Letter from James Maury to Jonathan Boucher, 1763

Containers:

Box 2, Folder 23

Scope and content:

Item 1: [James Maury], Albemarle [Co.], [Va.], to [Jonathan] Boucher, 22 Nov. 1763 7 pages. Autograph Letter. (B/1/2). Detailed consideration of a poetical letter by Boucher which is to be published by Royle; Boreas Self bowing to publish an article through the Maryland Gazette which vindicated the Virginia House of Burgesses voting an award of 2500 to Mr. Randolph for defending the House's opposition to the Governor's demand for a pistole for every land patent he signed because the Virginia presses did not wish to offend the Governor and his council. Boucher need not fear to be discovered as the author, as it will recommend him to the most sensible, equitable, and honest part of the Clergy and Laity. Maury comments extensively on his regard for Boucher. Boucher should get Mr. Jackson's opinion of the work. Tickell is to accompany Maury to Hanover Court where his case is to be heard. Item 2: Narrative of the determination of a suit between the Minister of Fredericksville, plaintiff, and the collectors of the said parish, defendants, for arrears of salary, in Hanover Court, November and December 1763 n.d. [1763?] In the hand of the Rev. James Maury. Autograph Manuscript Signed. (B/1/3). [In 1760, the Crown had disallowed an Act passed by the Virginia Assembly to prevent clergy of the Established Church, whose salaries had hitherto been calculated in tobacco, from profiting by a heavy rise in its price. Patrick Henry began his political career by opposing Maury's claim for arrears in the "Parson's Cause".] The jury was not of persons of rank and understanding, and although the verdict was in favour of the plaintiff, only one penny damages was awarded; the Jury had been harangued by one of the Defendant's lawyers [Patrick Henry] who asserted "that the King, by annulling and disallowing laws of so salutary a nature [the Two Penny Act of 1758], from being the Father of his people, degenerates into a tyrant and forfeits all right to his subjects' obedience;" at which there were cries of Treason! The road to popularity here is to trample underfoot the Interests of Religion, the Rights of the Church, and the Prorogative of the Crown.

Language:

English

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