Page:History of Journalism in the United States.djvu/142

CHAPTER IX

JOURNALISM AND THE REVOLUTION

False impression of strength of Continental Army—Tories outnumber Patriots—Number of papers in colonies—Lieutenant-Governor Colden and Hugh Gaine—Attitude of British toward journalism—Samuel Loudon—His publication closely watched—Rivington's Gazette boycotted—Sears and McDougall wreck office—Encounter with Ethan Allen — Double-dealing of Gaine's New York Gazette—New Jersey Gazette assists Patriot cause—Tory papers picture misfortune of Americans—Change in attitude of people toward press—Encouragement of writers.

In the minds of most Americans, this country was, during the Revolution, a great battlefield on which for seven years there was continuous clash of arms. As a matter of fact, of the three million people in the country, at no time were more than a small part engaged in the war. During the campaign of 1777, Washington's army never exceeded 11,000 men.^[1]

In the spring of 1777, when the Continental Congress was enjoying its greatest authority and when, through the generosity of France, the financial condition of the temporary government was at its best, so that it was able to make liberal offers of bounties, only 34,820 were obtained, despite an earnest appeal for 80,000, less than one-fifth of the male population.^[2] The total number of men in the field for the year, including militia, was 68,720. In 1781 the total number of men in the field was only 29,340, despite the great military action.

1. Fiske, American Revolution, ii, 27.
2. Fiske, Critical Period, 102.