21
After a suspension of nearly a month, publicati-

was resumed by Edwards, who

solicited by some of his friends, and influenced
by other private considerations, is determined
once more to attempt an establishment of this
truly valuable paper.⁵⁶

The appearance of the paper immediately showed the in-
fluence of a more practiced hand, for Freebairn's
narrow, crowded columns were replaced by a wider,
better-spaced layout.

Baltimore had become an incorporated city on
December 31, 1796, and Edwards announced in this first
issue of his revived newspaper that

the worthy mayor and other members of our cor-
poration, have been pleased to appoint? him
[Edwards] their printer, which will enable him
early to communicate to the public every law
and regulation relative to the policies and
government of this thriving commercial city^
To obtain their approbation will be his highest
ambition, and to serve them faithfully his
greatest care.⁵⁷

Edwards printed the laws and ordinances of the new
incorporated city in his newspaper, and in May (or soon
thereafter) issued the only book which he is known to
have published in his official capacity of city printer,
the first collection of the Ordinances of Baltimore.⁵⁸
A unique copy of this document ia located in the
library of the Maryland Historical Society.

56 Ibid, March 21, 1797.

57 ata. Marsh 21, 1797.

58 Appendix A. Imprint bibliography, item 340.