The Virginia Gazette

HALIFAX, Sept. 17, 1777.

Mr. PURDIE,

A PIECE appeared in Dixon & Hunter's paper in August last, by Joseph Cocke, wherein he endeavours to fix an odium on Mr. Phillips's character, and my own, as being persons of evil fame. I apprehend the reason why the said Cocke (whose vile character is too notoriously known to need any explanation to the publick) made this attack on characters, out of his power to defame, was this: That a certain Julius Deane informed me that Joseph Cocke, and one Mason, in conjunction, had stolen a negro man slave from Mrs. Elizabeth Bibb. I therefore, in order that Mrs. Bibb might recover her slave, and detect the villains, informed her of these circumstances by letter.---Some time afterwards, Mr. Phillips, a friend and relation of Mrs. Bibb's, applied to me for information. I sent for the aforesaid Julius Dean, who made the information to Mr. Phillips himself, which is a true state of the matter, as far as came to my knowledge. Mr. Phillips is a stranger to me, but supports a character amongst all his acquaintance unexceptionable. As to my own, I challenge Mr. Joseph Cocke, or any of his vile emissaries, to stand forth, if they can, and make good his false charge; though, at the same time, I am sure a person of his infamous character is not to be thought of but with contempt. I only mean to have my Character set in a fair light to the impartial publick. I am, sir, your humble servant,

JOHN DYER