This poem deals with the 11-12 August 1834 'Ursuline Convent Riots' in Charlestown, Massachusetts (near Boston). During the riots, a convent was burned down by Protestants in a wave of anti-Roman Catholic sentiment.
The Freeman's Journal reflects on the persecution it has faced, particularly since the March 1868 assassination attempt on H. R. H. Prince Alfred, as 'the only newspaper in Australia at all pretending to express the views of Irish Catholic Nationalists upon home and colonial matters'.
'Save and except in the withdrawal of the Government advertisements', the writer declares that 'the Freeman, so far from suffering, has gained considerably by the efforts made by the Government and their anti-Catholic sympathisers to crush it.'
An advertisement advising that the proprietors of the Freeman's Journal have entered into a 'job printing business' and 'are now prepared to execute orders'.
A list of suburban, country and inter-colonial agents for the Freeman's Journal.
An advertisement advising that Freeman's Journal 'is filed and may be seen, free of charge, at Holloway's, 533, Oxford-street, W. C., (late of 224, Strand) London, where advertisements and subscriptions may be received'.
An advertisement, for Greville and Company, for the sale of various types of paper, pens, pencils, slates, ledgers and other stationery items.
An advertisement advising that Greville and Company are the 'authorised Sydney agents of all the leading provincial journals of New South Wales' and are able 'to offer terms for the insertion of advertisements which can be done by none but a recognised agent'.
An advertisement for Greville and Company, agents for Messers Harrild and Sons, London, advertising the sale of various items of printing machinery and equipment.
