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Editorial
April 21, 1796
The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser
Martinsburg, Shepherdstown, Berkeley County, Jefferson County, West Virginia
What is this article about?
Freeholders of Berkeley County oppose George Washington's candidacy for election, citing his retention of his brother's estate without paying acknowledged just debts sworn on the Bible, deeming him unworthy of public confidence until resolved, despite his abilities. Dated April 21, 1796.
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A Number of the Freeholders of this County,
taking into their serious consideration the approaching Election, as also the characters and views of the several candidates, cannot but express their determination to discountenance the offer of Mr. George Washington, as they hold the idea sacred, that a man who retains the estate of another (which providence, or the laws of the State have put in his power) and excludes the just creditors thereof from receiving their honest claims, is not entitled to the confidence of the people. The man who is base enough to be the means of an injustice to an individual, will be equally so to that of a community.--
No extravagant or unlawful demand-no gaming debt-or undue advantage in a bargain, should be considered; but those only which Mr. Washington's brother (whose large estate he now holds) acknowledged on the holy bible to be justly due from him after his arrival at full age, such as fair and honest contracts, for supplies of real necessaries in support of himself and family, and indemnifying his securities in the time of his distress. The abilities of Mr. G. Washington are acknowledged, but until the objections above are removed, which it is in his power to do, they are determined to withhold their support.
The author of the above will be given by the Printer, to any gentleman who has a right to require it.
Berkeley County, April 21, '96.
taking into their serious consideration the approaching Election, as also the characters and views of the several candidates, cannot but express their determination to discountenance the offer of Mr. George Washington, as they hold the idea sacred, that a man who retains the estate of another (which providence, or the laws of the State have put in his power) and excludes the just creditors thereof from receiving their honest claims, is not entitled to the confidence of the people. The man who is base enough to be the means of an injustice to an individual, will be equally so to that of a community.--
No extravagant or unlawful demand-no gaming debt-or undue advantage in a bargain, should be considered; but those only which Mr. Washington's brother (whose large estate he now holds) acknowledged on the holy bible to be justly due from him after his arrival at full age, such as fair and honest contracts, for supplies of real necessaries in support of himself and family, and indemnifying his securities in the time of his distress. The abilities of Mr. G. Washington are acknowledged, but until the objections above are removed, which it is in his power to do, they are determined to withhold their support.
The author of the above will be given by the Printer, to any gentleman who has a right to require it.
Berkeley County, April 21, '96.
What sub-type of article is it?
Partisan Politics
Moral Or Religious
What keywords are associated?
George Washington
Election
Berkeley County
Estate
Creditors
Debts
Freeholders
What entities or persons were involved?
George Washington
Freeholders Of Berkeley County
Mr. Washington's Brother
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To George Washington Candidacy Over Estate Debts
Stance / Tone
Strong Moral Condemnation And Electoral Opposition
Key Figures
George Washington
Freeholders Of Berkeley County
Mr. Washington's Brother
Key Arguments
Washington Retains Brother's Estate, Excluding Just Creditors
Man Unjust To Individual Will Be Unjust To Community
Debts Acknowledged By Brother On The Bible As Justly Due
Only Fair Contracts For Necessaries And Securities Considered
Washington's Abilities Acknowledged But Support Withheld Until Objections Removed