Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Letter to Editor
April 19, 1776
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
A letter to Mr. Purdie complains about exorbitant impositions by tavern-keepers in Williamsburg and the colony, noting neglect of court-set rates and official leniency, and calls for displaying rates or punishment.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Mr. PURDIE,
THE impositions and exactions on the publick by the TAVERN-KEEPERS in this colony in general, as well as in Williamsburg, is so exorbitant, as to call for some mode of redress by those to whom that power belongs. No colony on this continent is allowed greater profit on vending and retailing provision than this, but that does not satisfy the voracious publican. By the law, the courts settle the rates of provision, &c. which is to be put up in the tavern. This is neglected, the better to facilitate the design; and, countenanced by those whose duty it is to detect such proceedings, by paying every unjust charge in the tavern-keeper's bill (from a mistaken notion that it is below the dignity of a gentleman to contest small accounts) they go on with impunity. It is hoped, therefore, that all tavern-keepers will immediately put up the rates allowed by the court in the most conspicuous part of the tavern, or be punished for such neglect.
I am, sir,
An ENEMY to IMPOSITIONS.
THE impositions and exactions on the publick by the TAVERN-KEEPERS in this colony in general, as well as in Williamsburg, is so exorbitant, as to call for some mode of redress by those to whom that power belongs. No colony on this continent is allowed greater profit on vending and retailing provision than this, but that does not satisfy the voracious publican. By the law, the courts settle the rates of provision, &c. which is to be put up in the tavern. This is neglected, the better to facilitate the design; and, countenanced by those whose duty it is to detect such proceedings, by paying every unjust charge in the tavern-keeper's bill (from a mistaken notion that it is below the dignity of a gentleman to contest small accounts) they go on with impunity. It is hoped, therefore, that all tavern-keepers will immediately put up the rates allowed by the court in the most conspicuous part of the tavern, or be punished for such neglect.
I am, sir,
An ENEMY to IMPOSITIONS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Social Critique
What themes does it cover?
Commerce Trade
Social Issues
What keywords are associated?
Tavern Keepers
Exorbitant Prices
Public Impositions
Williamsburg
Court Rates
Redress
What entities or persons were involved?
An Enemy To Impositions.
Mr. Purdie
Letter to Editor Details
Author
An Enemy To Impositions.
Recipient
Mr. Purdie
Main Argument
tavern-keepers in the colony, especially williamsburg, impose exorbitant charges beyond court-set rates, facilitated by neglect and official indulgence; they should immediately display approved rates or face punishment.
Notable Details
References Williamsburg And The Colony
Courts Settle Rates For Provisions In Taverns
Criticizes Gentlemen For Not Contesting Small Unjust Charges