The News Letter: Encyclopedia II - The News Letter - History

The News Letter - History

Founded in 1737, the News Letter was printed in Joy's Entry in Belfast, named after United Irishman Henry Joy McCracken, and was published by the original owner under the "sign of the Peacock" in Bridge Street. Originally published weekly, it became daily in 1855. The title is now located in the utilitarian Boucher Road industrial estate.

According to the newspaper's owners, "the News Letter...[can claim] the first genuine world exclusive." The boat carrying the first copy to leave the United States of the Declaration of Independence, and bound for London, hit stormy waters off the north coast of Ireland. It sought refuge in Londonderry and arrangements were made to send the Declaration on horseback to Belfast, where it would be met by another ship for delivery to King George III.

Somehow, and in the best traditions of revelatory journalism, the News Letter editor of the day gained access to the priceless document and duly published it on the front page of the August 23, 1776 edition. Today the publishers claim with satisfaction that there is "a constant demand for copies of that famous and historical front page."

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "History", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki