Delaware State Journal, Advertiser and Star Archive

The Delaware Journal was first published on April 24, 1827. Owned by Robert Porter and Son, the Wilmington newspaper was edited by Moses Bradford. For many years, the Delaware Journal was a rival of the Delaware Gazette. Issued semiweekly, the Journal was staunchly Whig and supported John Quincy Adams for President in 1828 against the Democrat, Andrew Jackson. Prior to the assembly of Delaware's electoral voters, Bradford wrote in the October 28, 1828 issue, "We have met the enemy — we have beat them. To Our party we recommend generosity and forbearance, To the Jacksonians generally patience and resignation — and to our Neighbors the Patriot and Gazette, especially the latter — penitence." Ultimately, even though Adams won Delaware, he lost the election.

The Delaware Journal contained articles reprinted from a variety of national newspapers and journals. For instance, it published an extensive article on agriculture in the United States from the Niles' Weekly Register. Also included was news from Europe and concise news briefs from locations such as the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and Cartagena in Colombia. The Delaware Journal also included local news, such as prices for grain at Brandywine Mills, the incorporation of the Delaware Fire Insurance company, and the financial report for New Castle County.

In 1832, the Delaware Journal was sold and became the Delaware State Journal, Advertiser and Star, published by Porter and Mitchell. The latter newspaper followed much the same format as its predecessor. The May 17, 1833 issue included a report on the Delaware Temperance Society, notes on improvements made throughout Wilmington such as new stores and buildings, and a statement of road accounts for Brandywine Hundred for 1832-33.

The Delaware State Journal, Advertiser and Star continued publication through November 1833, when its title was abbreviated to the Delaware State Journal.