The Virginia Gazette

TO THE PRINTERS.

SIRS,

I HAVE lately seen a small packet directed to Mr. a magistrate; the contents of which were the packs of cards.

The disagreeable discovery gave rise to some very melancholy reflections in my mind; from whence I would propose the following queries

1st. Is not every Magistrate, sworn to their duty, chargeable with the heavy guilt of perjury, that instead of being a terror to evil doers, countenance, connive at, or allow gaming, contrary to law?

What shall we think then of those, who from a sordid view of getting a few dirty pence, in an oblique way, put into the hands of lawless gamblers those fatal instruments, productive of almost every destructive and deadly evil? Secondly,

doth not God, as moral governor of the world, take notice of, and punish violators, and contemners of his laws and authority? If so, are not the sins of our country (amongst which gaming is far from being the least) the true reason why the hand of God is so heavy upon us? Or why should the righteous cause, in which we are engaged, have proved fatal to the lives of so many of our dear youth, and others? Then thirdly,

are not those who are indulging unlawful pleasures, and sinful practices, at this time, the greatest foes to our country, notwithstanding their hypocritical pretences to the contrary?

Are they not chargeable with the bloodshed, and desolation thereof? And lastly, would it not be the most salutary and effectual method to put a stop to this great evil, if our wise Assembly would enact, that any one found gaming, racing, &c. should be deemed a soldier, to all intents and purposes, and be dealt with accordingly? Would not the utility of such a law greatly counter-balance the objection, to wit. that of bringing an odium on the soldiery;

especially when we consider at how low an ebb recruiting is at this time?

What measures have been already taken to supply our quotas of men?

And how welcome they would be at the camp on any score?

I am, Sirs, your humble servant,

A CUSTOMER.