Before I conclude this part of my address, I will answer two
very singular interrogatories proposed by the FARMER,
"Can
we think (says he) to threaten, and bully, and frighten the su-
preme goverment of the nation into a compliance with our
de-
mands? Can we expect to force submission to our peevish and
petulant humours, by exciting clamours and riots in
England?"
No gentle Sir. -- We neither desire, nor endeavour
to threaten,
bully, or frighten any persons into a compliance with our de-
mands. We have no peevish and petulant humours
to be sub-
mitted to. -- All we aim at, is to convince your high and mighty
masters, the ministry, that we are not such asses as to let them
ride us as they please. We are determined to shew them,
that we
know the value of freedom; nor shall their rapacity extort, that
inestimatable jewel from us, without a manly and virtuous struggle.
But for our part, sweet Sir ! tho' we cannot much
applaud your
wisdom, yet we are compelled to admire your valour,
which
leads you to hope you may be able to swear, threaten, bully
and frighten all
America into a compliance with your sinister designs.
When properly accoutered and armed with your formidable hic-
cory cudgel, what may not the ministry expect from such a
cham-
pion? alas ! for the poor committee gentlemen, how I trem-
ble when I reflect on the many wounds and fears they must
re-
ceive from your tremendous arm! Alas ! for their supporters
and abettors; a very large part indeed of the continent; but
what of that? they must all be soundly drubbed with that con-
founded hiccory cudgel; for surely you would
not undertake
to drub one of them, without knowing yourself able to treat
all their friends and adherents in the same manner; since 'tis
plain you would bring them all upon your back.
I am now to address myself in particular to the Farmers of
New-York.
My good Countrymen,
THE reason I address myself to you, in particular, is, because
I am one of your number, or connected with you in interest
more than with any other branch of the community. I love to
speak the truth, and would scorn to prejudice you in favour of
what I have to say, by taking upon me a fictious character as
other people have done. I can venture to assure you, the true
writer of the piece signed A.W. FARMER, is not in reality
a
Farmer. He is some ministerial emissary, that has assumed the