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Story
September 16, 1773
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
Mr. Stephen Sayre delivers a speech to the livery of London upon his election as sheriff, expressing profound gratitude and pledging lifelong devotion to public service, independence, and combating despotism to protect the city's freedom.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
The following is Mr. Stephen Sayre's speech to the livery of London, on being chosen sheriff for the ensuing year:
"Gentlemen of the livery,
It is impossible for me to express the feelings of gratitude which predominate in my breast upon the present occasion. The honour you have done me calls for a return, which a life entirely devoted to your services only can make. I deem myself more highly favoured, as I am well convinced that nothing under Heaven could have induced you to elect me into the office of sheriff but an opinion of my independence, and sincere attachment to the public cause. I am independent; I will continue so. Upon public grounds only I presumed to solicit your favour; upon public grounds only I will endeavour to deserve it. It shall be the labour of my life to convince you, that in vesting me with your gracious choice, I will strain every nerve in combating our common foe; I will labour assiduously to stop the progress of despotism: at least, I will, by a vigorous exertion of those powers with which you have entrusted me, prevent its making any inroads into this great, this opulent, this free, and independent city."
"Gentlemen of the livery,
It is impossible for me to express the feelings of gratitude which predominate in my breast upon the present occasion. The honour you have done me calls for a return, which a life entirely devoted to your services only can make. I deem myself more highly favoured, as I am well convinced that nothing under Heaven could have induced you to elect me into the office of sheriff but an opinion of my independence, and sincere attachment to the public cause. I am independent; I will continue so. Upon public grounds only I presumed to solicit your favour; upon public grounds only I will endeavour to deserve it. It shall be the labour of my life to convince you, that in vesting me with your gracious choice, I will strain every nerve in combating our common foe; I will labour assiduously to stop the progress of despotism: at least, I will, by a vigorous exertion of those powers with which you have entrusted me, prevent its making any inroads into this great, this opulent, this free, and independent city."
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Moral Virtue
Bravery Heroism
What keywords are associated?
Sheriff Election
Political Speech
Independence
Public Service
Despotism
London Livery
What entities or persons were involved?
Stephen Sayre
Livery Of London
Where did it happen?
London
Story Details
Key Persons
Stephen Sayre
Livery Of London
Location
London
Story Details
Stephen Sayre expresses gratitude for election as sheriff, affirms independence and attachment to public cause, pledges to combat despotism and protect the city's freedom using his office.