Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Letter to Editor
September 5, 1814
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Letter calls on Portland citizens to prepare defenses against invading enemies following the destruction of the Capital and capture of Eastport, proposing specific fortifications and stressing unified patriotic action to protect the town.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
COMMUNICATIONS.
Fellow Citizens,
The Capital is destroyed - Eastport is taken -- the enemy are said to be approaching us from the East and the South. Shall we still remain indifferent spectators to the approach of our ruin? Or come forth with one consent, determined not to have the town of Portland disgraced, and to defend it to the last extremity? No place has more natural advantages than this for defensive preparations. By the spirited exertions of the citizens, with some pecuniary aid, this harbor might easily be rendered impregnable to any naval force of the enemy. Let the new Battery forthwith be completed and furnished with 14 24 pound cannon or long eighteens -- throw up breast work on Dog Point or 4 18 pounders, and continue the works by a Covert way from Fish Point to Fort Burrows. All this can readily be done if the same spirit continues which animated those who commenced the work at the new Battery. The patriotic example set by the inhabitants of Westbrook is worthy the example of all. When the country comes forth, let not the town hold back. As it respects the defence of the soil no difference of opinion does or can exist. The man who will not defend his fireside when it is in his power, is unworthy the name of an American. We hope there are no individuals of this sort among us.
VIDETTE.
Fellow Citizens,
The Capital is destroyed - Eastport is taken -- the enemy are said to be approaching us from the East and the South. Shall we still remain indifferent spectators to the approach of our ruin? Or come forth with one consent, determined not to have the town of Portland disgraced, and to defend it to the last extremity? No place has more natural advantages than this for defensive preparations. By the spirited exertions of the citizens, with some pecuniary aid, this harbor might easily be rendered impregnable to any naval force of the enemy. Let the new Battery forthwith be completed and furnished with 14 24 pound cannon or long eighteens -- throw up breast work on Dog Point or 4 18 pounders, and continue the works by a Covert way from Fish Point to Fort Burrows. All this can readily be done if the same spirit continues which animated those who commenced the work at the new Battery. The patriotic example set by the inhabitants of Westbrook is worthy the example of all. When the country comes forth, let not the town hold back. As it respects the defence of the soil no difference of opinion does or can exist. The man who will not defend his fireside when it is in his power, is unworthy the name of an American. We hope there are no individuals of this sort among us.
VIDETTE.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
What themes does it cover?
Military War
What keywords are associated?
Portland Defense
Enemy Approach
Fortifications
New Battery
American Patriotism
Westbrook Example
What entities or persons were involved?
Vidette.
Fellow Citizens
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Vidette.
Recipient
Fellow Citizens
Main Argument
urges portland citizens to unite in defending the town against approaching enemies by completing fortifications like the new battery and breastworks, emphasizing that indifference would lead to ruin and that all americans must defend their homes.
Notable Details
Mentions Destruction Of The Capital And Capture Of Eastport
Suggests Equipping Battery With 14 24 Pound Cannon Or Long Eighteens
Proposes Breastwork On Dog Point With 4 18 Pounders And Covert Way From Fish Point To Fort Burrows
Praises Patriotic Example Of Westbrook Inhabitants