The Virginia Gazette

Mr. Wilkes's design of putting the tame Bull into the chair of the city instead of himself begins now to be seen through: Bull is to have the name of mayor, Wilkes the power; so that this arch patriot will have an opportunity of exercising his excellent abilities with greater security than if he were really mayor, and his easy, believing friend, must be answerable for the consequences. O brave Wilkes! O poor Bull!

Many people have taken upon them to censure Mr. Wilkes for not scratching for himself, without ever considering, that as Mr. Bull scratched for him, it would have been the highest mark of an ungenerous mind, to have so partially adhered to his own interest; by this means Mr. Wilkes has convinced us of the nobleness of his mind, and the disinterestedness of his spirit.

Why Mr. Sawbridge scratched for Mr. Wilkes has puzzled some; and why so many ministerial aldermen were absent. It was the intention of the court that Mr. Wilkes should be lord mayor this year, but it is Mr. Wilkes's design to be lord mayor upon the year of the general election.