Berkeley And Jefferson Intelligencer

To JOSEPH ADAMSON

It was with considerable surprise I observed your advertisement of my son, after knowing, as I did, what was the inducement he had to quit your employ. After what you have done, I think it my duty, to make the treatment he received public, as well to defend the reputation of my son against your indecent advertisement, as to caution all persons, who might otherwise be placed in my situation, from having any thing to do with so strange a character as you are. It is a fact, that can be proven, that for the whole time my son was with you, he behaved himself in a decent, orderly manner, and devoted the whole of his time, with the greatest diligence, to your service and interest; but, notwithstanding all this, your unreasonable and unhappy disposition would not let you be satisfied, but you were continually complaining that he did not do enough. On the boy's remonstrating, you would frequently get into an outrageous fit, and in the most indecent language; utter the vilest abuse against him. After enduring such conduct as this for a considerable time, the lad complained to me that he could stand it no longer-- I advised him to stay with you if possible--and on my talking with yourself on the subject, you promised to behave in a more circumspect manner, and that you would not let your violent temper carry you to such lengths as it had done. But this promise was of no avail, for in a short time after, your irritable temper becoming inflamed, you seized on an axe, and damning the boy, bid him begone, or you would "cut his d---d soul out, and never to enter your shop again or you would put him to death." I ask pardon of the public for repeating your diabolical expressions, but it was necessary to do so, to shew your deformity. I deem it unnecessary to say more on this disagreeable subject, or to trouble the public with any further reflections, as I am determined to institute a suit against you for your improper conduct. I regret that I have been obliged to make this statement; it is grating to my feelings; but the vindication of my son's character demanded it of me.

BENSON LACKEY.

Martinsburg, July 6, 1804.