men associated with Adams took themselves and their task with becoming seriousness, is evidenced by the pertinent and well-written address with which the opening number saluted the public, stating their purpose to be, inasmuch "As our present political state affords matter for a variety of thoughts," to insert whatever of general interest might appear proper to publish. They declared that they were of no party, nor would they promote any narrow private designs. "We are ourselves free, and our paper shall be free—free as the Constitution we enjoy—free to Truth, Good Manners and good Sense, and at the same time free from all licentious Reflections, Insolence and Abuse."[1]
The Independent Advertiser reflected the sentiments of most of the colonists at that time, their point of view being friendly and even affectionate toward the mother-country. "Our Constitution is English, which is another name for free and happy, and is without doubt the perfectest model civil government that has ever been in the world."
A free press, the right of habeas corpus, trial by jury and popular representation were all regarded as English institutions—the gift of the mother-land. Even Washington himself, in 1756, spoke of showing his obedience to "the best of Kings."[2]
In April, 1750, Rogers and Fowle dissolved partnership and the paper was discontinued, but the work of Samuel Adams went on. The part played by the great patriot and the Boston Gazette, with which his name is so closely associated, is so important a part of the history of journalism that it has been reserved for another chapter. A paper of the same name had been published
