free press
Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address
Thomas Jefferson FRIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS, Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our country, I avail myself of the presence …
Madison’s Proposal for the Bill of Rights
Newly-elected Congressman James Madison arrived at New York in March of 1789 with a double burden. In addition to his official responsibilities, he carried a …
John Peter Zenger, New York editor, acquitted of libel in New York
A jury acquitted publisher John Peter Zenger of libel charges against New York’s colonial governor, in an early landmark moment for the free press and …