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Letter to Editor
May 1, 1778
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
The letter praises Williamsburg citizens for equipping four volunteers for General Nelson's horse corps at his recommendation, highlighting their zeal. It urges other counties to contribute proportionally to form a strong cavalry force for the next campaign and calls on countrymen to pause their pursuit of riches to support this service.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
Mr. PURDIE,
The conduct of the citizens of Williamsburg is so truly laudable, that it needs only to be known to ensure its imitation. At the recommendation of General Nelson, they have equipped four volunteers for his corps of horse. The alacrity with which the money was given, and the zeal discovered by the young men to enter into the service, plainly demonstrates, that the noble ardour which formerly prevailed through all ranks of people is at present not dead, but only slumbers. If each county will exert itself in proportion to its numbers, as much as the city has done, we shall still be able to send into the field such a body of horse as will materially influence the operations of the next campaign. I submit it to the serious reflection of my countrymen, whether they had not better, for a moment, give over that insatiate pursuit after riches, which has so generally taken possession of their souls and forward this necessary service. I am, Sir, yours and the public's
obedient servant,
Z.
The conduct of the citizens of Williamsburg is so truly laudable, that it needs only to be known to ensure its imitation. At the recommendation of General Nelson, they have equipped four volunteers for his corps of horse. The alacrity with which the money was given, and the zeal discovered by the young men to enter into the service, plainly demonstrates, that the noble ardour which formerly prevailed through all ranks of people is at present not dead, but only slumbers. If each county will exert itself in proportion to its numbers, as much as the city has done, we shall still be able to send into the field such a body of horse as will materially influence the operations of the next campaign. I submit it to the serious reflection of my countrymen, whether they had not better, for a moment, give over that insatiate pursuit after riches, which has so generally taken possession of their souls and forward this necessary service. I am, Sir, yours and the public's
obedient servant,
Z.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Reflective
What themes does it cover?
Military War
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Williamsburg Citizens
General Nelson
Horse Corps
Volunteers
Military Service
Pursuit Of Riches
Patriotic Ardour
What entities or persons were involved?
Z.
Mr. Purdie
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Z.
Recipient
Mr. Purdie
Main Argument
urges counties to emulate williamsburg by equipping volunteers for general nelson's horse corps proportionally to their population, to strengthen the cavalry for the next campaign, and suggests temporarily abandoning the pursuit of riches to prioritize this patriotic service.
Notable Details
Equipped Four Volunteers
Alacrity With Which The Money Was Given
Zeal Discovered By The Young Men
Noble Ardour Which Formerly Prevailed... Only Slumbers
Insatiate Pursuit After Riches