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Independence Declared / Rewards for Return of Slaves
First published in 1728, the Pennsylvania Gazette was the most successful newspaper in colonial America. It owed its success to Benjamin Franklin, who wrested control of the paper from Samuel Keimer in 1729 and then used his influence as postmaster to increase its circulation and list of subscribers. Franklin introduced the editorial column, humor, and the first weather report. By 1776, the paper was owned and run by David Hall Jr., the son of Franklin's partner, David Hall Sr., and William Sellers. On July 10, 1776, they printed the Declaration of Independence on columns one and two. Advertisements fill the remaining page and include rewards for the return of slaves and indentured servants. Such advertisements were a major source of revenue for colonial newspapers.
Pennsylvania Gazette (Philadelphia), July 10, 1776. |