Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

For the New-Hampshire Gazette.
Messieurs Printers,

ALTHOUGH the late writer, under the signature of "A COUNTRYMAN, not easily deceived," addresses himself to Candidus, yet I presume he meant not to convey his oblique assertions against a certain gentleman to him only, but to the public at large;--therefore I, as an individual of which, am constrained to say, that the many queries, together with his If so's, &c. in reply to the answer of Candidus, wear such a complexion as must convince every impartial person that will give themselves time to reflect, to be the result of a private pique-instigated by sinister views through jealousy of rivalry, and dressed up under the mask of patriotism.

If this is not the case--why were those indirect charges, or rather injurious insinuations, kept so long concealed from the public eye--and if authentic, why not positively affirmed?--Provided supposed to be a watchman and defender of our liberties) be equally culpable, by conniving at such proceedings for so many years, and especially while it was in the power of that person of so much "art, intrigue and finesse," to do infinitely more mischief than he can at present?--Does the magnifying his adversaries faults, extenuate his own follies--or don't he rather imagine himself to be without spot or blemish?--Notwithstanding all the supposed perfections of that writer, yet I conceive he has left undone that which he ought to have done, and done that which he ought not to have done, equally with his neighbours. I never heard that the artful gentleman alluded to, ever made a false representation, and in consequence thereof received a pecuniary reward as a public testimony for feats which he did not perform nor could have any pretensions to!

I never heard that he put any weight in the British scale that might have operated against us in the treaty of peace.--I never heard that he was appointed to an office to take cognizance of some important matters which he neglected to do, and by which neglect, the stipulations of peace prevented being done afterwards!--Nor did I ever hear that he received a bribe for suspending any duty which it was his business to have executed!

But alas! how apt we are to behold the motes in the eyes of others, when we cannot perceive the beams in our own!--It seems that after all his strain'd efforts to calumniate that character, yet he must insinuate that he could say much more, but forbears for certain reasons:--For my part, I conceive he has been already so liberal in his declamations, that he has quite exhausted his fund of ill nature on that head; therefore as a farther resource, would convey an idea that he has kept back as a reserve, something of much greater consequence, in case of a repulse; that he might rally again, and drive all before him.

But as a friend, I would advise him to be contented with retreating as well as he can, especially when the prospect of a successful advance appears not only doubtful but impracticable.

It plainly discovers the great share of vanity that writer is possessed of, by being so desirous of sanctifying his queries, &c. with his real name; which he and his trumpeters hold highly dignified and even immortal, and whom we were lately called upon to adore, in language which does not appertain to any thing human--let their deeds be ever so renowned. However, I can't suppose (notwithstanding his greatness) the respectable public to be such dupes to credulity, as to take his Ipse Dixit for positive proof against the gentleman in question--but rather suspend their judgment 'till arguments are produced more weighty than such superficial ones as have been already offered.

As Candidus has been very explicit in his answers to the 'forementioned queries, and (should suppose) to the impartial, satisfactory withal--I shall defer entering into a more particular detail of circumstances in vindication of that injured character; as all that could be said would not avail with those who are determined not to be convinced, were even the tongues of angels to speak in his behalf.

HONESTUS.