The Virginia Gazette

We are credibly informed, that the Ministry (being now sensible how very weak and insignificant their party in the city is) have given over all thoughts of setting up, or supporting any of their tools as a candidate to represent the city in Parliament; so that it is not doubted but Mr. Oliver will be elected without opposition.

Nothing is more pleasing to the independent part of the Livery, than to have it now in their power to prove their principles founded on the truly honourable basis of public freedom.
To the Worthy LIVERYMEN of the city of LONDON.

GENTLEMEN,

At the repeated and pressing solicitation of many of my
Friends, Liverymen of the city of London, who were
likewise much attached to, and acquainted with the late
Lord Mayor, I venture to offer myself a candidate to re-
present you in Parliament, in the room of your late worthy
Chief Magistrate, Mr. Beckford, whose loss every honest
man in this kingdom must deplore.

The very high opinion I entertained of his character,
and the great veneration I had for his able, steady, and
animated conduct through the course of a long life, spent
in public affairs, were sufficient to deter me from thinking
myself worthy to supply his place in your service; but
I have yielded to entreaties and reasons, which I could not
resist, without an imputation on my public principles.

If you think, Gentlemen, that I can be made useful to
the public, and to the cause of liberty, I am willing and
desirous to serve you in any capacity: I can only promise
you that, with the utmost exertion of my abilities, I will
endeavour to tread in the steps of your late disinterested and
unbiased Representative: and I shall think it the highest
reward for my endeavours to die, as he has done, lamented
and regretted in your service.

I am, Gentlemen,
With the greatest respect,
Your most obedient,
And faithful humble servant.

THOMAS OLIVER.