The Virginia Gazette

Mr. Parks,

AFTER having read Mr. Morson's Apology, and, as he calls it, the History of Myself, I have in some measure thought myself obligated to make a replication to it; altho' I am fully satisfied that his ridiculous performance must leave so large a mark of Infamy on him, as may be very easily discovered by every discerning Impartial Eye; for when a person is challenged to a dispute, and instead of making defence against the Questions propos'd, to fall into ridicule on the proposer and whole family, without having regard to truth, or the least corroborating circumstances relative thereto, that, and that alone, must certainly render him odious in the eye of every honest spectator. These thoughts falling in my mind, together with the low esteem I have for the praise of this world, makes Mr. Morson's piece rather delightful than vexatious; and casts the following poem in my thoughts; which I here present to my reader; viz.

He certainly's a fool who of his own merit are doth boast,
Tho whilst he's in this world, from him 'tis clearly lost,
And by the Invidiousness of man quite from him tost,
Altho 'tis often finely fixed on a painted pot.

I think the above to be a full Answer to Mr. Morson's Piece, and there being no call on me for any thing more, Shall confine myself to Brevity; but must by the Way, make some Remarks on my first, together with a full Declaration of my sincere Intentions, and chief Motives thereto, which are the following Particulars, viz.

1st. My writing did not proceed from a fond Opinion of my own Ability, or a desire to appear in print, but from a hearty wellgrounded Zeal to promote the welfare of this Colony, without promising thereby to my self any uncommon Advantages.

2dly. I had not the least design or expectation of raising any factious inclinations in any of my Country People; or altho' I must in Justice to myself, and the World, confess, that my Ability is very far Inferior to many of my Fellow Subjects, yet, I heartily believe, that there is few or none, more anxious for the Conservation of the publick peace and tranquility of this Colony, than myself.

3dly. The full sum of my design, in publishing my first, was to raise up those fainting Spirits, who have long laboured under the weight of their misfortunes, Legally to make known their grievances, under hope and expectation of having them duly consider'd, and reliev'd. If they should not transgress the Bounds of equity, and good Conscience. It may be expected by the close of my first, that I might in this, have made a Considerable advancement on those rules, or prescriptions, which I might think generally advantageous to this Colony; but it being much easier to point out the hardships and Inequalities of a Law, which hath been so long experienced, than to propose any thing beneficial in lieu thereof, and I being conscious of my own ability, am not willing to appear a foreman man in that way; altho I am at this time. and hope ever shall, with great alacrity of Spirit, be willing to cast my mite into the publick treasury, altho' by far of the smallest Size: The Remonstrances foreshewn, is all that deters me from making a large progress in that way, therefore let it suffice, that I humbly conceive, that the repealing, or greatly amending the Inspection, together with a restraint or stint law, are the only or chief methods, which can be propos'd, that have a direct tendency to the publick welfare of this Colony. Having run through a great part of my Sentiments, I beg leave further to acquaint my adversary, that through love and pity to him, or any other, which may take his part, in replying to this. that my advice to him, or them is, that if they find fault with this my weak performance, that they shew forth to the world, a Christian like disposition, which will lead them directly in the paths of pity and Instruction, the which will redound to their advantage, not only in this world, but that which is to come. Having fully gone through what I have at present in view, Only beg leave to Subscribe myself as at first, Gentlemen your humble Servant,

TIM. TOUCH-TRUTH.