The Virginia Gazette

St. Alban's tavern, Saturday 4 o'clock, P. M.

Mr. Adam presents his compliments to Mr. Fox, and begs leave to represent to him, that upon considering, again and again, what had passed between them last night, it is impossible for him to have his character cleared to the publick without inserting the following paragraph in the newspapers.

"We have authority to assure the publick, that, in a conversation, that passed between Mr. Fox and Mr. Adam, in consequence of the debate in the House of Commons, on Thursday last, Mr. Fox declared, that, however much his speech may have been misrepresented, he did not mean to throw any personal reflection upon Mr. Adam."

Major Humberston does me the honour of delivering this to you, and will bring your answer.

SIR,

I am very sorry it is utterly inconsistent with my ideas of propriety, to authorise the putting any thing in the newspapers relative to a speech which in my opinion required no explanation. You who heard the speech, must know that it did not convey any personal reflection upon you, unless you felt yourself in the predicament upon which I animadverted. The account of my speech in the newspapers is certainly incorrect, and certainly unauthorised by me; and therefore, with respect to that, I have nothing to say. Neither the conversation that passed at Brooks's, nor this letter, are of a secret nature, and if you have any wish to relate the one, or to show the other, you are perfectly at liberty so to do.

I am, &c.

Chesterfield-street, half past 3, Sunday, Nov. 28.

SIR,

As you must be sensible that the speech printed in the newspaper reflects upon me personally, and as it is from that only that the publick can have their information, it is evident that unless that is contradicted by your authority, in as publick a manner as it was given, my character must be injured. Your refusal to do this, entitles me to presume that you approve of the manner in which that speech has been given to the publick, and justifies me in demanding the only satisfaction that such an injury will admit of. Major Humberston is employed to settle all particulars, and the sooner this affair is brought to a conclusion, the more agreeable to me.

I have the honour to be, &c.

In consequence of the above, the parties met according to the agreement, at eight o'clock in the morning. After the ground was measured out, at the distance of fourteen paces, Mr. Adam desired Mr. Fox to fire, to which Mr. Fox replied, "Sir, I have no quarrel with you, do you fire." Mr. Adam then fired, and wounded Mr. Fox, which we believe was not at all perceived by Mr. Adam, as it was not distinctly seen by either of ourselves. Mr. Fox fired without effect; we then interfered, asking Mr. Adam if he was satisfied! Mr. Adam replied, "will Mr. Fox declare he meant no personal attack upon my character." Upon which Mr. Fox said, this was no place for apologies, and desired him to go on. Mr. Adam fired his second pistol without effect; Mr. Fox fired his remaining pistol in the air, and then saying as the affair was ended, he had no difficulty in declaring he meant no more personal affront to Mr. Adam, than he did to either of the other Gentlemen present, Mr. Adam replied, Sir, you have behaved like a man of honour." Mr. Fox then mentioned, that he believed himself wounded, and, upon his opening his waistcoat, it was found he was so, but to all appearance, slightly.

The parties then separated, and Mr. Fox's wound was, on examination, found not likely to produce any dangerous consequence.

RICHARD FITZPATRICK.

T. MACKENZIE HUMBERSTON.