Note 5 — RISE AND PROGRESS OF PRINTING.
Reading edition
Two copies of Bradford’s Almanac are known to be in existence. We give the Address of
THE PRINTER TO THE READERS.
Hereby understand that after great charge & Trouble, I have brought that great Art & Mystery of Printing into this part of America; believing it may be of great service to you in several respects; hoping to find encouragement, not only in this Almanack, but what else I shall enter upon for the use & service of the Inhabitants of these Parts. Some irregularities there be in this Diary, which I desire you to pass by this year; for being lately come hither, my materials were misplaced & out of order, whereupon I was forced to use Figures & Letters of various Sizes: but understanding the want of something of this nature, & being importuned thereto, I ventured to make public this; desiring you to accept thereof; & by the next (as I find encouragement) shall endeavour to have things compleat. And for the ease of Clarks, Scriveniers, &c., I propose to print blank Bills, Bonds, Letters of Attorney, Indentures, Warrants, etc., & what else presents itself, wherein I shall be ready to serve you; and remain your friend.
W. BRADFORD.
Philadelphia, the 10th month, 1685.