Gazette Of The United States, & Philadelphia Daily Advertiser

RICHMOND, July 20.

Claiborne of this State and Clopton, (both belonging to the band) had occasion, during the last session of Congress, to address their constituents by letter. - The abilities of either singly, being inadequate (as it would seem) to the task, they club'd talents, and produced one, which answered the purpose. Claiborne sent his to the people of Brunswick and other counties in that district ; and Clopton forwarded his to those of New. Kent, Henrico, &c. while each flattered himself, no doubt, that the distance would prevent a discovery A citizen of this place, was reading one of them some time afterwards to a few acquaintance, as a letter from Mr. Clopton, which he premised he had procured accidentally, and intended to preserve as a curiosity. A gentleman of Mecklenburg happened to be present, and after hearing the letter read, observed that it came from Mr. Claiborne, not from Mr. Clopton'; for that the former was his Representative, and had transmitted him one of the same kind. Hereupon he was shown the.signature of Clopton, but having good grounds for his assertion, he put his hand into his pocket, and drew out Claiborne. The two letters were then compared, and proved in every respect verbatim, except the signature. Yet did many of our fellow citizens, honest and respectable citizens too, with a knowledge of this circumstance, give their suffrages at the last election, in favour of these co-partners in composition, in preference to General Marshall and Mr Goode, whose talents and integrity are acknowledged throughout the state.