The Virginia Gazette

To Mess. Purdie & Dixon.

GENTLEMEN,

When I sent my last piece to you I had no intention of troubling you again. I had, with much impatience, waited for a vindication of C- R, and begun to despair of ever enjoying that satisfaction, when B. E. showed me that there yet lived a man who loved merit, and who would cherish and support it. My joy upon this occasion was so great that I could not forbear, in the gladness of my heart, paying him that publick tribute of praise which has since procured me so much honour from C- R. An invitation to me alone, of all mankind, to join with him and B. E. was such a mark of distinction as my fondest wishes could never have hoped for. After so great condescension in C- R. I should be much to blame if I did not cheerfully submit to the plan he has formed. His superior abilities most certainly entitle him to precedency, and he shall always most readily obtain it from me. Neither will I dispute the second place with B. E. The station assigned me satisfies me, as it is what I find myself best fitted for; and indeed, had I been appointed to any other, however great the honour, a consciousness of my inability would have obliged me to have declined it. I believe I need not observe that the judgment of C-R. is in nothing more conspicuous than in this arrangement. It not only indicates an acquaintance with speculative subjects, but also a perfect knowledge of man, the most difficult to be acquired. All I have to add is that my endeavours shall not be wanting to a due execution of my office, and that I shall ever be obedient to the instructions of C-R, the wisdom and good effects of which I have already experienced. If my labours should gain me any credit, I shall always acknowledge that I am indebted for it to C- R. and B. E. whose performances, I am confident, will ever deserve the warmest approbation of

The CUSTOMER.