Background: The Voice of the People was an Anti-Rent  newspaper published in Delhi, New York during the height of the Anti-Rent conflict in the Delaware County New York area,  probably from about 1846-1847. The excerpts below is from Vol. II number 53, June 1, 1847. Since there are only a handful of copies still in existence, little is known about the newspaper. The June 1, 1847 issue consists of one double sided  folded page (for a total of 4 pages) and was edited by William S. Hawley.

The editorial below refers to an upcoming election. On June 7, 1847  the Anti-Rent ticket came out on top. Eventually the Equal Rights (Anti-Rent) people gained enough support through the political process that the old feudal system of land leases was gradually discontinued and many people were finally able to own the land they farmed. The author of this editorial is comparing the Anti-Rent battles with battles of the Mexican War.

Delaware Battle Fields

Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma

Nov. 4, 1845 -- On this occasion the Equal Rights party, but just recruited for service, without magazines, without entrenchments, in a hostile country, surrounded by Rancheros, well mounted, and skilful in the savage arts if ambush and bravado, -- on this occasion, the untried, the undisciplined array of Equal Rights soldiers advanced against fearful odds, and achieved the first of a brilliant series of Victories. Loss to the enemy, one Senator, two Assemblymen and one Coroner.

Monterey.

February 17, 1847.-- Here the enemy made a bold stand, and a desperate effort to restore its fallen fortunes, and to preserve its control over the supplies of the county. In the warmly contested battlefield the Equal Rights party was victorious; but was hardly sufficient in numbers to compel an unconditional surrender of the enemy. Knowing the waste and barren country was before retracting antagonists, we were content to let them off easily, knowing that on the 28th of April, the termination of armistice, we could find them, and flog them to our hearts content.

Buena Vista.

April 28, 1846.--On this occasion, the enemy was so powerfully entrenched, and had received so large a battering train  from its allies in the Express camp, that victory seemed more than doubtful. But the soldiers who, like Equal Rights men, battle for the right, no fortifications are impregnable--no enemy terrible. The third victory of the war was acquired, and the enemy lost two Delegates to the State Convention.

Vera Cruz.

November 3, 1846.--Another rout of our enemies, with the loss of all their artillery, baggage, stores, munitions of war and strongest entrenchments. Equal Rights men prove themselves invincible, and their forlorn and starving enemies retire in despair.  Loss to the enemy, one Senator, two Assemblymen, Sheriff, County Clerk, and three Coroners

Cerra Gordo.

February 16, 1847.--Equal Rights men still true to their colors and as a matter of course triumphant. Their enemies flee like stricken deer, and the Treasury and Poor house fund pass at order the control of the victorious army. Loss to the enemy, a Board of Supervisors.

Halls of Montezumas!

June 7, 1847.-- A battle to be fought, but the issue is not in doubt. The crowning Victory of the Campaign is to be achieved by Equal Rights men, when all power will be taken from their blood-thirsty enemies. The last and great act of purification will be performed and the Clique be wholly driven out from the posts of profit or honor. The energy of former battles must be infused into the coming one, that the destruction of our oppressors may be complete.

Original newspaper courtesy of the the Delaware County Historical Association Archives, 46549 State Hwy 10, Delhi, NY, 13753.