Early on in his career as a printer, he started two short-lived newspapers in Fredericton and Saint John, New Brunswick.
Ryan objected to this misuse of the Militia and wrote the following:[8][7] Some, we are well aware (by the way of finesse) may say, that we aim at creating insubordination in the regiment.
The militia of this island, as well as that of almost every other, was not organized to dance attendance to those who delight in a red coat; it was embodied for the protection of the country and its laws.On 12 May 1819, Ryan was arrested in Bridgetown, Barbados "for the sum of five thousand pounds, and bail demanded for double the amount".
[7] On 10 June 1819, he was indicted for "endeavouring to sow sedition and insubordination in the royal regiment of militia, and for libelling the Government of the Island."
He was then "carried in triumph through the streets, and that two gentlemen [including Cheeseman Moe] belonging to the commission of the peace assisted in these demonstrations of joy.