William Cobbett began his career in writing and politics in the United States in the years 1794 to 1800 as "Peter Porcupine," newspaper editor and pamphleteer. An account book used by Cobbett as a bookseller in Philadelphia and New York reveals that he leased a house and a shop in May 1796 in Philadelphia and held a formal opening of his shop in July. The account book, reflecting extension of credit to customers, shows that Cobbett evidently ordered single copies of English imports especially for customers but that the books and pamphlets sold in quantity were mostly Cobbett imprints. He also sold writing paper, sealing wax, tooth powder, quills, brushes, red ink, and a balsam compound for medicinal purposes. Over a two-year period, the account book shows sales of 263 lottery tickets for about 1,900 dollars. A count revealed 229 customers, some of whom had fairly large accounts indicative of the substantial business Cobbett did. Geographical analysis of customers disclosed that they ranged from Canada to Jamaica, with two in Great Britain. It appears that Cobbett owned a printing press which he probably sold in 1800. Based on a manuscript account book in the American Antiquarian Society Library; 3 appendixes, 11 notes.