Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Letter to Editor
May 17, 1809
Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger
Norfolk, Virginia
What is this article about?
In 1809, a subscriber to the Publick Ledger complains about irregular delivery due to mismanagement at the Nixonton post-office, receiving papers only once every four weeks, and requests discontinuation of subscription. The editor highlights similar abuses by postmasters who hinder circulation of politically opposed newspapers.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
THE PUBLICK LEDGER.
WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 17, 1809.
[The following letter was received by the last mail, and we certainly should not have intruded it upon our readers, if it had been the first, or even the tenth, which we have received within a few months from other subscribers, complaining of similar conduct in other post-offices. To us personally, it is something, however, that we might have overlooked, but we deprecate the practice more than we feel the loss. By such a practice it is in the power of post-masters, to stop the circulation of any paper which does not correspond with their political principles. We do not flatter ourselves that the circulation of the Ledger is of any political importance, but while we conduct it, it shall circulate fairly, or we will expose those who from design or neglect endeavour to prevent it. We request our subscribers, who experience the same treatment to let us know, and the authors shall hear of it. We know it is a practice, and a most shameful one it is, for Postmasters to lend out papers to persons whose political sentiments are hostile, and who retain them or destroy them according to their pleasure. Such abuses deserve to be noticed, and ought to be corrected.]
To the Editor of the Publick Ledger.
"SIR,
You will please to discontinue my papers, as it is unnecessary for me to pay for what I never receive the benefit of, on account of the bad management of the Post-Office at Nixonton, for I can certify that I never get my papers more often than one in four weeks; your account you will also enclose by post and I will remit you the balance.
Could I receive my papers in a proper manner I should be fond of continuing them.
I am with respect, &c."
WEDNESDAY EVENING, MAY 17, 1809.
[The following letter was received by the last mail, and we certainly should not have intruded it upon our readers, if it had been the first, or even the tenth, which we have received within a few months from other subscribers, complaining of similar conduct in other post-offices. To us personally, it is something, however, that we might have overlooked, but we deprecate the practice more than we feel the loss. By such a practice it is in the power of post-masters, to stop the circulation of any paper which does not correspond with their political principles. We do not flatter ourselves that the circulation of the Ledger is of any political importance, but while we conduct it, it shall circulate fairly, or we will expose those who from design or neglect endeavour to prevent it. We request our subscribers, who experience the same treatment to let us know, and the authors shall hear of it. We know it is a practice, and a most shameful one it is, for Postmasters to lend out papers to persons whose political sentiments are hostile, and who retain them or destroy them according to their pleasure. Such abuses deserve to be noticed, and ought to be corrected.]
To the Editor of the Publick Ledger.
"SIR,
You will please to discontinue my papers, as it is unnecessary for me to pay for what I never receive the benefit of, on account of the bad management of the Post-Office at Nixonton, for I can certify that I never get my papers more often than one in four weeks; your account you will also enclose by post and I will remit you the balance.
Could I receive my papers in a proper manner I should be fond of continuing them.
I am with respect, &c."
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Persuasive
Social Critique
What themes does it cover?
Press Freedom
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Post Office Mismanagement
Newspaper Delivery
Nixonton
Subscription Cancellation
Political Interference
What entities or persons were involved?
Editor Of The Publick Ledger
Letter to Editor Details
Recipient
Editor Of The Publick Ledger
Main Argument
requests discontinuation of publick ledger subscription due to irregular delivery from nixonton post-office mismanagement, receiving papers only once every four weeks.
Notable Details
Complains Of Bad Management At Post Office At Nixonton
Would Continue If Received Properly