The Plain Dealer

The Plain Dealer was the first newspaper in New Jersey established specifically to support the growing movement for American independence. A notable literary and political landmark of the Revolutionary era, it was published every Tuesday morning—leading historian John T. Cunningham to suggest it may have been New Jersey’s first regularly issued newspaper.

The editor, Ebenezer Elmer, was a 23-year-old physician from Fairfield and an active patriot, known for burning tea in protest of British rule. Elmer later distinguished himself as a soldier, statesman, and public benefactor. He was the last surviving officer of Washington’s Jersey Continental Line and the final original member—and eventual president—of the New Jersey Society of the Cincinnati, the organization formed by officers of Washington’s army after the war.
Through clear and persuasive arguments against British domination, The Plain Dealer successfully rallied public support in Cumberland County for armed resistance. Once that goal was achieved, the editor and contributors joined the war.

The paper was produced at Potter’s Tavern, a historic site that became an important gathering place for supporters of liberty. Potter’s Tavern was operated by Matthew Potter, whose establishment served as a meeting place for local patriots. By hosting the newspaper, Potter placed himself at personal risk during the Revolutionary period. The silhouette shown on the cover of this booklet is the only known likeness of Ebenezer Elmer.

The original manuscript of The Plain Dealer remained with Bridgeton families for generations before entering the rare book trade in the 1930s. It is now preserved in the Rare Book Collection at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.

The Plain Dealer at Rutgers University Community Repository

The Plain Dealer Original Text

December 21, 1775

"As the circumstances of the times slow call on every individual to exert himself for the good of His country and fellow creatures, several persons whose genius & inclination for many years past have led them to study and contemplation, have concluded, that the results of their enquiries and speculations on political occurrences and other important subjects particularly calculated to just this place.""And as there is no prep within reach to print them, the following method is proposed to render them public.

Each person is immediately engaged in the undertaking to act as Secretary for a certain time; who will conscribe, and number all pieces, so that they may be read every Tuesday morning by any one, that will take the trouble to call Matthew Potters Bar for the same. And that every one that has a mind may peruse them, tis expected that no one will offer to take them out of his house, but everyone is freely allowed to take a copy of any or all the numbers as they appear and communicate the same to as many as he pleases. It will be entitled the Plain Dealer..."