontinued before or during the year 1767.

The Mercury was first published October 13, 1769.[3] It
was printed weekly, on Friday, on paper of crown size,
with pica and long primer types. A cut of the king's
arms was in the title. The imprint was long and singular,
viz: "Boyd's Printing-Office in Wilmington, Cape-Fear,
where this Paper may be had every Friday at the Rate of
16 s. a year, one half to be paid at the time of Subscribing,
or at 8 s. every six months. Subscriptions for this Paper
are taken in by Gentlemen in most of the adjacent Counties,
and by A. Boyd, who has for sale sundry Pamphlets and
Blanks; Also: Epsom and Glauber Salts by the lb. or
larger quantity. N.B. Advertisements of a moderate
Length will be inserted at 4 s. Entrance, and 1 s. a Week
Continuance: Those of an immoderate Length to pay in
proportion."

This paper was badly printed; and although destitute of
system in the arrangement of its contents, it was, I believe,
continued until 1775.