The first issue contained a request for subscribers throughout the local area to follow the news provided by the "Dartmouth Gazette". The newspaper started with revenue from its subscribers. Davis wrote, "The "Dartmouth Gazette" shall be printed on paper of the present size and quality. The price will be One Dollar and fifty cents per ann. delivered at the Printing-Office. To give the paper a start, 25 cents is required on receipt of the 1st No. and 50 cents, if offered, will not be refused." The size of the first issue measures roughly . A copied image of the first issue hangs framed in the office suites of "The Dartmouth".