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Story
August 28, 1830
Daily Richmond Whig
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
The St. Andrew's Herald debunks a circulated hoax from St. John claiming West India ports would open to American trade on September 1 and timber duties equalized, suggesting colonial abandonment. Private letters confirm ports will remain closed. The rumor aimed to influence Maine elections.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
The Hoax Exposed. The editor of the St. Andrew's Herald, in reference to the recent report of the opening of the West India ports to our trade uses the following language.
On Friday last, a report from St. John was industriously circulated in town, that the committee of correspondence of the Council and House of Assembly, had received a communication from the Colonial Agents in London, stating that the West India Ports would be opened to the American Flag on the 1st September next, and further, that the duties on the Timber from these Colonies were to be equalized with those on Baltic timber, amounting, on the whole, in substance, that the Colonies were to be abandoned.
Had the report been more qualified, it might have had the effect of damping the spirits of the inhabitants, but it was so outrageous, that its extravagance and absurdity destroyed its effects. We here repeat what we stated in the Herald of the 27th ult. 'Private letters have been received, from a gentleman holding an official situation under the British Government in the United States, stating, that the writer had received positive information that the West India Trade Question is now settled and that the Ports WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE AMERICANS!'
The original rumor, here alluded to, was doubtless set afloat to influence the approaching elections in Maine.—[Bost. Cour.
On Friday last, a report from St. John was industriously circulated in town, that the committee of correspondence of the Council and House of Assembly, had received a communication from the Colonial Agents in London, stating that the West India Ports would be opened to the American Flag on the 1st September next, and further, that the duties on the Timber from these Colonies were to be equalized with those on Baltic timber, amounting, on the whole, in substance, that the Colonies were to be abandoned.
Had the report been more qualified, it might have had the effect of damping the spirits of the inhabitants, but it was so outrageous, that its extravagance and absurdity destroyed its effects. We here repeat what we stated in the Herald of the 27th ult. 'Private letters have been received, from a gentleman holding an official situation under the British Government in the United States, stating, that the writer had received positive information that the West India Trade Question is now settled and that the Ports WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE AMERICANS!'
The original rumor, here alluded to, was doubtless set afloat to influence the approaching elections in Maine.—[Bost. Cour.
What sub-type of article is it?
Deception Fraud
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Deception
What keywords are associated?
Hoax Exposed
West India Ports
American Trade
Timber Duties
Maine Elections
Colonial Agents
What entities or persons were involved?
Editor Of The St. Andrew's Herald
Where did it happen?
St. John, Maine
Story Details
Key Persons
Editor Of The St. Andrew's Herald
Location
St. John, Maine
Event Date
1st September Next
Story Details
A hoax rumor circulated in town claiming West India ports would open to American trade on September 1 and timber duties equalized, but private letters confirm the ports will not open; the rumor was intended to influence Maine elections.