The columbian repository was a weekly newspaper published in Georgetown by Thomas G. bradford and B. burgess from 30 Sep. 1803 until early 1804. Proposals for the paper, originally to be entitled the Mercury and published in Alexandria, stated that it would be dedicated to the impartial dissemination of useful knowledge “to enlighten the understanding” and “to aid the cause of virtue and religion” (Brigham, American Newspapers description begins Clarence S. Brigham, History and Bibliography of American Newspapers, 1690-1820, Worcester, Mass., 1947, 2 vols. description ends , 1:89; Alexandria Advertiser, 27 June 1803; Washington Federalist, 13 July 1803). An undated, printed receipt for TJ’s subscription to the Columbian Repository is in MHi.