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Editorial
February 10, 1774
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Editorial critiques a letter from 'A VIRGINIAN' in King William expressing unease over northern colonies' resistance to East India Company tea imports, fearing loss of legislatures and military rule. The author deems these fears baseless, notes the company's failed venture, and the British ministry's caution against disrupting colonial trade.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
The Piece signed A VIRGINIAN, from King William, although dated the 6th ult. is but just come to Hand.
The chief Subject is the Uneasiness which the Author felt at the Opposition made by our Northward Brethren to the landing of the East India Company's Tea, he being apprehensive that some violent Measures would be adopted, which might end in the Annihilation of our American Legislatures, and introduce a military Government; and he is of Opinion, moreover, that we may as well buy Tea from the Company's Agents here as purchase it from Merchants who import it from England, the Duty being paid there by one as well as the other.
Now as the Result of those Fears of his, we hope, is groundless, and his Doctrine not likely to be adopted by his Countrymen, it seems unnecessary, at this Juncture, to publish the Whole of his Performance; for the East India Company have had too bad Luck with their first Adventure ever to think of sending another, and the Ministry, from past Experience, are too wise to attempt any Thing against America which may affect its commercial Intercourse with the Parent State, whose Prosperity so much depends upon that Cement of Nations.
The chief Subject is the Uneasiness which the Author felt at the Opposition made by our Northward Brethren to the landing of the East India Company's Tea, he being apprehensive that some violent Measures would be adopted, which might end in the Annihilation of our American Legislatures, and introduce a military Government; and he is of Opinion, moreover, that we may as well buy Tea from the Company's Agents here as purchase it from Merchants who import it from England, the Duty being paid there by one as well as the other.
Now as the Result of those Fears of his, we hope, is groundless, and his Doctrine not likely to be adopted by his Countrymen, it seems unnecessary, at this Juncture, to publish the Whole of his Performance; for the East India Company have had too bad Luck with their first Adventure ever to think of sending another, and the Ministry, from past Experience, are too wise to attempt any Thing against America which may affect its commercial Intercourse with the Parent State, whose Prosperity so much depends upon that Cement of Nations.
What sub-type of article is it?
Economic Policy
Constitutional
Partisan Politics
What keywords are associated?
Tea Opposition
East India Company
American Legislatures
Military Government
Colonial Trade
British Ministry
What entities or persons were involved?
A Virginian
Northward Brethren
East India Company
Ministry
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Response To 'A Virginian' On Opposition To East India Tea Shipments
Stance / Tone
Dismissive Of Fears Of Military Government And Supportive Of Resistance To Tea Imports
Key Figures
A Virginian
Northward Brethren
East India Company
Ministry
Key Arguments
Fears Of Violent Measures Leading To Annihilation Of Legislatures And Military Government Are Groundless
Doctrine Of Buying Tea Despite Duties Unlikely To Be Adopted By Countrymen
Unnecessary To Publish Full Piece At This Juncture
East India Company Unlikely To Send Another Shipment After Bad Luck
Ministry Too Wise To Interfere With America's Commercial Intercourse With Britain