The Virginia Gazette

Mr. PURDIE,

AS I superintend the business of my father in his ordinary, and other affairs in Williamsburg, I think it my duty to support the credit of the same against every attempt that any scoundrel may dare make against it, more especially at this juncture, when he is gone to his home in Mecklenburg, and thereby rendered unable to answer for himself. I observe, in your paper, sir, of the 18th of last month, a certain Joseph Cheatham has set forth a piece endeavouring to prejudice and defame the business aforesaid under my care, and therefore, that the publick may know his assertion of being charged 3s. for only one lodging and pasturage is as false as his alleging he could get nothing to eat himself, this I declare, upon my honour (and am ready to depose it) that for 3s. the wretch had a lodging, pasturage, and his horse twice fed; and as for the house not being able to diet him, I appeal to fifty gentlemen, who then, the last Virginia days, put up with me, if they did not find the greatest plenty. How my father may take my answering this false, scandalous, dirty, and nonsensical piece, I know not, because, judging from his temper, he never regards scurrility when it springs from the hands of one so much beneath his notice; and for the publick, in troubling them upon so trifling an occasion, I hope they will excuse me. Mr. Cheatham's very earnest request and caution to the publick, not to call upon me gives me no other uneasiness, but as, with those not acquainted with him, it may make some impression upon, and therefore to such I address myself, that for their custom, and all others of a civilized disposition, I shall be obliged, promising them, at the same time, that they may be assured of being accommodated in my house upon terms no more extravagant than the exigency of the times require, and other publicans of the same place are accustomed to charge.

MATTHEW MARABLE, jun.