JB/169/248/001

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The following letter had been destined for the Herald, being
designed as an Introduction to the inclosed Defence: but an opening
presenting itself for getting the Defence inserted without Introduction
the Introduction was not sent, but instead of it a few words
afford in the Defence itself to adapt it to the change made in its destination

15 Feb 1796

Sir,
To the Conductor of the Herald

A variety of paragraphs having appeared on a variety of
occasions in the Times reflecting on the gentleman undermentioned,
sometimes by a mode of description not to be mistaken,
sometimes even by name, and attempt was made for the
purpose of public justice to vindicate the proceeding 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
defence, 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; by being harrassed by groundless imputations,
to which, without delivering a purse heavier
than what it is common for a highwayman to risk
his mask for, no opportunity of exculpation is to be permitted.

The practice in question was avowed to bee the custom of
the paper. IF there be nothing shameworthy in it, it will be
of advantage to the Editor in question to have it known, since
it informs men of the price at which the sort of justice he
administers is to be had. At any rate the public have an
interest in the intelligence. You, Sir, I observe, lay claim
to the praise of impartiality: & as far as the observation and
judgment of one who has been your constant reader for some years

Identifier: | JB/169/248/001 "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	248	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	j whatman
Marginals		Paper Producer	admiral pavel chichagov
Corrections	jeremy bentham	Paper Produced in Year
Notes public		ID Number	57068
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