its contents which has since been reprinted in many American publications, and in 1901 Samuel Abbott Green, of the Massachusetts Historical Society, reproduced the original in facsimile. An unexpurgated version of Publick Occurrences is here given for the sake of historical accuracy. The purpose for which the sheet was printed, as well as the way in which the items were told, will surely attract the attention of the reader of to-day. Harris had a keener sense of news value than most of the other men who started Colonial newspapers.
PUBLICK OCCURRENCES
Both Forreign and Domestick.
Boston, Thursday, Sept. 25th. 1690.
It is designed, that the Countrey shall be furnished once a moneth (or if any Glut of Occurrences happen, oftener,) with an account of such considerable things as have arrived unto our Notice.
In order hereunto, the Publisher will take what pains he can to obtain a Faithful Relation of all such things; and will particularly make himself beholden to such Persons in Boston whom he knows to have been for their own use the diligent Observers of such matters.
The which is herein proposed, is, First, That Memorable Occurrents of Divine Providence may not be neglected or forgotten, as they too often are. Secondly, That people every where may better understand the Circumstances of Publique Affairs, both abroad and at home; which may not only direct their Thoughts at all times, but at some times also to assist their Businesses and Negotiations.
Thirdly, That something may be done toward the Curing, or at least the Charming of that Spirit of Lying, which prevails amongst us, wherefore nothing shall be entered, but what we have reason to believe is true, repairing to the best fountains for our Information. And when there appears any material mistake in any thing that is collected, it shall be corrected in the next.
Moreover, the Publisher of these Occurrences is willing to engage, that whereas, there are many False Reports, maliciously made, and spread among us, if any well-minded person will be at the pains to trace any such false Report, so far as to find out and Convict the First Raiser of it, he will in this Paper (unless just Advice be given to to the contrary) expose the Name of such person, as A malicious Raiser of a false Report. It is suppos'd that none will dislike this Proposal, but such as intend to be guilty of so villanous a Crime.
That Christianized Indians in some parts of Plimouth, have newly
