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Letter to Editor
November 25, 1768
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Nathaniel Rogers, a New England gentleman recently returned from England, writes to urge colonial moderation and prudence to secure repeal of the Townshend Act. He reports that British parties across the spectrum support the empire's union, disavow the act, and would treat colonists as mistaken but not destroy their liberties if they return to calm.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
BOSTON, Nov. 21.
To the PRINTERS.
Notwithstanding the many unhappy publications which have of late appeared, I hope the following will be considered with candor and approbation, as it hath been my unwearied endeavors in the circle I am in, to promote the peace and welfare of my country.
From these motives, during my late residence in England, I strove for the acquaintance of men of all parties, that I might gain a just knowledge of their sentiments relating to the public affairs in America; and tho' very hard and severe reflections were thrown out upon our conduct, and the last summer, a general alarm appear'd in the kingdom, that we were taking the most imprudent steps, and that matters would be carried to the last extremity, yet the necessity of a general union of all parts of the British Empire were considered of so much consequence, and our mutual interests so inseparably connected, that with pleasure I observed the sensible men of all parties, tho' fully for the support of government and its officers, yet consistent with that, were willing to afford us every relief; and that representations founded upon such reasonings as were admissible upon their ideas of the constitution, would be received and supported. I was assured from all sides, that they would consider us as mistaken, and treat us upon that idea when once we had returned to moderation; nor could I, in the many frequent opportunities I had, ever discover there was an intention to destroy our liberties, or to erect an arbitrary power over us. The present act which hath given such just uneasiness, all parties disavow, its great Fauteur, Mr. Charles Townshend being dead, one and all are for its repeal, from the anti-commercial principles upon which it stands. that would be their idea in the repeal. and not from a doubt of its legality. I must also add, that during the last summer many of our best friends were grown very cool towards us; they said our conduct was such, that we took from them even the plausibility of justifying us. Upon the whole. I concluded, not only from the general conversation I fell into, but from the best assurances, that were we to adopt moderate and prudent measures, all our past warmth and heat would be forgot, and the Act with all its consequences, which now give so much concern, would be repealed; but till we return to prudence and moderation, the Government and its Officers will be supported in the most honorable and firm manner.
No New England Gentleman having lately returned from England, and as I have had some opportunities during a year's residence, which do not always happen to men in my situation, I hope I shall not be blamed for this public manner of declaring my sentiments, God, who knows my heart, knows I have the best intentions, and if I err, to imitate the Deity is our noblest perfection, He. I am sure, will forgive honest, though erroneous conduct, and I hope I may claim that indulgence from my countrymen.
Boston, Nov. 8. 1768.
NATH. ROGERS.
To the PRINTERS.
Notwithstanding the many unhappy publications which have of late appeared, I hope the following will be considered with candor and approbation, as it hath been my unwearied endeavors in the circle I am in, to promote the peace and welfare of my country.
From these motives, during my late residence in England, I strove for the acquaintance of men of all parties, that I might gain a just knowledge of their sentiments relating to the public affairs in America; and tho' very hard and severe reflections were thrown out upon our conduct, and the last summer, a general alarm appear'd in the kingdom, that we were taking the most imprudent steps, and that matters would be carried to the last extremity, yet the necessity of a general union of all parts of the British Empire were considered of so much consequence, and our mutual interests so inseparably connected, that with pleasure I observed the sensible men of all parties, tho' fully for the support of government and its officers, yet consistent with that, were willing to afford us every relief; and that representations founded upon such reasonings as were admissible upon their ideas of the constitution, would be received and supported. I was assured from all sides, that they would consider us as mistaken, and treat us upon that idea when once we had returned to moderation; nor could I, in the many frequent opportunities I had, ever discover there was an intention to destroy our liberties, or to erect an arbitrary power over us. The present act which hath given such just uneasiness, all parties disavow, its great Fauteur, Mr. Charles Townshend being dead, one and all are for its repeal, from the anti-commercial principles upon which it stands. that would be their idea in the repeal. and not from a doubt of its legality. I must also add, that during the last summer many of our best friends were grown very cool towards us; they said our conduct was such, that we took from them even the plausibility of justifying us. Upon the whole. I concluded, not only from the general conversation I fell into, but from the best assurances, that were we to adopt moderate and prudent measures, all our past warmth and heat would be forgot, and the Act with all its consequences, which now give so much concern, would be repealed; but till we return to prudence and moderation, the Government and its Officers will be supported in the most honorable and firm manner.
No New England Gentleman having lately returned from England, and as I have had some opportunities during a year's residence, which do not always happen to men in my situation, I hope I shall not be blamed for this public manner of declaring my sentiments, God, who knows my heart, knows I have the best intentions, and if I err, to imitate the Deity is our noblest perfection, He. I am sure, will forgive honest, though erroneous conduct, and I hope I may claim that indulgence from my countrymen.
Boston, Nov. 8. 1768.
NATH. ROGERS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Persuasive
Reflective
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Townshend Act
British Sentiments
Colonial Moderation
Empire Union
Act Repeal
Constitutional Ideas
What entities or persons were involved?
Nath. Rogers.
To The Printers.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Nath. Rogers.
Recipient
To The Printers.
Main Argument
based on observations in england, british parties support repeal of the townshend act due to its anti-commercial principles if colonists return to moderation and prudence; there is no intent to destroy american liberties, and unity of the empire is valued.
Notable Details
Residence In England For A Year
Acquaintance With Men Of All Parties
General Alarm In England Last Summer
Death Of Charles Townshend
Assurances Of Relief Through Constitutional Representations