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Story
December 27, 1814
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Political commentary from Washington criticizes the Federalist faction in Massachusetts for refusing to deploy militia against invading enemy forces, as reported in the Boston Gazette, portraying state leaders' inaction as disgraceful during the war.
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Full Text
Washington, Dec. 21.
TEMPER OF THE FACTION.
We have seen paraded in the columns of the federal papers, with a vast deal of ceremony, certain acrimonious extracts, in the true Thyrsitean style, from the Boston Federal prints, as specimens of the terrible 'temper' which rages in New-England. That our readers may not remain in utter ignorance of the progress of this temper, we subjoin an extract from the Boston Gazette, the intemperance, folly and baseness of which we think no one will deny.
The prologue may be thus stated. The Federal rulers of Massachusetts deny the use of their militia to the General Government, asserting their own exclusive right and ability to judge when it is proper to call them out. The state is invaded, as the Gen. Government had anticipated. So far from calling out their Militia, and repelling the enemy from their soil, Gov. Strong and his Legislature refuse even to enquire into the expediency of doing so.
Month after month passes away: and to the disgrace of the state, the enemy retains undisturbed possession of its soil.
Finding the state determined notwithstanding its loud professions, to make no effort to rescue its citizens and soil from foreign dominion, the Gen. Government, it appears, has required a portion of the militia to be employed, on its responsibility for that purpose.
Now, reader, attend!
Enter Boston Gazette—Locuitur
'It is whispered, that after 4 or 5 months utter neglect, a great expedition is to be undertaken, we will not say where, lest the enemy should know it.
It is said the militia of Massachusetts are to be INVITED to atchieve it without money and provisions. Tho Generalissimo selected on this occasion, will be generally approved; as he was among the principal promoters of the war, it is right he should have an opportunity to signalize himself. A wag, who is addicted to alliteration, remarked that the only obstacles to its success were the want of
Arts, arms, and ability.
Courage, conduct, and credit,
Men, money, and merit.
It will be seen that we make no reflections on the militia, for we are satisfied they will not go.'
O! Massachusetts! Massachusetts!
How art thou fallen, when such are thy oracles!
TEMPER OF THE FACTION.
We have seen paraded in the columns of the federal papers, with a vast deal of ceremony, certain acrimonious extracts, in the true Thyrsitean style, from the Boston Federal prints, as specimens of the terrible 'temper' which rages in New-England. That our readers may not remain in utter ignorance of the progress of this temper, we subjoin an extract from the Boston Gazette, the intemperance, folly and baseness of which we think no one will deny.
The prologue may be thus stated. The Federal rulers of Massachusetts deny the use of their militia to the General Government, asserting their own exclusive right and ability to judge when it is proper to call them out. The state is invaded, as the Gen. Government had anticipated. So far from calling out their Militia, and repelling the enemy from their soil, Gov. Strong and his Legislature refuse even to enquire into the expediency of doing so.
Month after month passes away: and to the disgrace of the state, the enemy retains undisturbed possession of its soil.
Finding the state determined notwithstanding its loud professions, to make no effort to rescue its citizens and soil from foreign dominion, the Gen. Government, it appears, has required a portion of the militia to be employed, on its responsibility for that purpose.
Now, reader, attend!
Enter Boston Gazette—Locuitur
'It is whispered, that after 4 or 5 months utter neglect, a great expedition is to be undertaken, we will not say where, lest the enemy should know it.
It is said the militia of Massachusetts are to be INVITED to atchieve it without money and provisions. Tho Generalissimo selected on this occasion, will be generally approved; as he was among the principal promoters of the war, it is right he should have an opportunity to signalize himself. A wag, who is addicted to alliteration, remarked that the only obstacles to its success were the want of
Arts, arms, and ability.
Courage, conduct, and credit,
Men, money, and merit.
It will be seen that we make no reflections on the militia, for we are satisfied they will not go.'
O! Massachusetts! Massachusetts!
How art thou fallen, when such are thy oracles!
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Betrayal
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Massachusetts Militia
Federalist Criticism
Wartime Inaction
Boston Gazette
Governor Strong
What entities or persons were involved?
Gov. Strong
Where did it happen?
Massachusetts
Story Details
Key Persons
Gov. Strong
Location
Massachusetts
Story Details
Federal rulers in Massachusetts refuse militia to the General Government during invasion; Gov. Strong and Legislature fail to act, allowing enemy possession; federal government calls militia; Boston Gazette mocks the effort sarcastically.