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Letter to Editor
April 3, 1809
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
An anonymous letter denounces Levi Lincoln's candidacy for Massachusetts governor, listing eight reasons including his refusal to protect homes from searches, violation of state laws to enforce the federal Embargo, denial of assembly rights, incompetence as U.S. Attorney General, anti-clergy views, allegiance to Washington leaders and France, support for the Embargo and war with Britain.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
LEVI LINCOLN.
The friends of discord and war are using all kinds of measures to place him in the chair of Government the present year. He does not deserve the office nor the confidence of the people.
1. Last winter he sacrificed their rights by refusing to sign an act for the protection of our dwelling-houses from midnight searches—tho' both branches of the Legislature had passed it on the petitions of thousands and thousands of our fellow-citizens.
2. He expressly violated the Laws of Massachusetts which he swore he would observe, by issuing military orders to certain persons to aid in executing the tyrannical Embargo Law of Jan. 9, when he knew he had no right to issue such orders: the object of which was to put soldiers over the heads of their officers, and to pick out a set of men that would go all lengths with him.
3. He has publicly denied the right of the People to assemble and petition for a redress of grievances—and publicly slandered them for so doing, tho the Constitution expressly secures this right to them.
4. He accepted the office of Attorney General of the United States: but was unable to do the duties of it—he tried, & through ignorance of his duty, failed—and Government was obliged to hire Mr. Dallas, another Lawyer to help him out of his difficulty—at last he resigned his office, to the joy of all who had any hand in appointing him.
5. He is a man who seldom ever attends public worship, and for years has proclaimed himself the enemy of the Clergy'; and has openly abused them, and endeavoured to bring them into disrepute.—Witness his 10th number of the Worcester Farmer.
6. He is the devoted tool of the leaders at Washington: and they are the devoted tools of France.
7. He approves of the Embargo and all the shameful restrictions on our Commerce: and would join with all his heart to bring about a war with Great Britain—tho our seaports should be laid in ashes.
8. In fine—he is certainly unfit for the office of Governor: or else the democrats would not tell a thousand of the meanest lies to promote his election. Something is rotten at the core: or else Truth would answer all purposes on this occasion.
AN OBSERVER.
The friends of discord and war are using all kinds of measures to place him in the chair of Government the present year. He does not deserve the office nor the confidence of the people.
1. Last winter he sacrificed their rights by refusing to sign an act for the protection of our dwelling-houses from midnight searches—tho' both branches of the Legislature had passed it on the petitions of thousands and thousands of our fellow-citizens.
2. He expressly violated the Laws of Massachusetts which he swore he would observe, by issuing military orders to certain persons to aid in executing the tyrannical Embargo Law of Jan. 9, when he knew he had no right to issue such orders: the object of which was to put soldiers over the heads of their officers, and to pick out a set of men that would go all lengths with him.
3. He has publicly denied the right of the People to assemble and petition for a redress of grievances—and publicly slandered them for so doing, tho the Constitution expressly secures this right to them.
4. He accepted the office of Attorney General of the United States: but was unable to do the duties of it—he tried, & through ignorance of his duty, failed—and Government was obliged to hire Mr. Dallas, another Lawyer to help him out of his difficulty—at last he resigned his office, to the joy of all who had any hand in appointing him.
5. He is a man who seldom ever attends public worship, and for years has proclaimed himself the enemy of the Clergy'; and has openly abused them, and endeavoured to bring them into disrepute.—Witness his 10th number of the Worcester Farmer.
6. He is the devoted tool of the leaders at Washington: and they are the devoted tools of France.
7. He approves of the Embargo and all the shameful restrictions on our Commerce: and would join with all his heart to bring about a war with Great Britain—tho our seaports should be laid in ashes.
8. In fine—he is certainly unfit for the office of Governor: or else the democrats would not tell a thousand of the meanest lies to promote his election. Something is rotten at the core: or else Truth would answer all purposes on this occasion.
AN OBSERVER.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Economic Policy
Constitutional Rights
What keywords are associated?
Levi Lincoln
Governor Election
Embargo Law
Constitutional Rights
Attorney General
Worcester Farmer
Political Criticism
War With Britain
What entities or persons were involved?
An Observer.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
An Observer.
Main Argument
levi lincoln does not deserve the office of governor or the people's confidence due to his violations of rights, laws, incompetence, anti-clergy stance, and support for the embargo and war with britain.
Notable Details
Refusal To Sign Act Protecting Dwelling Houses From Midnight Searches
Issued Military Orders Violating Massachusetts Laws To Enforce Embargo Of Jan. 9
Denied Right Of People To Assemble And Petition
Incompetent As U.S. Attorney General, Required Assistance From Mr. Dallas
Enemy Of The Clergy, Referenced In 10th Number Of Worcester Farmer
Tool Of Washington Leaders Aligned With France
Supports Embargo Restrictions On Commerce And War With Great Britain
Democrats Promoting His Election With Lies