123

At this time, Keatinge seemed more interested In
the book trade than the actual production of books;
for in March of 1799 he advertised:

George Keatinge informs his country friends
and customers, that he has removed to 207
Baltimore street, where he has for sale, an
extensive assortment of books. And being de-
termined to confine himself to the country
trade, will sell on very reasonable terms, a
number of very valuable law books, &c. Country
merchants on trial will find the above store,
from its situation ana the moderate charges of
the articles for sale, much to their advantage.
Approved notes at 3 & 6 months, and produce
taken at cash prices.³²

In addition to printing, publishing, selling and
binding tooks, the versatile Keatinge also edited -
publications. His first venture in Baltimore appears
to have been the Maryland Pocket Magazine³³ which con-
tinued as a monthly magazine through at least two
issues, January and February, 1796.

In 1797, Keatinge was commissioned by the Grand
Lodge of Freemasons of Maryland to publish

at his own risk and expense an "Ahiman Rezon*
for the most Ancient Fraternity of Free and
Accepted Masons in the State of Maryland under
the inspection of the Committee anoointed to
revise the Constitution.³⁴

This octavo volume, printed by Fechin,³⁵ was presented
to every Grand Lodge in the United States.³⁶

32 Telegraphe. March 19, 1799,.

33 Appendix A. Imprint bibliography, item 303.

34 Schultz, E.T. op. cit. v. 1, p. 242.

35 Appendix A. Imprint bibliography, item 359.

36 Schultz E.T. op. cit. v. 1, p. 242.