Many of the journals of this period showed their hankering after illustrations by occasionally indulging in an initial letter, if they could do nothing more. The animosities of party often caused them to forget their original purpose of spreading true intelligence, and they were quite as ready to apply the lash to each other as to chastise public wrongdoers or 'correct false reports.' At this time first appeared the familiar newspaper heading of the man on horseback blowing a horn. It was on the front page of the _Flying Post_, the first number of which was published on May 10, 1644. The full title was '_The Flying Post, conveying Weekly Packets to all Forraigne Nations, of the Proceedings of both Houses of Parliament and the Armies in Great Brittain_,' and it was 'published for the cleere satisfaction of all Forraigners and others who desire Certain, and Weekly Information.' The introduction is as follows:-- 'Gentlemen,--The too many errours committed of late time, by the irregularitie of the Presse (which since by the wisdome of the Parliament, is in a great measure suppressed), which did run Weekly in severall channels to the greatest part of Europe in great dishonour to our English Nation; Have enforced this my Flying Post never to make stay, till it had intimated the same unto you, and fully vindicated this my Native Kingdome, by publishing a certain Weekly Intelligence of all Proceedings of our honourable Parliament and unhappy wars of this Kingdome; wherein (though a well wisher to his Excellencie the Earle of Essex, and the Proceedings of Parliament) I shall write with the greatest indifference, truth, and modestie, as shall satisfie the impartiallest that reades me; attributing to the Enemy no otherwise than Truth will warrant it, be it to their honour or shame according to their demerit. Therefore give me leave to beg your credence beyond Sea and elsewhere, as you find me.' The _Flying Post_ gives intelligence from York, then besieged by the Scots; from Hull, Newark, and Mansfield; some notes of the proceedings in Parliament, respecting which the journalist says cautiously:--'As for our proceedings in Parliament, I shall be very cautious and tender in divulging them.' It was 'Published according to order,' and printed at London for Bernard Alsop, 1644. [Illustration: HEADING TO THE 'KINGDOMES WEEKLY POST,' 1644.] The _Klngdomes Weekly Post_ had the same heading, which is here copied.