The Virginia Gazette

Mr. PURDIE,

It is an unpardonable crime in any man wantonly to rob his neighbour of his fortune and reputation, by a partial representation of facts. Your correspondent should have informed the publick that Mr. Gift is principal owner of the ship Mary, and has the sole management of her himself: that he built her to accommodate his friends in Virginia with freight, in a good stout vessel; and that the small part Mr. Wilkinson has in her was intended to promote that end, by his superintending the building of her in Yorkshire, where he resides. I hope the impartial publick will consider that Mr. Wilkinson's political principles did not appear at the time Mr. Gift became connected with him; that, in short, they do not now appear, as it is notorious that when ships are wanted for government service the King does not ask merchants whether they are willing or not to let them. If Mr. Wilkinson has voluntarily transgressed, I can pledge myself for Mr. Gift that he will resent it in such manner as is most agreeable to the Americans, and will conduce the most to promote the glorious cause in which they are embarked. His connexions with, and the obligations he is under to Virginia, are well known; and he is very ready to acknowledge them. Several Gentlemen, who are just arrived from England, can testify that he proved himself a zealous friend to American liberty on a late important occasion. The querist is respectfully acquainted, that it is possible to serve a friend without injuring the innocent. I am, Mr. Purdie, yours, the publick's, and especially Mr. Gift's friends, obedient humble servant, and, whenever it is requisite they shall be waited upon in person, by

JAMES MILLER