It contained many articles from American, British and Irish publications, as well as local news.
It was initially an eighty-page monthly periodical with over 200 subscribers, but despite reductions in price[Note 1] and size it was not profitable.
In its first year it was edited by William Cochran, headmaster of the Halifax Grammar School, but who resigned following his appointment as president of King's College, Windsor and Howe took over as editor in July 1790.
[1][2][3][4] Cochran's intent was to create a publication that would compare favourably with anything currently available from America or Great Britain.
[3] A subscription list showed that the readership was mainly from the professional classes; politicians, lawyers, clergy, military leaders, and a few merchants.