The Boston News-Letter holds a significant place in American history as the first continuously published newspaper in the colony of Massachusetts. Founded by John Campbell in 1704, it served as a vital
source of news for the colonists until its closure in 1776. This article explores the newspaper's journey from its inception, through its various editorial changes, to its eventual cessation during the American Revolution.
The Founding of The Boston News-Letter
The Boston News-Letter was first published on April 24, 1704, by John Campbell, a bookseller and postmaster in Boston. Campbell had been sending newsletters about European events to New England governors and decided to print them for a broader audience. The newspaper was initially a weekly publication, printed as a half sheet, a single page printed on both sides, measuring 8 by 12 inches. The first issue was dated "From Monday, April 17, to Monday, April 24, 1704."
The newspaper was heavily subsidized by the British government, and all copies required approval from the Royal governor before publication. This ensured that the content aligned with the interests of the British Crown. Despite its limited circulation, The Boston News-Letter became a crucial source of information for the colonists, providing news primarily from London journals about English politics and European wars.
Changes in Editorship and Content
Over the years, The Boston News-Letter underwent several changes in editorship and content. In 1722, the editorship passed from John Campbell to Bartholomew Green, who shifted the focus more towards domestic events. After Green's death in 1732, his son-in-law, John Draper, took over and expanded the newspaper to four pages, incorporating news from throughout the colonies.
John Draper continued to edit the newspaper until his death in 1762, after which his son, Richard Draper, assumed control. Richard Draper was an ardent loyalist, and during his tenure, the newspaper merged with The Massachusetts Gazette, becoming a Tory newspaper that supported Loyalist views. The royal colonial government even directed Draper to include the inscription "Published by Authority" in the Gazette's heading.
The End of an Era
The Boston News-Letter's publication came to an end in 1776, amidst the turmoil of the American Revolution. Richard Draper died in 1774, and his widow, Margaret Green Draper, continued to publish the newspaper. However, as the British evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776, Margaret Draper and her editor, John Howe, left with them, leading to the newspaper's closure.
The British government granted Margaret Draper a life pension, acknowledging her loyalty. The Boston News-Letter's legacy as the first continuously published newspaper in the colonies remains significant, marking an important chapter in the history of American journalism.
