The Virginia Gazette

TO THE PRINTERS.

GENTLEMEN,

I am not under the least apprehension that I shall suffer any injury by the production of a certain Luther, in your gazette of the 18th instant, which carries upon it the visible features of malice and disappointment. Unless the honesty of the man's principles, in piously exhorting the subscribers to the academy to withhold their contributions, should merit a little encomium, there is but one insinuation in his performance to which I shall pay the least regard. He supposes that the presbytery of Hanover are to be visitors of the academy, directly contrary to the assurances which I gave to the public in my advertisement. Although I might rely upon my credit with the world, at least as much as a man who seems afraid to acknowledge his name; yet, because the insinuation is plausible, I shall explain that matter. It is true the presbyterian clergy at first concerted the measure, as friends to the interests of learning and virtue, which had lain neglected long enough, and under their auspices it acquired considerable maturity. But, far from being governed by contracted notions, that they might extend the utility of the institution, they have now yielded the power of visitation, and of managing the general concerns of the academy, into the hands of Trustees who are chiefly members of the church of England. Let him produce an instance of equal candour from those of any other church. On his narrow principles we could form no very flattering hopes, who will not suffer a dissenter, though ever so well qualified, to have any connexion with the management of a place of education. And so great is his zeal upon this head, that he makes no scruple to recommend the grossest iniquity to rob them even of the smallest share in an institution which they have the merit of erecting, and the still greater merit of establishing on a catholic plan. I hope I have already given sufficient assurances to the public of the candour of my intentions, and of the catholicism of the principles I shall inculcate in the course of education. If there yet remains a scruple in the minds of any of the good people of this colony, I shall not attempt to remove it by replying to anonymous scribblers, but by my practice, and the reputation of my scholars. And if any man hereafter shall think proper to vent his slanders under the concealment of a feigned name, he shall enjoy the glory of the combat and the victory to himself: He merits no attention from the public, nor from me.

SAMUEL S. SMITH.