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Letter to Editor
February 11, 1775
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
A Scotch Associator from Dumfries, Virginia, on January 29, 1775, responds to an anonymous writer in Mr. Pinkney's paper who depicted Scots as enemies to liberty. The letter defends the Scots' genuine support for the cause via their signing of the association and criticizes the abusive rhetoric.
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To Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER.
GENTLEMEN,
Dumfries, Jan. 29, 1775.
VERY ungenerous anonymous writer, in Mr. Pinkney's paper of the 19th instant, occasions this trouble to the publick.
Unaccustomed as I am to write for the scrutinizing eye of this respectable colony, I will be very short, and begin by asking this malevolent scribbler, what good purpose, at this critical period of time, his illiberal endeavour to represent all the Scotch, in this colony, as enemies and cut throats, can answer?
Whether can such ill-timed scurrility, such low and unmanly abuse, have a tendency to make one friend, or some thousands of foes? Or can this man be a Virginian, and possess any of those manly sentiments and refined feelings, inseparable from the mind of every real friend to liberty?
By what other rule than actions, can humanity be fairly tried?
How cruel then is it to suppose, that the Scotch, after signing the association, have only done it, as poor Falstaff fought, upon compulsion; surely Sirs, little as this writer can boast from the clearness of his head, he has still less to claim from the goodness of his heart.
Mr. Pinkney must pardon me, for I am really a friend to the liberty of every press; but in my opinion such filth, as in the before-mentioned paper is held out to the publick, can dignify none.
I am Gentlemen,
Your humble servant,
A SCOTCH ASSOCIATOR.
GENTLEMEN,
Dumfries, Jan. 29, 1775.
VERY ungenerous anonymous writer, in Mr. Pinkney's paper of the 19th instant, occasions this trouble to the publick.
Unaccustomed as I am to write for the scrutinizing eye of this respectable colony, I will be very short, and begin by asking this malevolent scribbler, what good purpose, at this critical period of time, his illiberal endeavour to represent all the Scotch, in this colony, as enemies and cut throats, can answer?
Whether can such ill-timed scurrility, such low and unmanly abuse, have a tendency to make one friend, or some thousands of foes? Or can this man be a Virginian, and possess any of those manly sentiments and refined feelings, inseparable from the mind of every real friend to liberty?
By what other rule than actions, can humanity be fairly tried?
How cruel then is it to suppose, that the Scotch, after signing the association, have only done it, as poor Falstaff fought, upon compulsion; surely Sirs, little as this writer can boast from the clearness of his head, he has still less to claim from the goodness of his heart.
Mr. Pinkney must pardon me, for I am really a friend to the liberty of every press; but in my opinion such filth, as in the before-mentioned paper is held out to the publick, can dignify none.
I am Gentlemen,
Your humble servant,
A SCOTCH ASSOCIATOR.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Provocative
Political
What themes does it cover?
Constitutional Rights
Politics
Press Freedom
What keywords are associated?
Scotch Associator
Anonymous Writer
Colonial Scurrility
Virginia Liberty
Signing Association
Press Freedom
What entities or persons were involved?
A Scotch Associator
Messrs. Dixon & Hunter
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Scotch Associator
Recipient
Messrs. Dixon & Hunter
Main Argument
the anonymous writer ungenerously portrays scots in the colony as enemies despite their signing the association, which demonstrates true loyalty to liberty; such scurrility harms the cause and questions the critic's own patriotism.
Notable Details
Reference To Falstaff Fighting Upon Compulsion
Criticism Of Mr. Pinkney's Paper For Publishing Abusive Content
Defense Of Press Liberty While Condemning Specific Filth