The New Hampshire Gazette

To the PRINTER, &c.

By Circumstances, at present, are such as render me unable to write, being very near my Time of lying in, with the legitimate Issue of Mr. Patrick Markham, who has made no Provision for me or that; and therefore can only deny all the Facts, with which he has charged me in your last Paper, in the Lump. Such Recriminations are the easiest Kind of Defence, as much in the Power of a Person of the vilest, as one of the fairest Character, when nothing is produced to support them but bold and false Assertions: --In the Paper to which I refer, among other Instances of this Kind is what is said about the House hired, &c. He knew when he went off, the term he had in the House would expire before he could possibly return, and yet no other Place was provided, tho' he also knew that could not be had again; and I was obliged to go out accordingly, in a bad Season, to the Place I mentioned. This, as well as other Things I spoke of before, I have Witnesses to prove, were I now able to go thro' such a Detail. These Altercations, without Proof, are idle, every one will believe as they stand affected; but my Innocence, and the Assurance that my Character will stand right with all who know me, are no small Consolations under these Aspersions. If Mr. Markham will consent to erect a Spiritual Court, stand the Test of a Trial before them according to Evidence and Justice, and give Security to abide by the Sentence and Result of such an Inquiry into our Conduct, I should be willing to join Issue, and think it to some Purpose to recollect and enumerate Particulars, which in any other View would be as irksome as fruitless.

Elizabeth Markham.