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Editorial
July 25, 1809
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Portsmouth editorial laments recent news from England denying authorization for reconciliation negotiations led by Mr. Erskine, reaffirming adherence to the Orders in Council, and suggests Britain's actions may force America into war despite reluctance.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Portsmouth.
TUESDAY, JULY 25, 1809.
The late news from England, relating to our negotiations with that government, has clouded our prospects of a return of friendly intercourse with that country. It is difficult to assign a cause why Great Britain should wish to augment the number of her enemies, unless it be that madness which is the precursor of destruction. Incredible as it may appear, her ministry deny that the progress towards reconciliation was authorized by the government, and declare their adherence to the infamous orders in council. Can it be believed that a man of the high standing of Mr. Erskine, could so totally misunderstand, so entirely disobey his instructions? Or have their pacific professions been a decoy to lure our defenceless commerce from the security of our harbors—that they might gratify their avarice, though they sacrificed their honor? Much as we deprecate a war with England, we should say, if Britain draws the sword, America cannot choose, but must throw away the scabbard.
TUESDAY, JULY 25, 1809.
The late news from England, relating to our negotiations with that government, has clouded our prospects of a return of friendly intercourse with that country. It is difficult to assign a cause why Great Britain should wish to augment the number of her enemies, unless it be that madness which is the precursor of destruction. Incredible as it may appear, her ministry deny that the progress towards reconciliation was authorized by the government, and declare their adherence to the infamous orders in council. Can it be believed that a man of the high standing of Mr. Erskine, could so totally misunderstand, so entirely disobey his instructions? Or have their pacific professions been a decoy to lure our defenceless commerce from the security of our harbors—that they might gratify their avarice, though they sacrificed their honor? Much as we deprecate a war with England, we should say, if Britain draws the sword, America cannot choose, but must throw away the scabbard.
What sub-type of article is it?
Foreign Affairs
War Or Peace
What keywords are associated?
Erskine Negotiations
British Orders In Council
Anglo American Relations
Potential War
Reconciliation Denial
What entities or persons were involved?
Great Britain
Mr. Erskine
British Ministry
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Disappointment In British Denial Of Erskine Negotiations
Stance / Tone
Critical Of British Policy, Warning Of Inevitable War
Key Figures
Great Britain
Mr. Erskine
British Ministry
Key Arguments
Britain Denies Authorizing Reconciliation Progress
Adherence To Infamous Orders In Council
Questions If Erskine Misunderstood Instructions Or If Professions Were A Decoy
America Deprecates War But Must Respond If Britain Initiates