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Letter to Editor
December 11, 1812
Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger
Norfolk, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from Washington dated December 3 reports a Norfolk collector's claim that merchants added penal bonds to goods costs charged to country people. Local importers denounce this as calumny, stating they did not include such calculations in sales and note higher prices for some goods amid unsold imports.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
COMMUNICATION
Extract of a Letter from Washington, dated December 3.
" Mr. Johnson read this day in the house, letter dated Collector's Office, Norfolk, in which the writer states to him, that he knows the merchants have estimated the penal bonds that have been given, as part of the cost of the goods, and have actually charged them upon the country people, and of course ought to be compelled to pay them."
We understand the importers in this place pronounce the said letter a gross calumny, so far as it refers to them; that in their sales, no calculation was made by them of the penal bonds. Nor could any prices at this market be obtained which would cover such a calculation. They admit that coarse woollens and some other goods have commanded higher prices than formerly whilst a considerable part of their late importations remains on hand, which they would willingly take cost and charges for; being articles which will not cover the extra charges and double duties
Extract of a Letter from Washington, dated December 3.
" Mr. Johnson read this day in the house, letter dated Collector's Office, Norfolk, in which the writer states to him, that he knows the merchants have estimated the penal bonds that have been given, as part of the cost of the goods, and have actually charged them upon the country people, and of course ought to be compelled to pay them."
We understand the importers in this place pronounce the said letter a gross calumny, so far as it refers to them; that in their sales, no calculation was made by them of the penal bonds. Nor could any prices at this market be obtained which would cover such a calculation. They admit that coarse woollens and some other goods have commanded higher prices than formerly whilst a considerable part of their late importations remains on hand, which they would willingly take cost and charges for; being articles which will not cover the extra charges and double duties
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Persuasive
What themes does it cover?
Commerce Trade
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Penal Bonds
Merchants
Import Duties
Norfolk
Woolens
Calumny
Economic Charges
Letter to Editor Details
Main Argument
local importers deny accusations of including penal bonds in goods costs charged to customers, calling the report a calumny, and explain market prices do not cover such extras amid unsold imports.
Notable Details
Reference To Letter Read By Mr. Johnson In The House
Collector's Office, Norfolk
Penal Bonds As Part Of Goods Cost
Coarse Woollens Commanding Higher Prices
Extra Charges And Double Duties