1767-Jan.-28: The colonial gazette addressed the economic burden posed by a “crowd of servants” (valets) who were seen as a drain on both the state and their…

1767-Jan.-28: The colonial gazette addressed the economic burden posed by a “crowd of servants” (valets) who were seen as a drain on both the state and their masters. The essay suggested that these individuals, although numerous, contributed little to the actual utility or defense of the nation. Their presence was cited as a primary symptom of a frivolous society that prioritized vanity over functional, productive labor. Critics urged for a redirection of this extensive labor force toward more useful and patriotic roles to benefit the public good.