The Virginia Gazette

MECKLENBURG, April 14, 1770.

As I am informed it was some time ago reported by one Neal, an overseer of Col. William Harwood's, and the report since industriously propagated by Col. Lewis Burwell, that, under the cloak of friendship, I intended by some unfair means to cheat the said Harwood out of a tract of land on Roanoke river, I think it necessary to assure the public that the said report is a most groundless calumny, as I never did, nor ever intended to do, that Gentleman the smallest injury. I am much surprised that Col. Burwell should endeavour to asperse my character, from the information of an incensed overseer, who, it is well known, declared, on my threatening to turn him off of a plantation of the said Harwood's, which I last year had the direction of, for his insolence and neglect of duty, that he would endeavour by some means or other to avoid being under my direction, for that he was well assured no overseer could please me; and for that purpose did he invent the above-mentioned falsities, in which he has succeeded very well. I confess that a few years ago I had some thoughts of purchasing Col. Harwood's land, on being told by Col. Robert Munford, of this county, that Harwood had made him an offer of it; but as I found, on my application to Harwood, he had declined selling, I, from that moment, have never entertained the most distant thought of owning one foot of his land. I have directed a suit in the General Court against Neal, where I make not the least doubt but I shall make him severely pay for his malice, falsity, and villainy. As to Col. Burwell, however ready he has been to credit and propagate so infamous a report, not only in private companies, but, as I am informed by a Gentleman of truth, in several coffee houses, I can assure him that I have the vanity to think myself, as a Gentleman at least, his equal, and can assure him I am as much above an action, bordering on meanness or dishonesty, as he or any other person in the government.

PEYTON SKIPWITH.