Letter
“Phocion” to Citizens of New York, January 1, 1784
Phocion warns the citizens of New York against inflammatory rhetoric and actions by a few individuals seeking to undermine the state constitution, private rights, and treaty obligations. He urges sober-minded citizens to oppose these dangerous efforts and preserve the hard-won gains of the American Revolution. Phocion appeals to reason and duty to counteract the destructive influence of rash and unprincipled agitators.