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Letter to Editor
January 10, 1809
The Enquirer
Richmond, Henrico County, Virginia
What is this article about?
On January 5, 1809, Anderson McWilliams, surveyor of customs in Fredericksburg, VA, writes to correct a false report in the New-England Palladium claiming the brig Marcus, involved in Embargo Law evasion, is from Fredericksburg; it is actually from Belfast, Maine.
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TO THE EDITOR OF THE ENQUIRER.
FREDERICKSBURG, January 5, 1809.
As surveyor of the customs for this place, I conceive it a duty incumbent on me, to expose to the citizens of my country, one of the most shameful lies, that was ever published in any news-paper in the United States. The piece alluded to, you have enclosed-I have this day cut it out of the New-England Palladium, printed by Young & Minns, of Boston :
"Mere Virginia Patriotism.—The brig Marcus, capt. Brown, of and from Fredericksburg, Virginia, laden with flour, &c. cleared for Charleston, has been "blown off," and arrived at Kingston, Jamaica."
Edmund Brown, James Badger & Wm. Smith if you recollect, were presented by the Grand Jury, for an evasion of the Embargo Law-Ed. mund Brown was master of the brig Marcus, James Badger was the owner; both of the town of Belfast, in the District of Maine, (Massachusetts,) and the name on the stern of the brig was as follows-Marcus of Belfast. See what the Editor of the Palladium says, states the vessel to be of and from Fredericksburg--Wm Smith (of Orange) was their security. I wish you, sir, to be good enough to insert a direct contradiction in your next paper. Give me up as your author in the publication.
Your friend and fellow-citizen,
In haste,
ANDERSON McWILLIAMS.
P. S. The brig Marcus cleared for Boston, and not for Charles Town.
A. McW.
FREDERICKSBURG, January 5, 1809.
As surveyor of the customs for this place, I conceive it a duty incumbent on me, to expose to the citizens of my country, one of the most shameful lies, that was ever published in any news-paper in the United States. The piece alluded to, you have enclosed-I have this day cut it out of the New-England Palladium, printed by Young & Minns, of Boston :
"Mere Virginia Patriotism.—The brig Marcus, capt. Brown, of and from Fredericksburg, Virginia, laden with flour, &c. cleared for Charleston, has been "blown off," and arrived at Kingston, Jamaica."
Edmund Brown, James Badger & Wm. Smith if you recollect, were presented by the Grand Jury, for an evasion of the Embargo Law-Ed. mund Brown was master of the brig Marcus, James Badger was the owner; both of the town of Belfast, in the District of Maine, (Massachusetts,) and the name on the stern of the brig was as follows-Marcus of Belfast. See what the Editor of the Palladium says, states the vessel to be of and from Fredericksburg--Wm Smith (of Orange) was their security. I wish you, sir, to be good enough to insert a direct contradiction in your next paper. Give me up as your author in the publication.
Your friend and fellow-citizen,
In haste,
ANDERSON McWILLIAMS.
P. S. The brig Marcus cleared for Boston, and not for Charles Town.
A. McW.
What sub-type of article is it?
Investigative
Informative
Persuasive
What themes does it cover?
Economic Policy
Politics
Crime Punishment
What keywords are associated?
Embargo Law Evasion
Brig Marcus
Fredericksburg
Belfast Maine
New England Palladium
Customs Surveyor
What entities or persons were involved?
Anderson Mcwilliams
The Editor Of The Enquirer
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Anderson Mcwilliams
Recipient
The Editor Of The Enquirer
Main Argument
the brig marcus is falsely reported as from fredericksburg, virginia; it is actually from belfast, maine, owned by james badger, mastered by edmund brown, and involved in evading the embargo law, with clearance for boston, not charleston.
Notable Details
Enclosed Piece From New England Palladium By Young & Minns, Boston
Grand Jury Presented Edmund Brown, James Badger, And Wm. Smith For Evasion
Vessel Name: Marcus Of Belfast
P.S. Correction: Cleared For Boston, Not Charles Town