PIPA/SOPA in 1846

In my last communication, I brought to your notice the extraordinary invention of Professor Morse for the transmission of intelligence; its importance in all commercial transactions to those having control of it, and to the government itself, particular in a period of war. I then expressed the opinion that an instrument so powerful for good or for evil could not with safety to the citizens, be permitted to remain in the hands of individuals uncontrolled by law.

U.S. Postmaster General, in his Annual Report of 1846