Note 53 — Chapter III

William Cobbett (Peter Porcupine), 1762-1835, was an English political writer. In 1792 he came to America and supported himself for a time teaching English to French emigrants. Talleyrand was one of his pupils. He settled in Philadelphia and began his political writing. Was at first a keen Tory. Stung by the disparaging criticisms of his mother country, he lashed American democracy and French republicanism with coarse and bitter personal scorn. Was twice prosecuted for libel. He left America in June, 1800. In England he started, in January, 1802, his famous "Weekly Political Register," which was continued until his death. At first Tory, it became the determined opponent of the government. He had no refinement of thought, but in matters of common sense exhibited a vigor surpassing any other writer of his day.—From "International Encyclopedia."

A caricature of him as Peter Porcupine is published in Scharf's "History of Philadelphia," page 498. Dr. Benjamin Rush had a "pet" treatment for the yellow fever in 1793. Cobbett declared that it was the giving of copious mercurial purges and bleeding five or six times a day. He made it the talk of Philadelphia. In 1797 the "Peter Porcupine Gazette" was published, and he opposed it (the Rush treatment) by squibs, puns, epigrams, and quotations from "Gil Blas." Driven to desperation, Dr. Rush brought suit for libel. It was decided against Cobbett by Chief Justice McKean, whose election as governor he had bitterly opposed. His goods were seized, but did not suffice to pay his debts. He went to New York and published the "Rushlight," abusing Rush, McKean, Shippen and Hopkinson, and others, and ended by consigning all Philadelphians to perdition. He then sailed for England.—Scharf's "History of Philadelphia."