JB/169/247/001

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The following letter, had been intended destined for the Herald
being designed as an introduction to the inclosed Defense: but an
opening presenting itself for getting the Defense inserted without
introduction, the Introduction was not sent, but instead of it a
few words altered in the defense itself to adapt it to the charge
made in its destination.

15 Feb 1796

To the Conductor of the Herald.

Sir,
A variety of paragraphs having appeared
on a variety of occasions in the Times reflecting
on the gentlemen undermentioned, sometimes
by a mode of description not to be mistaken,
sometimes even by name, an attempt was made
for the purpose of public justice to vindicate
the proceedings in question on the same stage,
which exhibited the charge. The answer was,
that the observations might be very just,
but if they were inserted, five guineas must
be paid. If the same reserve had been maintained
in regard to the attack as in regard
to the defense, the demand would have been
less unreasonable, or rather the opportunity
of making it would never have had existence.
According to this system, a newspaper, instead
of being a vehicle of public intelligence,
is to be an instrument of extortion, by means
of which individuals are to be laid under
contribution, but being harassed by groundless
imputations, to which, without delivering
a purse heavier than what it if common
for a highwayman to risk his life
neck for, no opportunity of exculpation is to
be permitted.

Identifier: | JB/169/247/001 "JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 169.
Date_1	1796-02-15	Marginal Summary Numbering
Box	169	Main Headings
Folio number	247	Info in main headings field
Image	001	Titles	to the conductor of the herald
Category	copy/fair copy sheet	Number of Pages	2
Recto/Verso	recto	Page Numbering
Penner		Watermarks
Marginals		Paper Producer
Corrections		Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	57067
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