The Kentucky Gazette

To the Patrons of the Kentucky Gazette.

Fellow Citizens:

It is with peculiar pleasure I now present to you the first number of the Kentucky Gazette on the plan lately proposed. As the circumstances which at first gave birth to this Paper, are unknown to the greater part of its present Patrons; it may not be disagreeable to any of them, to take a retrospective view of its origin and progress. as well as the motives that first induced me to undertake the business of a Printer.

In the year 1786, whilst a Convention of the Citizens of Kentucky by their Delegates, were deliberating on the propriety of separating from the State of Virginia, the want of a proper channel through which to communicate to the people at large, political sentiments on a subject of extremely interesting to them, and in which unanimity was so very necessary; induced them to appoint a committee of their own body, to encourage a Printer to settle in the District.

The critical situation in which the District of Kentucky was at that time placed, by being surrounded on every side by a cruel and savage foe; and which almost put an entire stop to emigration, consequently to the influx of a sufficient circulating medium; occasioned a belief, that no encouragement could be given by the committee that would procure a Printer to remove to Kentucky: this belief was much strengthened by an unsuccessful attempt which had been made by sundry gentlemen, to procure a Mr. Miles Hunter (a Printer) to settle in this country, who refused, unless he could have secured to him certain stipulated emoluments, to continue for a given time, which they would not venture to promise.

Having duly weighed all the circumstances, and from a confidence in my own mechanical talents (notwithstanding I had not the least knowledge of the printing business) together with a belief that I could execute the business on a small scale; until I should be able to instruct my sons (of which I had five) added to the prospect of future advantages to them and myself; I was prompted to make a tender of my services to the committee. They accepted them and made report thereof to the Convention, who concurred with their committee, and as the highest mark of approbation, gave me their unanimous promise of patronage.

Satisfied of having obtained every encouragement that I had a right to expect, or that they as a body had power to grant, and in which I had the fullest confidence, employed every possible means in my power to perform the engagements made on my part; and on the 11th day of August, 1787, presented to the world, the first number of the Kentucky Gazette.

It is impossible to express the grateful sensations I experienced at the approbation with which it was received by its patrons.; notwithstanding its almost innumerable imperfections—what a striking difference between that paper, and the one now before you!

From the great scarcity of money, and low state of population at that time, I was enabled to procure about 180 subscribers only; notwithstanding which, and the high prices of every article used in the prosecution of the business, I was determined to persevere, if possible: And although the whole of my income was not sufficient to procure the imported articles necessarily employed; yet from the friendly assistance which I received from the Merchants of Lexington, I was enabled to continue the paper on that small scale, until the 17th of September, 1791.

Two important events which took place about that time, gave birth to that of a remarkable change in the Kentucky Gazette: One of which was, permission from Congress to the citizens of Kentucky to carry volunteer expeditions against the Indians at the expense of the Union, which before had been forbidden at any rate.

The other, a separation of the District of Kentucky from the State of Virginia, its admission into the Federal Union, and the electing of a Convention to frame a Constitution. These expeditions occasioned an influx of money into the District; and the admission of Kentucky into the Federal Union as an independent State, together with the framing a Constitution for its Government, presented a new field for political disquisitions, in which every citizen was deeply interested, and for which purpose the Paper was enlarged from a half sheet to a sheet. What effect the free circulation of thoughts and opinions in this Paper had, in producing those events, I shall not pretend to determine: The events were produced, the Paper enlarged, and within a few weeks after, the number of subscribers to it doubled.—For whilst one of those events put into the hands of the citizens the means of procuring; the other created the necessity of acquiring political information. No person, except he has been in a similar situation, can conceive the heartfelt satisfaction which I at that time experienced, from so pleasing a prospect, as that of having it shortly in my power, to discharge those debts necessarily contracted for the support of the Paper, and which had been increasing from its commencement; nor was I deceived in my expectations, for the liberal encouragement then given it enabled me in the course of two years, not only to defray the expense thereof, but also to discharge those debts contracted for its support in the four preceding ones, and prevented me from abandoning it as a ruinous project, which at that time I had serious thoughts of doing.

If a knowledge of past events is a good criterion by which we can judge of future, there can be no doubt of the success that will attend the alteration made in this paper; for the critical situation in which the United States are at this time placed, in consequence of their treaties with France and England, and the late conduct of those two nations towards them; must be interesting, and awaken an anxiety of the first magnitude in the minds of every description of citizens, to relieve which; demands more room than my former plan afforded; especially when we consider that our interests are so interwoven with the policy of the European world as to make it necessary to pay particular attention to their transactions. as well as the conduct of the American Government.

More than nine years experience, has convinced me that Impartiality forms one of the most valuable traits in the character of a News Paper Printer; and notwithstanding it has some times operated as a partial disadvantage; duty and interest have continually prompted me unalterably to pursue it.— The discussion of political subjects is an advantage of importance to society (especially when the object is the public good) and ought to be encouraged ; but when the object is party ill will or personal resentment, it ought to be rejected.

I feel it my indispensable duty to return my sincere thanks to all who have encouraged this Paper ; and more especially those who were its first Patrons, few of whom have failed to continue its constant supporters. To you it is the public are indebted, not only for the birth and existence of the first News Paper ever published in Kentucky ; but for all the advantages the Community have derived from a free circulation of political opinions, at times when they were deemed most proper, for the interest and happiness of this part of the Western World.

Under the auspices of your patronage, you have seen the progress of the KENTUCKY GAZETTE until it has obtained a rank of equality with most Papers published in the United States; and perhaps superior to almost any in the world, whose origin and progress have been marked with equal disadvantages. And as I ever have, shall still continue, to make use of my best abilities to contribute to its usefulness, which can only succeed under your approbation; to gain which shall be the constant study of

The public's most obedient,
Humble servant
J. BRADFORD:

Lexington, Jan. 4, 1797.