About Wilmington expositor. (Wilmington, Del.) 1831-18??
Wilmington, Del. (1831-18??)

Wilmington Expositor

The Wilmington [Delaware] Expositor was first published on August 28, 1831. A weekly paper, the Expositor was issued every Friday and edited and published by J. V. Gibbons. The Expositor was associated with Anti-Masonic Party, a short-lived national political movement active at the time. With the first issue, Gibbons stated that the publication was "for the special purposes of advocating the principles of Republicanism, and opposing those of all secret associations." Gibbons felt compelled to "enlist as an advocate in the cause of Anti-Masonry," a cause he believed was based on virtue and justice. Gibbons noted that, "in advocating the principles alluded to, it is intended that the Wilmington Expositor, shall support character, mild and liberal, though firm and stead to its purpose; and that will avoid personality in every instance practicable." Consistent with its anti-Masonic leanings, the motto of the paper was "United by Feeling, Kindred, and Country,--Not by Oaths of Secrecy."

The Wilmington Expositor focused on attacking the tenets of Freemasonry. It included anti-Masonic items reprinted in other papers such as a letter from the Anti-Masonic Committee of York County, Pennsylvania an Anti-Masonic address written by a woman, as well as anti-Masonic quotations from George Washington, Samuel Adams, and John Hancock among other leaders. The September 30, 1831 issue also included reprinted letters between George Washington and various Grand Lodges. Gibbons argued that the letters "did not provide evidence that Washington approved of the masonic institution" and that "Washington would not pledge himself to masonry."

It is unknown when the Wilmington Expositor ceased publication. The last known issue was published on July 6, 1832.

Provided by: University of Delaware Library, Newark, DE