The Virginia Gazette

Nov. 10. Yesterday a Court of Aldermen met at Guild-Hall, and swore in Brass Crosby, Esq; the Lord Mayor Elect. After the business of the court was over, Mr. Trecothick addressed himself to the hall to explain the motives of his conduct during his Mayoralty: He observed that many ill-natured reflections had been thrown out against him for backing press-warrants in the city, in which he remarked that he was justified in this act by all former Lord Mayors upon every emergent occasion; that at a time when the whole nation was alarmed with the great preparations making for war, he should have thought himself very inexcusable, as Chief Magistrate of the city of London, if he had thrown any obstruction in the way which might retard the speedy manning of the fleet; that though he had his doubts with respect to the legality of press-warrants, yet, as an individual, though in so high a station, he thought it too weighty a matter for him singly to determine upon, and the more particularly as the Parliament was so near upon meeting, under whose consideration only such business could with propriety come. Mr. Trecothick said further, that he despised the low and illiberal means that had been made use of to prejudice him in the minds of the public; and as he had in every respect executed the business of Chief Magistrate, to the best of his judgment and abilities, as became a faithful citizen and guardian, his conscience was perfectly easy, and he did not doubt but he should meet with the approbation of all his impartial fellow citizens. This speech was received with loud applause.

A letter, signed by a great number of Aldermen and Common Councilmen, was on Thursday sent to Barlow Trecothick, Esq; expressing their entire approbation of, and returning their unfeigned thanks for, the integrity of his conduct during the time of his Mayoralty.