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Letter to Editor
April 2, 1814
Virginia Argus
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
A letter to the editors of the Intelligencer discusses Commodore Decatur's communication regarding the impressment of American citizen young Thayer by the British Navy. The writer remarks on the irony that impressment is easily done by any British officer, but release requires the commander in chief's order.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
To the Editors.
Messrs. Gales and Seaton,
I have just received the Intelligencer of the 24th of this month, which contains commodore Decatur's interesting communication to the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of young Thayer's impressment.
I will trouble you with but a single remark upon it. I find by the letter of Captain Capel that he seems to entertain little or no doubt of Thayer's discharge when application is made to the commander in chief. Thus, then, it would seem, that while any British lieutenant or midshipman may at pleasure throw an American citizen into slavery, it requires the order of a commander in chief to restore him to his liberty!
A.Z.
Messrs. Gales and Seaton,
I have just received the Intelligencer of the 24th of this month, which contains commodore Decatur's interesting communication to the Secretary of the Navy on the subject of young Thayer's impressment.
I will trouble you with but a single remark upon it. I find by the letter of Captain Capel that he seems to entertain little or no doubt of Thayer's discharge when application is made to the commander in chief. Thus, then, it would seem, that while any British lieutenant or midshipman may at pleasure throw an American citizen into slavery, it requires the order of a commander in chief to restore him to his liberty!
A.Z.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Provocative
What themes does it cover?
Military War
Politics
Constitutional Rights
What keywords are associated?
Impressment
Thayer
Decatur
British Navy
American Citizen
Naval Impressment
Commander In Chief
What entities or persons were involved?
A.Z.
Messrs. Gales And Seaton
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A.Z.
Recipient
Messrs. Gales And Seaton
Main Argument
the letter criticizes the british practice of impressment, noting that any british officer can easily enslave an american citizen, but restoring liberty requires the commander in chief's order.
Notable Details
References Commodore Decatur's Communication To The Secretary Of The Navy
Cites Captain Capel's Letter On Thayer's Potential Discharge
Highlights Irony In Impressment And Release Processes