The Kentucky Gazette

Mr. Bradford,

Sir,

The piece that appears in your last paper, under the signature of J. Hughes, must convince you, and the public at large, that I should make the author of too much importance to himself was I to take the most distant notice of it; nor would I again appear, to public view, had not a second piece, have entered the lists; and when I assure you this shall be the last time, you will, I hope, excuse me, for supposing, that it may not be amiss to take some notice of this last piece; I am the more convinced in this opinion, when I reflect that it may be the means of preventing the courageous conduct of the brave son of Mars, from being found out to the world by his own trumpet—but, sir, you are yet in the dark, and I can assure you. I was equally as much so, until a few days ago, I received the following epistle.

"Sir,

"When, unsolicitedly, you, promised to shew me your publication in last Saturday's paper previous to our delivering it to Mr. Bradford, I expected, that you really meant to perform your promise, I was disappointed—but it is not now my intention to upbraid you with the breach of your word. You have, sir, published a certificate, which, in the name of Mr. Houghton, impeaches my veracity. Houghton, is a man, who you well know, I cannot properly call upon. Need I observe to you, that a man of honor and a gentleman ought not to conceal himself under such a cover—upon a presumption that I need not. I demand from you an explicit declaration whether or not you believe, that I have certified what is false, and mean to convey such an imputation to the public, at the same time. I must observe, that I could not possibly have been mistaken, in the substance of the conversation between Mr. Hughes and Houghton, because my certificate was given within an hour after that conversation passed; I wish expect your answer, in writing, by Mr. Leitch, who does me the honor to be the bearer of this.

I am Sir,

Your very humble Servant,

WILLIAM MCKAY Jun.

Lexington, August 8, 1789.

I must do Maj. Leitch the justice, to observe, that on this occasion he was extremely polite and conducted himself much in the character of a gentleman. Now Sir, that you may know, what other character I am compelled to appear in print with, you will please to attend to the following certificate.

We certify, that the Friday before Mr. Hawkins's publication of 1st Inst. appeared; he informed Mr. Murray, that he intended to publish a piece the next day in which He (Mr. Murray) might appear in a disagreeable light, as Mr. Houghton had denied the purport of his certificate; that Mr. Hawkins expressed a wish that Mr. Murray might extricate himself in the same days paper if in his power, for which purpose, he might have a sight of his intended publication before it was delivered to Mr. Bradford, and that Mr. Murray answered, that Houghton was asked last, and that it was time enough to see Mr. Hawkins's piece, when it appeared in print.

NATHANIEL WILSON.

BASIL DUKE.

What a field is here open for a pen, that is guided by the dictates of a retaliating heart. Be silent mine, and draw a veil over the frailties of human nature.

Perhaps with some, the following part of my conduct may be blamed—I answered him,—condescended to answer him,—and answered him with mildness.

Sir,

I received yours of 8th. Inst. by Maj. Leitch and must confess that I was for some time undetermined whether to answer you or not, however, on reflection I determined on the former. My answer therefore is, that you unprovoked, have endeavoured to injure me with the publick, that if in defence of my conduct, the steps I have taken to justify it, when I was sensible had truth on my side, has placed you in a point of view, disagreeable to your feeling, you must on reflection, be sensible that you yourself laid the foundation. and that I am by no means answerable for the consequence attending it; with respect to your not having a sight of my last publication before it was printed, you must also blame yourself; for if you, after the intimation I gave you, did not think prudent to apply for it, I can assure you. I did not conceal it my duty to be searching for you through town for that purpose,

I am, &c.

10th of August, 1789.

I am now come upon the last scene, but before the curtains are raised, it may be necessary, to make a few observation, to the audience; they have already seen my first publication, they have seen the production it occasioned, they have also seen my reply. with the certificate thereto annexed and they have seen the last Saturday's paper, from the whole of which, will they possibly suppose that I on my part, had laid the foundation for a tragedy - the curtains must now be drawn, and the following make its entrance, which gave rise to the enquiry.

Sir,

Your letter of the 10th Inst. I have received. you have now placed the affair between us on a plain footing I therefore demand a meeting with you at the end of lane, where the roads to Danville fork tomorrow morning at six o'clock, I will be attended by my friend Capt Craddock and will be armed with pistols; Capt Craddock will settle with your friend any other circumstances , I am Sir

your very humble servant

WILLIAM MURRAY Jun.

JOHN HAWKINS Esq.

Wednesday morning:

To this modest request, had it been made, by a man, whose conduct intitled him to it, I should have answered. that if I had ever done, or intended him an injury, there would have been more honor in making such acknowledgments as the nature. of that injury required, than adding thereto, by meeting him in the field. But Sir, when you cast your eye on the last signature above, you will readily join with me, in supposing that I have acted more in character, when I tell you that I have treated his summons with that silent contempt, which I shall forever hereafter treat the Author of it and his principles.

I am Sir yours &

the publicks most Obedient

Humble Servant

JOHN HAWKINS.