While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would be engaged in little else in the course of the day and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine goodwill and your criticisms are sincerely set forth I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms

What is the effect

Question

While confined here in the Birmingham City Jail, I came across your recent statement calling our present activities "unwise and untimely." Seldom, if ever, do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would be engaged in little else in the course of the day and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine goodwill and your criticisms are sincerely set forth I would like to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms

What is the effect

anonymous · Answer

What is the effect of his choice to start his letter in this way? Answer the question in complete sentences. In your response, be sure to discuss the purpose and tone of this opening paragraph and explain how it works with the overall structure and purpose of the letter.