Herald of Freedom (Boston newspaper)

[1][2] In 1790–1791 the paper "was engaged in the first libel-suit tried in Massachusetts after the Revolution, ... for a savage attack on a member of the Legislature," John Gardiner.

[3][4][5] The Herald's printer, Edmund Freeman, was "charged ... with publishing in his paper ... a most ... scandalous and malicious libel.

"[6] "The libel complained of, charged Mr. Gardiner, with the atrocious murder of his late excellent lady [Margaret Harries], by cruelty.

"[7][full citation needed] On February 3, 1790, "at 12, o'clock, at noon" Freeman "was taken into custody, by virtue of a warrant from Mr. Justice Crafts.

Harrison Gray Otis, one of the most brilliant men of his day, was counsel for the editor.