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Editorial
June 20, 1766
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Printer Alex. Purdie announces he does not charge for inserting amusing pieces sent to him, viewing it as a favor. He rejects verses on the death of John Robinson, Esq., as below mediocrity and unintelligible, and an obscene acrostic poem, affirming a free press but not for obscenity or dullness.
Merged-components note: Consecutive printer's notes on handling submitted pieces form a single editorial statement.
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Full Text
As I have of late been favoured with some pieces of amusement, and cash sent with them to pay for their insertion, I think it necessary to acquaint the PUBLICK that I neither expect, nor desire, any fee for publishing such pieces, for I esteem their being sent to me as a favour conferred on The Publick's most obedient humble servant.
ALEX. PURDIE.
We acknowledge the receipt of a copy of verses upon the death of John Robinson, Esq; late Speaker to the Hon. the House of Burgesses, and Treasurer of this colony.
We wish we could with any propriety insert them, as it would give us a great deal of pleasure to insert a tolerable poem to the memory of that great and worthy Gentleman; but this piece, we are sorry to say, is below mediocrity, and, in our humble opinion, quite unfit for publication, not the least spark of a poetical genius appearing through it, and indeed not very intelligible. It gives us pain to disoblige any one, but we make no doubt our readers will join with us in thinking that no piece designed for publication ought to have some degree of merit.
A piece likewise came to our hands, which is a kind of an acrostick poem, but so stupid, obscene, and filthy a performance, as requires not the least apology from us for not inserting it. We got 2 s. 3 d. with it, which will much about pay for this notice. We keep a free press, but not for obscenity and dullness.
ALEX. PURDIE.
We acknowledge the receipt of a copy of verses upon the death of John Robinson, Esq; late Speaker to the Hon. the House of Burgesses, and Treasurer of this colony.
We wish we could with any propriety insert them, as it would give us a great deal of pleasure to insert a tolerable poem to the memory of that great and worthy Gentleman; but this piece, we are sorry to say, is below mediocrity, and, in our humble opinion, quite unfit for publication, not the least spark of a poetical genius appearing through it, and indeed not very intelligible. It gives us pain to disoblige any one, but we make no doubt our readers will join with us in thinking that no piece designed for publication ought to have some degree of merit.
A piece likewise came to our hands, which is a kind of an acrostick poem, but so stupid, obscene, and filthy a performance, as requires not the least apology from us for not inserting it. We got 2 s. 3 d. with it, which will much about pay for this notice. We keep a free press, but not for obscenity and dullness.
What sub-type of article is it?
Press Freedom
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
Press Policy
Submission Rejection
Editorial Standards
Obscenity
Poetry Criticism
Free Press
What entities or persons were involved?
Alex. Purdie
John Robinson, Esq.
House Of Burgesses
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Editorial Policy On Submitted Publications
Stance / Tone
Defending Standards Against Poor And Obscene Content
Key Figures
Alex. Purdie
John Robinson, Esq.
House Of Burgesses
Key Arguments
No Fee Expected For Inserting Amusing Pieces Sent As Favors
Verses On John Robinson Rejected As Below Mediocrity And Unintelligible
Acrostic Poem Rejected As Stupid, Obscene, And Filthy
Free Press Maintained But Not For Obscenity And Dullness
Publication Requires Some Degree Of Merit