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Letter to Editor
May 9, 1751
The Pennsylvania Gazette
Philadelphia, York, Philadelphia County, York County, Pennsylvania
What is this article about?
Extract of a letter from Maryland dated April 26 complains about the yearly importation of 300-400 felons from London, who corrupt local society including servants, Negroes, and children, asserting that America produces enough thieves on its own.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Extract of a Letter from Maryland, dated April 26.
I believe we have every Year three or four Hundred Felons imported here from London; and if, when their Times are out, or before, they were not many of them to move away to the Northward, and elsewhere, we should be over-run with them. Some few may possibly have been transported for small Matters, or thro' false Accusations; but the most well deserve Hanging at home: And we have now no Occasion for imported Thieves in America, as the Breed seems to thrive among us, and we are like to have enough of our own Growth. Not only our other Servants and Negroes are corrupted and spoiled, but even our Children begin to be vitiated by them.
I believe we have every Year three or four Hundred Felons imported here from London; and if, when their Times are out, or before, they were not many of them to move away to the Northward, and elsewhere, we should be over-run with them. Some few may possibly have been transported for small Matters, or thro' false Accusations; but the most well deserve Hanging at home: And we have now no Occasion for imported Thieves in America, as the Breed seems to thrive among us, and we are like to have enough of our own Growth. Not only our other Servants and Negroes are corrupted and spoiled, but even our Children begin to be vitiated by them.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Social Critique
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Social Issues
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Imported Felons
Maryland
Crime Corruption
Colonial Servants
Thieves
Penal Transportation
Letter to Editor Details
Main Argument
the importation of 300-400 felons annually from london to maryland corrupts servants, negroes, and children, and is unnecessary as local crime is thriving without them.
Notable Details
Three Or Four Hundred Felons Imported Here From London
Move Away To The Northward
Breed Seems To Thrive Among Us
Our Children Begin To Be Vitiated By Them