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Letter to Editor
January 17, 1771
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A letter to the printers Purdie & Dixon criticizes writers who express joy at the prospect of war for economic benefits, describing war as a reign of violence, robbery, and death that contradicts Christianity and humanity, and laments the corruption of human nature.
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To Messrs. Purdie & Dixon.
GENTLEMEN,
HAVING lately read some Paragraphs in your Paper in which the
Writers signified their Joy at the Prospect of a War, I could not
help making a Remark, which I beg Leave to communicate to the Publick
by your Favour.
What is War? It is the Reign of Violence; the Licence of Robbery
and Murder; the Fatigues, the Dangers, the Sickness, the Wounds, the
Death of Thousands; the Desolation of Provinces; the Waste of the human
Species; the Mourning of Parents; the Cries and Tears of Widows and
Orphans.
Why do People wish for so great Calamities? Forsooth, that Trade
may be brisker, that Money may circulate, that they may add a wretched
Sum to their Estates. Are they not ashamed to confess, and even to pro-
fess, such a miserable Selfishness, so contrary to Christianity, and even to
Humanity?
If rich, proud, overgrown Nations, must have a foreign War to prevent
domestick One,—which, without Doubt, is more lamentable, let it be
so; but I cannot help bewailing the Imperfection or Corruption of human
Nature, that seems to require one great Misery to prevent a greater.
D. R.
GENTLEMEN,
HAVING lately read some Paragraphs in your Paper in which the
Writers signified their Joy at the Prospect of a War, I could not
help making a Remark, which I beg Leave to communicate to the Publick
by your Favour.
What is War? It is the Reign of Violence; the Licence of Robbery
and Murder; the Fatigues, the Dangers, the Sickness, the Wounds, the
Death of Thousands; the Desolation of Provinces; the Waste of the human
Species; the Mourning of Parents; the Cries and Tears of Widows and
Orphans.
Why do People wish for so great Calamities? Forsooth, that Trade
may be brisker, that Money may circulate, that they may add a wretched
Sum to their Estates. Are they not ashamed to confess, and even to pro-
fess, such a miserable Selfishness, so contrary to Christianity, and even to
Humanity?
If rich, proud, overgrown Nations, must have a foreign War to prevent
domestick One,—which, without Doubt, is more lamentable, let it be
so; but I cannot help bewailing the Imperfection or Corruption of human
Nature, that seems to require one great Misery to prevent a greater.
D. R.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Ethical Moral
Reflective
What themes does it cover?
Military War
Morality
What keywords are associated?
War Horrors
Anti War Sentiment
Economic Selfishness
Christianity
Human Nature
What entities or persons were involved?
D. R.
Messrs. Purdie & Dixon
Letter to Editor Details
Author
D. R.
Recipient
Messrs. Purdie & Dixon
Main Argument
war brings violence, death, and desolation, yet people selfishly wish for it to boost trade and wealth, which is contrary to christianity and humanity; the writer laments human nature's need for one misery to prevent another.
Notable Details
Describes War As 'The Reign Of Violence; The Licence Of Robbery And Murder'
Criticizes Selfishness In Wishing For War For Economic Gain
Bewails 'Imperfection Or Corruption Of Human Nature'