The Virginia Gazette

Mr. PURDIE,

I differ widely with the writer in one of your late papers who signed himself RECTOR, as he aims at restraining the free exercise of private judgment in common conversation, if it should chance to turn on the conduct of our generals or colonels; and as no written or public charge of misconduct has been brought against either of the officers he has been pleased to introduce, nor anything, as far as I have heard, even whispered, which reflected on their spirit or integrity, but only error of judgment alleged, this author seems to me to be guilty of the crime which he pretends to censure, as his publication has a tendency to spread suspicions where they might otherwise have never existed. But this is not the only bad consequence which RECTOR's doctrine tends to produce: That censure which is attended with the happiest effects, and that freedom of inquiry and debate which is almost necessary to the existence of a free state, are condemned. But, thank GOD, my countrymen are not yet, and I trust they never will be, such flatterers of men in power as to hesitate a moment to point out any mistakes or faults either in the civil or military departments. Good magistrates, and good officers, will thank and esteem the man who has honesty enough to show them their errors, and the resentment of the bad is to be despised. No man, or set of men, should be exempted from censure when they deserve it; but, my countrymen, be careful how you let fly this unerring shaft, a shaft which wounds most deeply the ingenuous mind.

C I V I S.