Carey’s first venture into print was an essay against dueling published in 1777.   Patrick Wogan was a churlish bookseller, but one of Mills and McDonnel’s most important customers. Wogan’s apprentice fought with Carey’s co-worker. Following the brawl, Wogan goaded his boy into proposing a duel. McDonnel defused the conflict.[1]

Wogan’s vulgar conduct incensed Carey. He composed an essay against dueling and sent it anonymously to the Hibernian Journal. Without thinking of the consequences, he mentioned Wogan. The controversy re-ignited.   To placate Wogan, McDonnel dismissed Carey’s co-worker. Wogan remained unappeased. Then Mills told McDonnel that Carey had written the essay. Carey’s telltale handwriting betrayed him. McDonnel nearly ended Carey’s apprenticeship.[2]

ERA OF A REVOLUTION |  Another Pamphlet Caused Carey to Flee to France

[1] Mathew Carey, Autobiography (Brooklyn: Research Classics, 1942) 3-4.

[2] Carey, Autobiography, 3-4.