Originated by Matthew Carey, with some assistance from William Bingley; taken over at various times after Carey's flight to America by his brother Thomas, his father Christopher, and the printer James Dowling. In early 1785, while Dowling was in jail, the paper was published by a man named Nicholson. Cf. Inglis.

Cut in center of title: an Irish harp, surmounted by a crown, with soldiers on either side and motto below: "Libertas et natale solum".

Imprint from colophon; later issues have added publishing note below title: "Printed and published at No. 7, Dame-Street, corner of Palace-Street."

Printers vary; in Dec. 1783 imprint reads in part: Printed by Pat. Donnelly; in 1784 colophon reads in part: Printed by J[ames]. Dowling, no. 46, College-Green; in 1785 Dowling is at another address.

Imprints not dated; years of publication from dates of issues.

Radical anti-government paper, vigorously prosecuted in 1784-1785 by Dublin Castle which several times arrested or imprisoned its various publishers, it probably ceased publication in 1786. Contents include news of the Irish Parliament, attacks on the government, lottery announcements, new books published and other advertisements, occasionally illustrated with small cuts. Cf. Inglis.

Another newspaper, The Volunteer journal, or Irish advertiser, in competition with this one while James Dowling was in jail, was published for a few months in 1785 by Christopher Carey; the newer paper was absorbed by this one at the end of April, 1785.

Description based on: No. 2. (Wednesday, October the 15th, 1783.); title from caption.

Volunteer's journal

Irish herald

Nicholson. The Volunteers journal <Jan.>-Apr. 1785

Crane, R.S. Census of British newspapers and periodicals, 1620-1800, 2101

English short title catalogue, P2227

Inglis, B. Freedom of the press in Ireland

New Cambridge bibliography of English literature, II:1386

Freedom of the press > History > 18th century > Ireland > Newspapers.

Press and politics > History > 18th century > Ireland > Newspapers.

Great Britain > Politics and government > 18th century > Newspapers.

Ireland > Politics and government > 18th century > Newspapers.