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Poem
April 22, 1757
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Satirical verse addressed to the Lords of the Admiralty, purporting to be from a court martial. It judges A-n L-b for not engaging in battle but mitigates the charge as mere 'backwardness' rather than cowardice, pleading for mercy to avoid similar fates.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
To the Lords of the Admiralty.
My Lords,
'Tis the humble opinion of us the court martial. (A court of all courts most justly impartial!) That A-n L-b his utmost did not To engage--and adjudge him for that to be shot. But to palliate his crime with deference we here, In our sentence distinctions quite subtle and new;-- That 'twas prov'd he ne'er shew'd any tokens of fear, (And how the plague could he--so far in the rear!) That clearly to us he appears in this light, Not a coward-- but only quite backward to fight: Or more clearly to refine it, we've shewn, in effect, To be backward in fighting is but a neglect: And tho' we've condemn'd him, for mercy we pray, Lest his case be our own, as it certainly may.
My Lords,
'Tis the humble opinion of us the court martial. (A court of all courts most justly impartial!) That A-n L-b his utmost did not To engage--and adjudge him for that to be shot. But to palliate his crime with deference we here, In our sentence distinctions quite subtle and new;-- That 'twas prov'd he ne'er shew'd any tokens of fear, (And how the plague could he--so far in the rear!) That clearly to us he appears in this light, Not a coward-- but only quite backward to fight: Or more clearly to refine it, we've shewn, in effect, To be backward in fighting is but a neglect: And tho' we've condemn'd him, for mercy we pray, Lest his case be our own, as it certainly may.
What sub-type of article is it?
Satire
Verse Letter
What themes does it cover?
War Military
Political
Satire Society
What keywords are associated?
Court Martial
Admiralty
Cowardice
Naval Engagement
Satirical Defense
Poem Details
Title
To The Lords Of The Admiralty.
Subject
Court Martial Of A N L B For Failure To Engage
Form / Style
Rhymed Couplets
Key Lines
(A Court Of All Courts Most Justly Impartial!)
(And How The Plague Could He So Far In The Rear!)
Not A Coward But Only Quite Backward To Fight:
To Be Backward In Fighting Is But A Neglect:
Lest His Case Be Our Own, As It Certainly May.