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Letter to Editor
August 12, 1817
Portland Gazette, And Maine Advertiser
Portland, Cumberland County, Maine
What is this article about?
Gouverneur Morris writes to his mother from Fishkill on December 19, 1776, expressing profound grief over his sister's death and affirming his commitment to public duty amid the Revolutionary War, finding solace in defending American rights.
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Gouverneur Morris.
The following letter (says the U. S. Gazette) is published at the request of a near connection of the late Hon. Gov. Morris.
Fishkill, 19th Dec. 1776.
Dear Madam,—It is with inexpressible concern that I am this day informed of the death of my sister. It is a great loss, but you in particular, who are thus bereft of the companion of your age, must feel it most severely. Would to God it were in my power to alleviate the pangs of a sorrowing parent. But this is not my lot—There is one Comforter who weighs our minutes and numbers our days. It is He who hath inflicted on us the weight of public and private calamity, and He best knows when to remove the burden. I am sorry it is not in my power to see you at present. Though it is your wish that I were removed from public affairs; indeed, as far as relates to my own case and enjoyment, I wish so too. But I know it is the duty of every good citizen or man to preserve that post in which by a superior or der he is placed.—Where the happiness of a considerable part of our fellow creatures is deeply concerned, we soon feel the insignificancy of an individual. And whatever lot that individual shall experience while a conscious rectitude of conduct inspires and supports him—though he may be unfortunate he cannot be miserable.
What may be the event of the present war it is not in man to determine, great revolutions of empires are seldom achieved without much human calamity, but the worst which can happen is to fall on the last bleak mountain of America—and he who dies there in defence of the injured rights of mankind is happier than his conqueror, more beloved by mankind, more applauded by his own heart in the last moment of existence.
The death of my sister has incapacitated me for mirth—my letter therefore is of an improper complexion to one already afflicted.
My love to my sisters—to Wilkins, and to the good natured counsellor of Bermuda, and such others as deserve it.
Pray believe me most sincerely your affectionate son,
GOVR. MORRIS.
The following letter (says the U. S. Gazette) is published at the request of a near connection of the late Hon. Gov. Morris.
Fishkill, 19th Dec. 1776.
Dear Madam,—It is with inexpressible concern that I am this day informed of the death of my sister. It is a great loss, but you in particular, who are thus bereft of the companion of your age, must feel it most severely. Would to God it were in my power to alleviate the pangs of a sorrowing parent. But this is not my lot—There is one Comforter who weighs our minutes and numbers our days. It is He who hath inflicted on us the weight of public and private calamity, and He best knows when to remove the burden. I am sorry it is not in my power to see you at present. Though it is your wish that I were removed from public affairs; indeed, as far as relates to my own case and enjoyment, I wish so too. But I know it is the duty of every good citizen or man to preserve that post in which by a superior or der he is placed.—Where the happiness of a considerable part of our fellow creatures is deeply concerned, we soon feel the insignificancy of an individual. And whatever lot that individual shall experience while a conscious rectitude of conduct inspires and supports him—though he may be unfortunate he cannot be miserable.
What may be the event of the present war it is not in man to determine, great revolutions of empires are seldom achieved without much human calamity, but the worst which can happen is to fall on the last bleak mountain of America—and he who dies there in defence of the injured rights of mankind is happier than his conqueror, more beloved by mankind, more applauded by his own heart in the last moment of existence.
The death of my sister has incapacitated me for mirth—my letter therefore is of an improper complexion to one already afflicted.
My love to my sisters—to Wilkins, and to the good natured counsellor of Bermuda, and such others as deserve it.
Pray believe me most sincerely your affectionate son,
GOVR. MORRIS.
What sub-type of article is it?
Emotional
Reflective
Philosophical
What themes does it cover?
Military War
Morality
Religion
What keywords are associated?
Gouverneur Morris
Sister Death
Revolutionary War
Public Duty
American Rights
Moral Rectitude
What entities or persons were involved?
Govr. Morris
Dear Madam
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Govr. Morris
Recipient
Dear Madam
Main Argument
expresses deep sorrow for his sister's death and underscores the duty of citizens to remain in their posts during the war to defend american rights, finding personal fulfillment in righteous conduct despite misfortunes.
Notable Details
References To God As The Comforter
Reflection On The Insignificance Of The Individual In The Face Of Collective Happiness
Praise For Dying In Defense Of Mankind's Rights