Richmond Enquirer

FOR THE ENQUIRER.
TO "CAUTIOUS."
In writing at me, through the Editors of the Enquirer, you wrote "bitter things," against some of Mr. Leigh's friends. Nothing but a sense of justice to them, induces me to address you again.
Whatever "strong circumstances" may "have lately leaked out," indicating to you that some of Mr. Leigh's "near connexions" were concerned in exposing your sycophancy, those circumstances are delusive. It therefore becomes my duty to affirm, that I am not, by the remotest ascertainable tie, whether of consanguinity, marriage, or interest, connected with that gentleman. An ordinary attention to what I wrote, will convince any one, but "Cautious," that I did not even profess to be the "decided, warm and sincere personal friend of Mr. Leigh" Such professions, voluntarily tendered, to one having no need of our favours, are always found to be hollow, when tested by accident or misfortune. Sad experience has taught me to despise them, and to question his sincerity who makes them.
Neither Mr. Leigh, nor any connexion of his, had any knowledge of my Writing. But, admit that Mr. Leigh (like all other men) has indiscreet friends, such as you and I, ought he to suffer for their folly? You not only "shrewdly suspect, from some strong circumstances which have lately leaked out," that Mr. Leigh's "near connexions are engaged in angry assaults on the one hand, and fulsome eulogiums on the other;" but, you seem to think, that he countenances and encourages them. Such suspicions could never have been entertained by one, whose friendship would be desirable to honorable men. Of what worth, then, are your professions? Do you really imagine that any one, capable of reading a newspaper, will give you credit for sincerity, but at the expense of your understanding?
Excuse me for having supposed you had a rational motive for your sycophancy. Your real motives are as incomprehensible as your riddle about your "left hand." Nothing but a State sinecure, or quasi sinecure, could make even a lazy man so happy and contented as you seem to be.
I write to a character; not to a person. Against the individual I can have no personal pique, however I may dislike the character.
"The vulgar only shake their cautious heads,
Or whisper in the ear, wisely suspicious."

CANDOUR.