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Letter to Editor
November 6, 1766
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Satirical letter to printers Purdie & Dixon from 'R. R.', mockingly asserting superiority based on family and fortune, demanding indictments against lower-class individuals for criticizing superiors, and threatening to leave the colony if not punished.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
To Mess. PURDIE & DIXON
GENTLEMEN,
I AM told that subordination is proper and necessary in all societies, and I am sure nothing entitles a man to superiority so much as family and fortune. Therefore, as some men who are inferior in fortune have undertaken to judge and blame their superiors in this respect, I think that every great man must be affected with indignation, and endeavour to suppress this growing evil. I would therefore recommend and insist that indictments should be speedily presented against five Writers, fifteen Evidences, three Printers, two Sheriffs, and twelve Veniremen, that they may suffer for their presumption. And you must know that unless this is complied with, and those transgressors sufficiently punished, I shall dispose of my estate, and remove with my family to some other part of the world, where I may better support my dignity. And I do not doubt but my example will be soon followed by many others, who have proper spirit and notions of their importance.
R. R.
GENTLEMEN,
I AM told that subordination is proper and necessary in all societies, and I am sure nothing entitles a man to superiority so much as family and fortune. Therefore, as some men who are inferior in fortune have undertaken to judge and blame their superiors in this respect, I think that every great man must be affected with indignation, and endeavour to suppress this growing evil. I would therefore recommend and insist that indictments should be speedily presented against five Writers, fifteen Evidences, three Printers, two Sheriffs, and twelve Veniremen, that they may suffer for their presumption. And you must know that unless this is complied with, and those transgressors sufficiently punished, I shall dispose of my estate, and remove with my family to some other part of the world, where I may better support my dignity. And I do not doubt but my example will be soon followed by many others, who have proper spirit and notions of their importance.
R. R.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satirical
Social Critique
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Social Issues
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Social Hierarchy
Subordination
Class Superiority
Satirical Demand
Indictments
Emigration Threat
What entities or persons were involved?
R. R.
Mess. Purdie & Dixon
Letter to Editor Details
Author
R. R.
Recipient
Mess. Purdie & Dixon
Main Argument
demands punishment of lower-class individuals for criticizing social superiors based on fortune, threatening to emigrate if not enforced to maintain dignity and subordination.
Notable Details
Indictments Against Five Writers, Fifteen Evidences, Three Printers, Two Sheriffs, And Twelve Veniremen
Threat To Dispose Of Estate And Remove Family