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Letter to Editor
January 27, 1775
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A 1775 letter to New Hampshire delegates urges moderation and restoration of relations with Britain, emphasizing patience and virtue over rash actions like retaining seized goods, to heal breaches and preserve colonial liberties amid tensions.
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The following was designed for our last Paper, but came too late.
To the Delegates of New-Hampshire,
Assembled in Congress at Exeter this 25th Day of Jan. 1775.
GENTLEMEN,
The Cares of yesterday being ended, I had scarcely collected the Apparatus for smoking, when a gentle Rap at my Door introduced a Friend to his Country, and a much valued Neighbour; not less conversant with History than News Papers; by whom, before my third Pipe was exhausted, I was furnished with the following Hints -- which, in the honest Dress of Simplicity, (and with humble Diffidence) are presented for Consideration, before the united Wisdom of New-Hampshire.
In a Land of LIBERTY every Man has an undoubted Right to communicate to public or private Bodies, what Sentiments he pleases --- provided, the Matter advanced, tends neither to subvert the Order of Society, or the Happiness of Individuals.
By the late Grand AMERICAN CONGRESS were recommended Measures the most lenient and pacific ---- But to little Purpose is it to employ in bodily or political Disorders, the most skillful Physicians, without a due Attention to their Prescriptions.
"Stand still and see the Salvation of the LORD:" has been echoed from one End of the Continent to the other.
The Colony of New Hampshire, though verging to Maturity (compared with others) is yet in Infancy, and stands the most in Need of Nurture and Protection. How far a recent and memorable Transaction may tend to their Obstruction Time will unfold.
Our Friends across the Atlantic, will doubtless give it the most favourable and candid Construction ---- but ---- when the Salutation (tenfold exaggerated) shall grate the Ear of Sovereignty --- the Effect may be learned from an Idea of Regal Dignity.
The Movements in a Sister Colony and the Reports (propagated I fear with no good Design) previous to this Step, might justly exasperate a People jealous of their Rights --- and could hardly fail to excite the Commission of Acts, which on cool Reflection appear rash and imprudent.
To secure the Means of Defence on a sure Prospect of Invasion, is not only excusable but a Duty incumbent ---- but ---- when Danger from a particular Quarter has vanished -- and common Fame told a Lie ---- to desist is Honor ---- to persevere Madness.
Should the unhappy Period arrive, when, for the Defence of our Liberties, ARMS are the only necessary Weapons ---- a small Part (only) of the late Booty can be truly beneficial -- and, to say it would ever have injured us, without Insult and Provocation on our Part -- would be to say one Thing and think another ----
Experience shows, that Patience, Virtue and Moderation are our best Weapons, and what our Enemies are least inclined to combat.
A considerable Wound with good Attendance may be soon healed ---- which by Neglect may become incurable ---- To close the present Breach the Eyes of the Confederate look on you as the proper Instruments.
No Expense I apprehend, will ever deter a Friend of his Province from aiming to procure a complete Restoration --- that in my Opinion being the most likely (if not the only) Means to restore us to the same Favour with our gracious Sovereign, and sober fellow Subjects, which we enjoyed before the Intervention of an unguarded Minute.
Every Lover of his Country will fervently pray for a speedy Termination of the present unhappy Controversy.
How far the same may be impeded by a Neglect on your Part to effect it? and whether in that Case, you are not in Equity accountable for the Consequences that may ensue? -- are Questions which my Neighbour declined answering.
While reaching for his Hat and Cane, he said ---- at the present Juncture every one should speak the honest Dictates of his Heart, Should say that, and that only which he believes ---- and added ----
"Who dares think one Thing and another tell,
My Heart detests him as the Gates of Hell."
Having bid him a "Good Night," and my own Situation being very recluse, any Thing that I could offer, would not be worth the Hearing ---- and therefore only beg Leave to say, that I hope I am a Friend to my Country, and an honest FARMER.
To the Delegates of New-Hampshire,
Assembled in Congress at Exeter this 25th Day of Jan. 1775.
GENTLEMEN,
The Cares of yesterday being ended, I had scarcely collected the Apparatus for smoking, when a gentle Rap at my Door introduced a Friend to his Country, and a much valued Neighbour; not less conversant with History than News Papers; by whom, before my third Pipe was exhausted, I was furnished with the following Hints -- which, in the honest Dress of Simplicity, (and with humble Diffidence) are presented for Consideration, before the united Wisdom of New-Hampshire.
In a Land of LIBERTY every Man has an undoubted Right to communicate to public or private Bodies, what Sentiments he pleases --- provided, the Matter advanced, tends neither to subvert the Order of Society, or the Happiness of Individuals.
By the late Grand AMERICAN CONGRESS were recommended Measures the most lenient and pacific ---- But to little Purpose is it to employ in bodily or political Disorders, the most skillful Physicians, without a due Attention to their Prescriptions.
"Stand still and see the Salvation of the LORD:" has been echoed from one End of the Continent to the other.
The Colony of New Hampshire, though verging to Maturity (compared with others) is yet in Infancy, and stands the most in Need of Nurture and Protection. How far a recent and memorable Transaction may tend to their Obstruction Time will unfold.
Our Friends across the Atlantic, will doubtless give it the most favourable and candid Construction ---- but ---- when the Salutation (tenfold exaggerated) shall grate the Ear of Sovereignty --- the Effect may be learned from an Idea of Regal Dignity.
The Movements in a Sister Colony and the Reports (propagated I fear with no good Design) previous to this Step, might justly exasperate a People jealous of their Rights --- and could hardly fail to excite the Commission of Acts, which on cool Reflection appear rash and imprudent.
To secure the Means of Defence on a sure Prospect of Invasion, is not only excusable but a Duty incumbent ---- but ---- when Danger from a particular Quarter has vanished -- and common Fame told a Lie ---- to desist is Honor ---- to persevere Madness.
Should the unhappy Period arrive, when, for the Defence of our Liberties, ARMS are the only necessary Weapons ---- a small Part (only) of the late Booty can be truly beneficial -- and, to say it would ever have injured us, without Insult and Provocation on our Part -- would be to say one Thing and think another ----
Experience shows, that Patience, Virtue and Moderation are our best Weapons, and what our Enemies are least inclined to combat.
A considerable Wound with good Attendance may be soon healed ---- which by Neglect may become incurable ---- To close the present Breach the Eyes of the Confederate look on you as the proper Instruments.
No Expense I apprehend, will ever deter a Friend of his Province from aiming to procure a complete Restoration --- that in my Opinion being the most likely (if not the only) Means to restore us to the same Favour with our gracious Sovereign, and sober fellow Subjects, which we enjoyed before the Intervention of an unguarded Minute.
Every Lover of his Country will fervently pray for a speedy Termination of the present unhappy Controversy.
How far the same may be impeded by a Neglect on your Part to effect it? and whether in that Case, you are not in Equity accountable for the Consequences that may ensue? -- are Questions which my Neighbour declined answering.
While reaching for his Hat and Cane, he said ---- at the present Juncture every one should speak the honest Dictates of his Heart, Should say that, and that only which he believes ---- and added ----
"Who dares think one Thing and another tell,
My Heart detests him as the Gates of Hell."
Having bid him a "Good Night," and my own Situation being very recluse, any Thing that I could offer, would not be worth the Hearing ---- and therefore only beg Leave to say, that I hope I am a Friend to my Country, and an honest FARMER.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Reflective
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Constitutional Rights
What keywords are associated?
New Hampshire Congress
Colonial Moderation
British Relations
Liberty Rights
Political Restoration
American Congress
What entities or persons were involved?
An Honest Farmer
To The Delegates Of New Hampshire, Assembled In Congress At Exeter This 25th Day Of Jan. 1775.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
An Honest Farmer
Recipient
To The Delegates Of New Hampshire, Assembled In Congress At Exeter This 25th Day Of Jan. 1775.
Main Argument
the delegates should pursue moderation, patience, and restoration of relations with britain to heal current breaches and avoid escalation, as rash actions like retaining seized goods could provoke sovereignty and harm colonial liberties.
Notable Details
References Recommendations Of The Grand American Congress For Lenient Measures
Quotes 'Stand Still And See The Salvation Of The Lord'
Alludes To A Recent Transaction And Late Booty In New Hampshire
Ends With A Poetic Quote On Honesty