The Virginia Gazette

A PIECE dated the 16th of April, and published in Mr. Purdie's Paper of the 18th of June, makes it my Duty to inform the Public that we did send a Sloop of ours to Antigua last Summer; that my Brother went with the Cargo, remained in the Islands, and sent back the Sloop, with express Orders that she should be returned to him by the 20th of December, promising to procure from St. Eustatia such Goods as might legally come to America; that it had been agreed on between my Brother and myself that no other Goods should be admitted on Board; that, on the Sloop's sailing from this, I wrote to my Brother, informing him that he could not bring in too large a Quantity of low-priced Linens and Writing-Paper; that I gave no directions, either in Writing or verbally, to any other Person whatever; that the Goods imported were contrary to my Intention, and without my Knowledge or Consent. These are Facts that I am very willing to declare on Oath. Had I reported the Arrival of those Goods to the Committee, I apprehended they would have been remanded to the West Indies, and was willing to risk the Loss of Vessel and Cargo, at a time so critical. Under such Circumstances, would not Lenity best secure Friendship? The Sloop arrived in the Islands early in December; but, very unfortunately, my Brother had embarked for Virginia about forty Days before the Time limited by himself.

JOHN FOWLER.