The Virginia Gazette

Mr. Purdie, [in your paper], should, I think, if actuated from principle, have stigmatized the particular persons by whom he had suffered (for, certain it is, good and bad there are of all conditions of men) and not have involved the innocent with the guilty. The publick might then have guarded against those VULTURES (for I believe that kind of creature as voracious as any) and have been equally benefited with himself; for we cannot doubt, as the gentleman complains in so publick a manner, but he will be cautious in future to avoid the like imposition. And I think it would have been but manly to have given us his proper name, as thereby the innocent might have known their professed enemy; for such I must think him who, for the loss perhaps of expense in the settlement of a bill, would injure the characters of hundreds (if not more) at least as reputable in life as himself. With regard to the neglect of rates, &c. prescribed by law, the gentleman's name, in all probability, might have been requisite (if a man of consequence) to have enforced implicit obedience to his request; without which, I can assure you he must expect disappointment from your's and the publick's servant.

A TAVERN-KEEPER.