A war of words : satire and song in the pre-revolutionary Virginia Gazettes

Abstract

On the eve of the American Revolution Williamsburg was represented by three newspapers. Each was patriotic in tenor and used not only letters, essays, and news to support the grievances of the colonies but literary satires, songs and poems as well. These literary pieces reflected the education and interests of the papers' subscribers and were an extension of British culture into Virginia. They represented Virginians' affinity for those things English that had not been corrupted by Englan's political machinations.