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Letter to Editor
June 21, 1776
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
A tavern-keeper responds to an author's apology for general criticism of tavern-keepers, explaining his reply was motivated by fairness, not vanity, and advises targeting individuals in future critiques rather than groups.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Mr. PURDIE,
In a late paper of yours, having observed a kind of apology from the Enemy to Impositions, for his former illiberal reflection on the tavern-keepers in general, I think it necessary to inform the author, that, if he had confined himself to particulars, or made those exceptions in his first production, he would not only have escaped the malignity of the Tavern-Keeper, but his trouble of reply; for he can with truth assure him, that a natural desire to do to all men as he would wish they should do to him, and not vanity (as he maliciously conjectured) alone induced him to take notice of his performance. And he would advise him, in future, when he supposes himself to be injured, to expose to public censure the aggressor alone, and not involve numbers for the transgression of one.
Your's, and the publick's servant,
A Tavern-Keeper.
In a late paper of yours, having observed a kind of apology from the Enemy to Impositions, for his former illiberal reflection on the tavern-keepers in general, I think it necessary to inform the author, that, if he had confined himself to particulars, or made those exceptions in his first production, he would not only have escaped the malignity of the Tavern-Keeper, but his trouble of reply; for he can with truth assure him, that a natural desire to do to all men as he would wish they should do to him, and not vanity (as he maliciously conjectured) alone induced him to take notice of his performance. And he would advise him, in future, when he supposes himself to be injured, to expose to public censure the aggressor alone, and not involve numbers for the transgression of one.
Your's, and the publick's servant,
A Tavern-Keeper.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Social Critique
What themes does it cover?
Social Issues
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Tavern Keepers
Illiberal Reflection
Public Censure
Golden Rule
Fair Treatment
What entities or persons were involved?
A Tavern Keeper
Mr. Purdie
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Tavern Keeper
Recipient
Mr. Purdie
Main Argument
the tavern-keeper defends his response to the author's general criticism, stating it was driven by a desire for fair treatment rather than vanity, and advises the author to criticize individuals specifically in the future to avoid involving innocents.
Notable Details
References The Golden Rule: 'Do To All Men As He Would Wish They Should Do To Him'
Criticizes Generalizing Illiberal Reflections On Tavern Keepers