Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

For the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE.

Messieurs Printers,

WHEN I address'd the public last, I was not
insensible of my great inability to combat
so powerful an adversary as the one whom I then
suppos'd to be the "Countryman not easily deceived"
although no apology was made by way of a pre-
liminary for such an arrogant piece of presumption ;-
and from a recent publication am but the more
thoroughly convinced, especially for delicacy of dic.
tion which that performance is replete with :-In
that it is a matter of doubt with me if one qualified
for his competitor can be found, unless Wapping or
Billingsgate can furnish us from some of their semi-
naries of learning--therefore, the public will please
to excuse my declining an attempt of that sort,
where a deficiency would be so obvious.

We are at length inform'd of the very import-
ant secrets which were conceal'd from us in the
former publications--they are truly matters of
great moment!--One of which is, that the gentle-
man in question told a friend of his (no doubt in a
familiar way) that he would be hang'd for leading
a number of men from Exeter in April 1775--
another is, that Doctor L--s letter is on the files
of Congress--another is, that he heard Mr. B--s
letter read at Dover--and the other is, that the
town clerk certified the proceedings of a town meet
ing in December 1773--Wonderful discoveries
these! It reminds me of the mountain, after being
a long time in hard labour, brought forth a mouse.

An instance of these great secrets have been so
fully debated in the several discussions with Can-
didus that they are worn quite thread bare. But
can this be all! Is not something else left un-
told? no doubt perhaps in the next address we
shall be fully inform'd.

How much better can we relish railing against
others, than we can even bear the truth being told
us when it is unfavourable--such is human nature,
and it cannot be easily eradicated.--But in or-
der that the polite author alluded to might in some
degree be satisfied of the insinuations he complains
of so violently, I will explain myself thus far--it
has been currently reported that a certain somebody
did represent to Congress, that he went in person
to the fort William and Mary, and brought from
thence the powder that was there deposited--and
which was of infinite service to the United States;
by virtue thereof, it is said, a considerable sum was
granted him as a reward ;-such an information
(if made) must have been totally groundless, as it
is well known that person was not within many
miles of this place, and knew nothing of the mat-
ter 'till after it was lodged in Exeter--it is also
alleged that at a time when the ultimatum on
our part was agitating, great debates arose re-
specting the retaining a right of fishing on the
banks, &c. and instead of somebody's exerting him
self in favour of the measure, did, (it is said) give
up that important point by joining the southern
members, which gave them the casting vote; but
our ministers in Europe knowing the great advan-
tage of it to this part of the Continent, did insist
On having it secured to us, and by strenuous ef-
forts (to their immortal honor) obtained it.

It is also reported that somebody received a present
of a new English made Coach, from a quarter that
expected to have a valuable estate confiscated,
which it is thought a suspension of duty prevented
being done. &c. Whether these reports are true
or false, the truth I suppose can be made to appear
by the person said to be accused :--at any rate they
did not originate with me. Far be it from me to
wish saying any thing to the disadvantage of any
man : but the person who, from nothing more than
a private pique, and not the public good, will so
readily stand forth to sacrifice a character who has
proved himself an able politician and a friend to
the liberties of America, because he conceives
himself in danger of being eclipsed as a statesman,
is not the man to be depended on.--The excuse
for concealing the frivolous charges so badly au-
thenticated is sufficient to convince the public that
he did not think them at first of any great im-
portance; otherwise he would by having the in-
terest of America at heart, found means to have
sounded the alarm : But putting aside the public
good, an insatiate thirst after fame, would prompt
him to have echoed the danger we were in from a
person so artful and designing.

If the good people of this State, can but divest
themselves of prejudice which some others more
designing than the gentleman alluded to have en-
deavoured to fetter them with, they will easily dis-
cover the real motives for making such a noise
about nothing.

How far our Hero means to advance on the thread
bare stories he has so often inform'd us of, am quite
at a loss to suggest ; but as the Countryman was
told before, he is now told again, that a good retreat
is to be prefer'd to an unsuccessful advance, as it
denotes good generalship.

I must notwithstanding being call'd upon in so
polite a manner to stand forth under my real signa-
ture, beg leave to decline ; as it was not my inten-
tion to enter into a personal war, although I am
not very apt to be terrified at the sight of martial
men or the implements made use of by such gen-
tlemen.--Yet from a diffidence of appearing so
much inferior to one of such distinguish'd abilities
as the Countryman, is of itself a sufficient excuse
in my weak opinion.

I hope if any thing farther is said, on the other
side, it will come out more substantial, and less
inflammable, otherwise it will appear so much in
the balloon stile, that what little weight it might
have, will evaporate suddenly in the minds of im-
partial judges.

HONESTUS.