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Letter to Editor
February 5, 1762
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
The letter expresses skepticism about a recent resignation, viewing it as a bargain with conditions rather than genuine patriotism, and calls for the individual to provide clear facts to dispel public doubt and prevent factionalism. It emphasizes reasoning from evidence over hearsay and the duty to vindicate one's honor.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
To the PRINTERS.
SIR,
There are abundance of opinions about a late resignation: but I shall for my part always think every thing a bargain where a consideration appears to be given: and I cannot conceive, that considerations will be given without conditions being prescribed. If patriotism be still pretended, why is the public left in doubt? if matters are not authentically made clear to the people they must naturally become convinced that their confidence should be withdrawn: and of course, that all future attachments must be those of Faction.
I will not believe a knowing man can be very grossly duped; nor is there the appearance of duping where great favours are received.
I shall never let infatuation dazzle my reason on any point. Facts are the best guides by which judgment can be led; and, therefore against their evidence, hear-say and supposition will have no weight with me. A man whose character suffers by imputation, has it always in his power to clear up the matter s which if he neglects to do, it becomes natural for unfavourable conclusions to be drawn from such omissions. Every man owes to his own honor the clearest vindication of himself in all cases. If he is under no restraint. there can be no occasion for delay. Do not let us therefore deceive ourselves by prepossession, but make use of plain reason for fairly judging from appearances.
OCCULUS.
SIR,
There are abundance of opinions about a late resignation: but I shall for my part always think every thing a bargain where a consideration appears to be given: and I cannot conceive, that considerations will be given without conditions being prescribed. If patriotism be still pretended, why is the public left in doubt? if matters are not authentically made clear to the people they must naturally become convinced that their confidence should be withdrawn: and of course, that all future attachments must be those of Faction.
I will not believe a knowing man can be very grossly duped; nor is there the appearance of duping where great favours are received.
I shall never let infatuation dazzle my reason on any point. Facts are the best guides by which judgment can be led; and, therefore against their evidence, hear-say and supposition will have no weight with me. A man whose character suffers by imputation, has it always in his power to clear up the matter s which if he neglects to do, it becomes natural for unfavourable conclusions to be drawn from such omissions. Every man owes to his own honor the clearest vindication of himself in all cases. If he is under no restraint. there can be no occasion for delay. Do not let us therefore deceive ourselves by prepossession, but make use of plain reason for fairly judging from appearances.
OCCULUS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Reflective
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Resignation
Patriotism
Public Doubt
Factionalism
Transparency
Honor
Facts Over Hearsay
What entities or persons were involved?
Occulus
The Printers
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Occulus
Recipient
The Printers
Main Argument
the recent resignation likely involves a bargain with prescribed conditions rather than pure patriotism, and the public should withdraw confidence if not clarified, leading to factionalism; the individual must vindicate their honor through facts without delay.
Notable Details
Every Thing A Bargain Where A Consideration Appears To Be Given
Facts Are The Best Guides
Every Man Owes To His Own Honor The Clearest Vindication