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Letter to Editor
August 27, 1816
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
A letter to the Portland Gazette editors from Muscongus in Bristol, dated Aug. 21, 1816, praises the Brunswick Convention's Address against Maine's separation from Massachusetts. It argues the Address refutes claims of cheaper governance and highlights harms to coasting trade, predicting strong opposition and no new state governor next year.
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To the Editors of the Portland Gazette.
GENTLEMEN,
The address to the people of Maine on the question of Separation, by the Convention assembled at Brunswick, has been received here and is dispelling the mists of delusion, raised by the "Appeal."
The "Address" is an able and lucid exposition of facts, established by the most authentic documents, and cannot fail of producing the best effects. The assertion, that Maine, if separated from Massachusetts, can be governed at less expense to itself, than it now is, is so amply refuted, that many, who, before they read it, thought it their duty to vote in favor of Separation, will now make the most decided opposition to that measure. Its effects, will be as extensive, as its circulation. With this pamphlet in his hand, no man, whose ambition or private interest does not preponderate his sense of the public good, can give a vote in favor of Separation.
As it is admitted in the memorial to the general Court, signed by Mark L. Hill and others, "that some possible trifling embarrassments to the coasting interest may arise," (meaning that the Coasters will have to "enter and clear every trip") and thus reduce their earnings more than one half; every person interested in that business, will oppose the separation to the utmost in his power.
Depend upon it, Messrs. Editors, the question will be so settled, that neither of you, nor I, nor **** will be governor of the State of Maine the ensuing year.
MUSCONGUS.
Bristol, Aug. 21, 1816.
GENTLEMEN,
The address to the people of Maine on the question of Separation, by the Convention assembled at Brunswick, has been received here and is dispelling the mists of delusion, raised by the "Appeal."
The "Address" is an able and lucid exposition of facts, established by the most authentic documents, and cannot fail of producing the best effects. The assertion, that Maine, if separated from Massachusetts, can be governed at less expense to itself, than it now is, is so amply refuted, that many, who, before they read it, thought it their duty to vote in favor of Separation, will now make the most decided opposition to that measure. Its effects, will be as extensive, as its circulation. With this pamphlet in his hand, no man, whose ambition or private interest does not preponderate his sense of the public good, can give a vote in favor of Separation.
As it is admitted in the memorial to the general Court, signed by Mark L. Hill and others, "that some possible trifling embarrassments to the coasting interest may arise," (meaning that the Coasters will have to "enter and clear every trip") and thus reduce their earnings more than one half; every person interested in that business, will oppose the separation to the utmost in his power.
Depend upon it, Messrs. Editors, the question will be so settled, that neither of you, nor I, nor **** will be governor of the State of Maine the ensuing year.
MUSCONGUS.
Bristol, Aug. 21, 1816.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Informative
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
Economic Policy
What keywords are associated?
Maine Separation
Opposition To Separation
Brunswick Convention Address
Coasting Trade
Governance Costs
Portland Gazette
What entities or persons were involved?
Muscongus
Editors Of The Portland Gazette
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Muscongus
Recipient
Editors Of The Portland Gazette
Main Argument
the address from the brunswick convention effectively refutes arguments for maine's separation from massachusetts, demonstrating higher governance costs and harms to the coasting trade, leading many to oppose the measure.
Notable Details
Dispelling Mists Of Delusion Raised By The 'Appeal'
Refutation Of Cheaper Governance Claim
Admission In Memorial By Mark L. Hill Of Embarrassments To Coasting Interest
Prediction That No One Will Be Governor Of Separated Maine Next Year