In 1792, Congress increased the postal rate for magazines. The cost of distributing the Museum became prohibitive. Carey was forced to end publication.[1] In retrospect, Carey realized that he did not charge enough for subscriptions. Distributing the magazine nationally caused difficulty collecting payments. He printed too many copies.[2]

Carey’s energetic efforts to publish and distribute the American Museum laid important groundwork for his future activities. He set up a national distribution system for the magazine. Later he used his network for his publishing business. He gained national prominence as a writer and editor.[3] He became familiar with roads and canals, and the geography of the Eastern Seaboard. He discussed with the economies and the culture of different regions of the Early Republic, with his network and traveling companions.   The travels he undertook and the problems he faced gave him insights few others had.

TRANSITION TO PUBLISHER | William Paulet Carey and the United Irishmen

[1] James N. Green, “Mathew Carey: Publisher and Patriot, “ (Philadelphia: Library Company of Philadelphia, 1985) 7.

[2] Mathew Carey, Autobiography, (Brooklyn: Research Classics, 1942) 23.

[3] Green, “Mathew Carey: Publisher and Patriot,“ 7.