History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

1786.] DIVIDING THE COUNTY—HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE. 481
in every part of the country and the circulation of News-
Papers, are among the principal causes which have led us
the danger is that the enjoyment
to our present situation ;
of peace and tranquility will produce inattention to these
subjects ; that when the feelings excited by our troubles
have subsided, our minds will sink into that indolence
which is natural to such a state, our children will grow up
in ignorance, and ignorance is the parent of slavery and all
the national vices which mark the decline of empire/' It
was -not so much the individual work of the editor that
was relied upon to counteract the sentiments then prevailing,
as it was the arguments and writings of the leading
men of the day. In the very first number strong articles
were printed against the general tendency of affairs in
opposition to the conventions then being held, and arguing
in favor of the existing government. Many of these papers,
which were continued while the troubles lasted, were
written by Major Hawley, Caleb Strong, Rev. Enoch Hale,
and others. The clergy of the county, it is believed, contributed
liberally to its columns in favor of good government.
By no means was the discussion confined to one
side. The insurgents also had their defenders, and column
after column was filled with comments, strictures, replies
and criticisms of both parties. Argument and sarcasm,
both in prose and poetry, were brought to bear upon the
questions at issue. On the whole the discussion was good
natured, though many sharp thrusts were indulged in by
all concerned. This thorough and able ventilation of the
grounds of controversy must have been beneficial, and
though it did not prevent the discontented from taking up
arms against the government, must have strengthened the
nerves of its supporters.
William Butler. His William Butler, SOU of David, was born in
Printing-office. Hartford, in 1763. He served an apprenticeship
to the printing business in the
office of Hudson & Goodwin, printers and publishers of
that city. He came to Northampton with the purpose of
establishing a newspaper in the summer of 1786.' His
office was at first at the corner of Main and Pleasant Streets
1 William Butler built a paper-mill in Northampton in 1795.
31