The Virginia Gazette

Mess. DIXON
& HUNTER.

I DIFFER widely with the writer in one of Mr. Purdie's 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 any thing, 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 ex-
istence of a free state, are condemned. But, thank GOD, my country-
men 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 offi-
cers, 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.

CIVIS.