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Letter to Editor
July 6, 1793
Gazette Of The United States
New York, New York County, New York
What is this article about?
A letter to editor Fenno requests republishing an article warning U.S. citizens of the risks from morally corrupt leaders, exemplified by General Dumourier's treason, urging scrutiny to prevent foreign gold from subverting democracy via bribery or war provocation.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
Mr. Fenno,
If a want of Candor appears in some paragraphs of the following, those, which refer to profligate characters are worthy the attention of the free electors of this state—Please therefore to republish the whole article.
From the American Daily Advertiser.
To the Citizens of the United States.
The defection and treachery of General Dumourier is big with instruction to the citizens of the United States. The general possessed great talents and knowledge, but he was devoid of virtue. He lived in a splendid and expensive style far beyond his circumstances, which prepared the way for his yielding to the seduction of Austrian and British gold.
The Americans are jealous of their liberties, but this jealousy does not extend sufficiently to the moral characters of their rulers.
A profligate man cannot be a patriot, and if such a person does not become a traitor, it is only because he is not tempted.
It has been said, that if France be subdued, the confederated despots will turn their arms against the republics of America. No such thing is probable. But it is more than probable they will turn the current of their gold against us. By means of this powerful weapon, they may bribe men among us to introduce monarchical systems, habits and laws into our country, or to subvert our excellent governments by a hue and cry against the composition of power in our legislatures, or to involve us in a destructive war by indecent publications against the English or French nation. It becomes the Americans, at this awful crisis in human affairs, to keep a good look out. They cannot do this more effectually than by keeping a steady eye upon the private characters of their rulers, and by believing every libertine among them to be half traitor.
A WATCHMAN.
If a want of Candor appears in some paragraphs of the following, those, which refer to profligate characters are worthy the attention of the free electors of this state—Please therefore to republish the whole article.
From the American Daily Advertiser.
To the Citizens of the United States.
The defection and treachery of General Dumourier is big with instruction to the citizens of the United States. The general possessed great talents and knowledge, but he was devoid of virtue. He lived in a splendid and expensive style far beyond his circumstances, which prepared the way for his yielding to the seduction of Austrian and British gold.
The Americans are jealous of their liberties, but this jealousy does not extend sufficiently to the moral characters of their rulers.
A profligate man cannot be a patriot, and if such a person does not become a traitor, it is only because he is not tempted.
It has been said, that if France be subdued, the confederated despots will turn their arms against the republics of America. No such thing is probable. But it is more than probable they will turn the current of their gold against us. By means of this powerful weapon, they may bribe men among us to introduce monarchical systems, habits and laws into our country, or to subvert our excellent governments by a hue and cry against the composition of power in our legislatures, or to involve us in a destructive war by indecent publications against the English or French nation. It becomes the Americans, at this awful crisis in human affairs, to keep a good look out. They cannot do this more effectually than by keeping a steady eye upon the private characters of their rulers, and by believing every libertine among them to be half traitor.
A WATCHMAN.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Ethical Moral
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Morality
What keywords are associated?
Dumourier Defection
Moral Character
Rulers Virtue
Foreign Bribery
American Liberties
Political Vigilance
Republican Government
What entities or persons were involved?
A Watchman
Mr. Fenno
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A Watchman
Recipient
Mr. Fenno
Main Argument
the defection of general dumourier illustrates the dangers of electing rulers lacking virtue, as profligate men are prone to treason or foreign bribery; americans must vigilantly scrutinize the moral characters of their leaders to safeguard republican government against monarchical subversion or destructive wars.
Notable Details
General Dumourier's Talents But Lack Of Virtue Leading To Seduction By Austrian And British Gold
Warning That Confederated Despots May Use Gold To Bribe Americans Into Introducing Monarchical Systems Or Involving In War
Believing Every Libertine Ruler To Be Half A Traitor