Norfolk Gazette And Publick Ledger

Query: On what terms anonymous essays are published in their paper?

To the above querist we reply that it is a matter of
indifference to us who may be the author of what is
sent to us for publication, and that consequently he
may make himself known to us, or remain concealed,
as may be most agreeable to his own humour.

If we understand the latter part of the question, its
answer will be found in our readiness to give publicity
to any thing that we may think will promote the
publick interest, or afford amusement to our readers
-If therefore he alludes to any emolument for publishing, all the remuneration we expect is the satisfaction of having performed a duty.

On all subjects sent to us with the view to be inserted
in the Ledger, we will exercise the right of rejection
if necessary: and as we believe we are altogether competent to form a judgment for ourselves, in
such matters, the name of an author would have no
influence upon our conduct; but as it would be unpleasant to injure for a moment the feelings of
any one, particularly when we know where that injury falls, we had much rather not know who the
writer may be. Should we at any time be so imprudent, or so far deceived, as to publish any thing
which may bring us under the censure of the law,
we are well aware that a knowledge of who the author was cannot avail us in a court, and could form
no excuse for our want of caution or discrimination.

Whether, therefore, we may or may not know the
writer's name, holding ourselves only responsible to
the publick, he is alike secure from every tribunal,
but that of opinion-After publication his work must
stand on its own merits; and we must abide the consequence of having well or ill judged those merits.