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Letter to Editor
May 4, 1769
The Virginia Gazette
Williamsburg, Virginia
What is this article about?
Henry Blagrave of Lunenburg County writes on April 4, 1769, to Mr. Rind, reporting that his constituents oppose taxation by the British Parliament, citing local assemblies' authority, while affirming strong loyalty to King George III and willingness to pay taxes via assemblies if requisitioned.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
LUNENBURG county, April 4, 1769.
Mr. RIND,
Your inserting the following lines in your next Gazette, will much oblige, Sir, Your most obedient servant, HENRY BLAGRAVE.
I have made strict enquiry amongst my constituents concerning the taxes the Parliament of Great-Britain insists on, and these people do not think they ought to be taxed there, as they have authority from their most gracious Sovereign to hold Assemblies here, for that purpose, as well as others. They say that they think themselves exceeding happy in having the best of Kings, but they perceive that his Majesty has some mischievous subjects, as they understand they are represented in Great-Britain to be rebellious, &c. when they declare they have no such intention, but that they intend during life to be faithful and loyal subjects to his Majesty King George, and his heirs and successors; and all that are put in authority under him, and them. They say that if their Sovereign wants money or men from America, to support his Crown and dignity, or to preserve his sacred person and good subjects from the enemy; that on his Majesty's requisition, as usual, they are willing that our Assembly should tax them to the utmost farthing that they are able to pay, and they will pay it cheerfully, and that at all times they will risk their lives and fortunes in his Majesty's service, when required, with all the pleasure imaginable; and if they die in his Majesty's service, they shall die like men in a good cause: but to strive, Britons against Britons, because some of them have crossed the seas, and some live in Britain, and some in America, they say is the most shocking thing that ever was heard of. They counsel all his Majesty's liege people, to keep the King's commandment, as it is their indispensable duty, and not to be hasty, nor stand in an evil thing, for a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment, although the work of God is unsearchable: and Solomon saith, there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt, and that which is far off and exceeding deep, who can find it out: therefore let us do as we would be done by, as God is the author of all things.
Mr. RIND,
Your inserting the following lines in your next Gazette, will much oblige, Sir, Your most obedient servant, HENRY BLAGRAVE.
I have made strict enquiry amongst my constituents concerning the taxes the Parliament of Great-Britain insists on, and these people do not think they ought to be taxed there, as they have authority from their most gracious Sovereign to hold Assemblies here, for that purpose, as well as others. They say that they think themselves exceeding happy in having the best of Kings, but they perceive that his Majesty has some mischievous subjects, as they understand they are represented in Great-Britain to be rebellious, &c. when they declare they have no such intention, but that they intend during life to be faithful and loyal subjects to his Majesty King George, and his heirs and successors; and all that are put in authority under him, and them. They say that if their Sovereign wants money or men from America, to support his Crown and dignity, or to preserve his sacred person and good subjects from the enemy; that on his Majesty's requisition, as usual, they are willing that our Assembly should tax them to the utmost farthing that they are able to pay, and they will pay it cheerfully, and that at all times they will risk their lives and fortunes in his Majesty's service, when required, with all the pleasure imaginable; and if they die in his Majesty's service, they shall die like men in a good cause: but to strive, Britons against Britons, because some of them have crossed the seas, and some live in Britain, and some in America, they say is the most shocking thing that ever was heard of. They counsel all his Majesty's liege people, to keep the King's commandment, as it is their indispensable duty, and not to be hasty, nor stand in an evil thing, for a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment, although the work of God is unsearchable: and Solomon saith, there is a time wherein one man ruleth over another to his own hurt, and that which is far off and exceeding deep, who can find it out: therefore let us do as we would be done by, as God is the author of all things.
What sub-type of article is it?
Persuasive
Political
Ethical Moral
What themes does it cover?
Taxation
Constitutional Rights
Politics
What keywords are associated?
Taxation Opposition
Colonial Assemblies
Loyalty To King
British Parliament
King George Iii
Constitutional Authority
What entities or persons were involved?
Henry Blagrave
Mr. Rind
Letter to Editor Details
Author
Henry Blagrave
Recipient
Mr. Rind
Main Argument
constituents oppose taxation by the british parliament, as they have authority from the king for local assemblies to handle such matters; they affirm loyalty to king george and willingness to support him through assembly taxes if needed, urging against briton-against-briton conflict.
Notable Details
References To Solomon's Wisdom And Biblical Counsel
Affirmation Of Loyalty To King George And Heirs
Opposition To Representation As Rebellious