The Patowmac Guardian, And Berkeley Advertiser

'Its proper power to hurt, each creature feels:

Bulls aim their horns, and asses lift their heels.'

It has long since been observed, that the strongest things are in danger from the weakest; and the present attempt to injure my character, proves that the most contemptible animal will use that portion of skill, with which nature has endued it, to accomplish its villainous designs, just as my motto expresses, &c.

'Bulls aim their horns, and asses lift their heels.'

The truth of this assertion is abundantly evident from the fabrication of those scurrilous pieces levelled at me—they prove themselves to be what they really are—the genuine offspring of the barber and tailor's shops. The trite observations, handed down in these departments, by tradition from father to son, and which is common, natural, and in some sort necessary, to the whole tribe.

In my former advertisement, I informed the public, how the fact really stood, with regard to any connexion I ever formed with Robert Wilcox. The honest and unprejudiced part of the community, whose opinions I only regard, will be convinced of my innocence; and they, and all others, may be assured, that I as sincerely despise the character which my enemies represent me under, as any of my townmen. But admitting that I did assist Doctor Wilcox to detect the infidelity of his wife (which I declare I never did) what has this to do with procuring or pimping. A certain profession would do well to consider, that pimps, procurers, and—base from time immemorial been adopted as synonymous terms.

I once more solemnly declare, that I never had the most distant thought of being an evidence to any of those affairs reported about town:—I never knew any thing derogatory to Mrs. Wilcox's character—and I do assure the public, that for aught I know to the contrary, her virtue is entirely unblemished.—When Dr. Wilcox requested me to come to his house, in order to assist him in the discovery of some evil-minded persons, whom he suspected of intentions to rob him—as a neighbour I went along; and whenever it appeared that there was no likelihood of such an event taking place, I returned home—yet rancour and malevolence would represent this innocent action under the most degrading names.

When low cunning, malicious shifts, and opprobrious names are obtruded on the public, in order to assassinate my character, I hope it will be considered as a piece of justice done them, as well as myself, thus publicly to attempt my vindication. But I have to lament, that my enemies, coward like, lurk under the covert of darkness: They hate the light: and will not approach it, and a sufficient reason may be advanced—they are conscious their 'deeds are evil.'

The foregoing real statement of facts, I hope will operate on every generous and unprejudiced mind, as sufficient testimony to exculpate my conduct from all blame. The practice of my adversaries, I consider both as ungenerous and unmanly. My particular situation as a stranger, marked me out as an object fit to be held up to public view, in order to interpose and screen the principal actors from that resentment which a true statement of the case would excite in the public mind: I consider the man who endeavours to despoil his neighbour's character, as nearly allied to the ruffian, who crouches in his den, ready to burst on and assassinate the unwary traveller.

That men may be deterred from such actions—that harmony and peace may be restored to families—that the remains of virtue may be preserved—That Martinsburg may no more be considered as the sink of vice, and the grave of virtue, is the Sincere desire of the public's most devoted (though much injured) friend and servant,