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Editorial September 27, 1808

The New Hampshire Gazette

Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire

What is this article about?

This editorial from early 1808 criticizes Federalist tactics in New Hampshire elections, defends Governor Langdon against slanders, attacks the 'Oracle' newspaper and 'Publius', and accuses Federalists of British influence while supporting Democratic electors pledged to Madison. It warns that elections will determine U.S. independence.

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The Washington Monitor of the 15th inst. says, The result of the pending elections will decide the fate of our country: they will determine whether the United States are to be free and independent, or once more British provinces. Those who stand by the country firmly in 1808 will deserve to be as much venerated as those who fought for the rights of man in 1776.

Before the "Oracle man" talks of correcting and reproving the Gazette, let him publish the refutation of the slanders contained in Canning's speech, —let him publish the letter of Mr. Duval, respecting the " two millions," let him publish Timothy Pickering's last exculpatory letter!

A fed in the Country who was lately charged with having uttered the falsehood that Gov. Langdon had sent a vessel to sea, replied, I told you that John Langdon had sent a vessel to sea, but I now tell you that it was John Langdon, jun.

Notwithstanding the dogmatical stile and manner of the writer over the signature of " Publius," in the last " Oracle"; the public will hesitate before they give full evidence to his assertions; especially, when they consider that what he attempts to disprove, has been given to the world with the respectable signature of the Chief Magistrate of this State. Governor Langdon has declared certain facts. But, who is this " Publius"? Nothing short of Omniscience and Omnipresence, could undertake to say that there never had been such reports as are alluded to in the Governor's publication. Whether the information be true or false, it is impossible for any man to assert " there never has been such a report." Such language may serve to brow beat an evidence, or confound a jury; but will produce no effect on an enlightened community.

" Publius" (who knows every thing.) insinuates, that the candidates on the Democratic Ticket for Electors, are pledged to vote for Mr. Madison. To this part of his plea we demur. " Publius" regrets that his Excellency should charge the Federalists with circulating falsehoods respecting him." Now, the fact is, that the Governor has made no specific charge : he says, generally, " Whereas a report has been industriously circulated," &c-he neither charges Federalists nor Republicans, Aristocrats nor Democrats : but " Publius" who knows every thing, has fairly saddled the innocent Federalists with the foul transaction ; and for once we think he has " put the saddle on the right horse." There are times, when nothing pierces with such uneasy sensations as the truth. If the charge of acting under French, Spanish, Dutch or Chinese " influence" had been made, " Publius" would have passed it over in silence; but at the bare mention of " British influence," he winces as though he were under the operation of fifty caustics. As we are not disposed to be cruel, we would, mildly, enquire what influence operates on the minds of those who are endeavouring to embarrass the Government, and to counteract the effect of those salutary measures which they have adopted, to preserve the peace, the honor, the welfare and the happiness of the nation ; when its independence is assailed and its commerce driven from the ocean by the arbitrary edicts of a foreign power of those who are striving to infect the minds of the people with distrust and suspicion towards the constituted authorities, while the most important negotiations are on the carpet';-and who are seeking to divide, when the safety of the country depends on union ?-With respect to the fifteen thousand Electors of whom " Publius" boasts, we believe a large portion of them did not go to the poll as FREEMEN, but rather- as victims, to be sacrificed on the altar of Aristocracy ; and that Bank Directors, Lawyers, Country Traders, and Deputy Sheriffs, acted as Priests on the occasion.

· The host of emissaries, which the " Essex Junto" sent into Newhampshire for Electioneering purposes, must have been paid from some fund or other : it is quite immaterial whether by " British gold" or Bank Paper : the effect is the same.

What sub-type of article is it?

Partisan Politics Foreign Affairs War Or Peace

What keywords are associated?

1808 Elections New Hampshire Politics Federalist Slander British Influence Governor Langdon James Madison Essex Junto Publius Oracle Newspaper

What entities or persons were involved?

Governor Langdon Publius Oracle Washington Monitor Canning Mr. Duval Timothy Pickering Mr. Madison Essex Junto Federalists Democrats

Editorial Details

Primary Topic

Criticism Of Federalist Election Tactics And Defense Of Democratic Positions In 1808 New Hampshire Elections

Stance / Tone

Strongly Pro Democratic, Anti Federalist, Accusatory Of British Influence

Key Figures

Governor Langdon Publius Oracle Washington Monitor Canning Mr. Duval Timothy Pickering Mr. Madison Essex Junto Federalists Democrats

Key Arguments

Pending Elections Will Decide U.S. Freedom Vs. British Subjugation Publius Cannot Disprove Governor Langdon's Reports Of Circulated Falsehoods Federalists Are Circulating Slanders Against Langdon Democratic Electors Not Necessarily Pledged To Madison Federalists Act Under British Influence Essex Junto Emissaries Funded To Interfere In Elections Union Needed Against Foreign Threats To Independence And Commerce

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