  The letters of Agrippa were the ablest anti-federal publications printed in Massachusetts, and showed especial ability in arguing the dangers and defects of a plan of government which was both so peculiarly needed, and so specially advantageous to the State of Massachusetts, that its adoption was only endangered by certain questions of local politics, which could not even enter into the discussion. They were noticed, or replied to, in the Massachusetts Gazette, Dec. 21, 1787, by “Charles James Fox;” Dec. 28, 1787, and Jan. 4, 1788, by “Kempis O'Flanagan,” Jan. 22, and 25, 1788, by “Junius,” and in the letters of Cassius, printed in this volume. At the time of publication they were accredited to the pen of James Winthrop, of Cambridge, and he was repeatedly attacked as the author, without denying it; while his supposed authorship and general opposition to the Constitution contributed to defeat his election by Cambridge to the Massachusetts Convention for considering the proposed government, receiving only one vote in the whole town. On the contrary, the writer, in his tenth letter, states that the surmises as to the authorship are not correct, and in the Massachusetts Gazette of Dec. 21, 1787, the following appeared: I feel myself greatly hurt at the liberties lately taken by certain scribblers with the characters of the hon. E. Gerry and James Winthrop, esquire, of Cambridge, two gentlemen, no less distinguished for their honesty, patriotism, and extensive abilities, than a Washington or a Franklin. ... In regard to J. Winthrop, esquire, (of said Cambridge) it has been insinuated, that that gentleman is the author of the pieces in the Massachusetts Gazette, signed Agrippa—but every one who can boast the pleasure of his acquaintance, must know that insinuation is grounded on falsehood. [pg 052]The heterogenous compound of nonsense and absurdity with which the compositions of Agrippa are so replete, are certainly not the productions of a man so celebrated for his superior knowledge and understanding. In short, Mr. Printer, I hope you and your brother typographers will be very careful how you are guilty of exposing such exalted characters in future. Ocrico. |
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