A PETER EDES ITEM Sprague's Journal of Maine History Volume 9, April, May, June, 1921 No. 2 Page 85-86 A valuable and interesting historical document has been given to the Bangor Historical Society, in the form of a letter written by Peter Edes, who came to Bangor over 100 years ago and estab- lished the first newspaper to be published there, to Sam Dutton, Esq., one of the city's prominent early residents. The letter inquires of Mr. Dutton of the outlook in Bangor for the estab- lishment of a newspaper, Mr. Edes, who had been conducting a newspaper in Augusta, having been obliged to give up his busi- ness there because of a falling off of his business due to the entry in the field of a third newspaper in Hallowell. Mr. Dutton's reply must have been favorable as Peter Edes came to Bangor shortly after and set up his plant. The historical society came into possession of the letter thru the kindness of William J. Dutton, of San Francisco, Cal., grandson of Sam Dutton. The letter follows: Augusta, March 29, 1814. Sam Dutton Esq. Dear Sir: Since Mr. Goodale has established a News Paper in Hallowell, my customers are falling off. I therefore think it my duty to seek a place where I can procure a living for my family, as I am confident three papers canton be published here to any profit; and the Hallowell people will do any thing to prevent their paper from being discontinued -- I wish I could say the same for Augusta. A printer is wanted at Bath, and I have received a letter from a gentleman there on the subject; I have mentioned the business to some of my friends here, and they advise me in case I should leave Augusta, to prefer Bangor. If it be the wish of the people at Bangor and the neighboring towns, to have a printer, be so good as to draft a subscription paper with a prospectus and forward it to me, and I will strike some off and send them to you for circulation. Tho the paper would be published at Bangor I think some general title would be more taking with the people, such as The Hancock, or Hancock & Washington. A few gentlemen might get together and agree upon some title. If seven or eight hundred good subscribers could be obtained I would make arrangements to be with them. In which case I should depend upon some gentlemen to assist in the editorial department. I shall rely solely on your opinion with respect to the eligibility of the place for a printer confident you would not advise me to a measure that you thought would be injurious to me. Your friendship and assistance in this undertaking will confer an obligation upon me, which I would endeavor to cancel when I become an inhabitant of Bangor. Your with respect and esteem, Peter Edes. A line from you as soon as convenient will be received with pleasure, and I hope satisfaction. (c) 1998 Courtesy of the Androscoggin Historical Society ************************************************* NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.