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Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
A Portsmouth freeholder responds to 'Friend Sailor,' defending the spirited attendance at a recent town meeting as driven by liberty rather than alcohol or influence, while criticizing detractors for ingratitude and lack of integrity. References biblical wisdom and hopes for moral leadership. Dated March 18, 1785.
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Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
PROV. 26 V.
FRIEND SAILOR,
YOUR impertinence only renders you worthy of notice! What Sir! has no man a right to act for himself, that you are so liberal in declamation against all who would not worship at your shrine? Was you pleased to see so many of what you term the "Lower Class," turnout? you was not.--From whence, sir, did you derive your supposed importance?--It was obvious you and your clan were greatly chagrined to see the respectable number who attended the late town-meeting; not as you falsely assert, or could even suppose, inflamed by Grenada or PORTER; or influenced by the worthy Gentleman you have abused---but actuated by a that spirit which makes tyrants tremble--and determined to secure their dear-bought liberties from the hands of rapacity--and to repose their confidence in men of ability and integrity.--May the same spirit continue till you and a certain despicable junto are reduced to your primitive nothingness and obscurity: Till then, the Lion and his Jackalls may range together without terrifying the "lesser herds," and this insulted town detest the men who owe their greatness to their country's favors, and now are repaid with ingratitude, by them who before seventeen hundred and seventy-four, were not conspicuous for family or fortune, but now they seem possessed of an envious, overbearing spirit, and relish none but their Sycophants and dependants.
As to the religion of the President we hope for, it is well he has any, and that in practice; since there is little else but the theory with some of your acquaintance. - I wish there was as much integrity "discoverable" in you and junto, as in the gentleman you call the Danbury Calf; then this town would have reason for joy at these great reformation, and I would publish to the world a remarkable change!!!
I am neither soldier, sailor, nor a mushroom, sprung up in a night's idler, but an insulted freeholder, whose motto is, "Nemo me impune lacessit."
PORTS MOUTH March 18, 1785.
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Letter to Editor Details
Author
An Insulted Freeholder
Recipient
Friend Sailor
Main Argument
the recent town meeting was attended by respectable citizens motivated by a spirit of liberty and determination to secure their rights, not by alcohol or undue influence as claimed; the writer criticizes 'friend sailor' and his associates for ingratitude and lack of integrity.
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