been assaulted," and a declaration that orangemen were not the assailants," neither of which I could possibly make: as the former would be an acknowledgment of a gross falsehood; and the latter could not be called by a milder name, as it was impossible to declare, whether persons whom I knew not, were, or were not, orangemen." To the latter I added," their threat of exposure implies that they have something against me in their power to that exposure I bid defiance."

During a great part of October, and the first week of November, I heard little of the business, concluded that it was getting to rest, and resolved to sit quietly under the impeachments of my private character, trusting to the knowledge of my past conduct for near half a century, and my future behaviour, for its full and fair vindication. This I thought wiser, and more consistent with my character as a minister of a gospel of patience and peace, than, by querulous self-defence, or angry invective, to revive and inflame jealousies, quarrels, and outrages, which, not without suspicion of connivance by some would-be great people, had long distracted and disgraced the county.

From this pleasing dream-for dream it must have been-I was roused on the eighth of November. On the morning of that day, I was called upon by a Ts Jn Esq. alias captain

captain Jn; who, as he said, had come out to hunt, but hares were so d-d scarce, he had met with no sport. I pressed him to alight, but he could not. He had just called to know how I was did the scoundrels who had abused me-offered to subscribe five guineas for their detection &c. &c. Feeling cold, confined as I had been to the house, I begged him again to alight. He could not, as there was a gentleman coming up the road, with whom he was to proceed in the chace. On this, he raised himself on his saddle, as if looking for his friend. His friend immediately appeared, not posting after him, but popping out from behind a hedge; not forty yards distant, On his coming up Mr. Jn introduced him to me, informing me, at the same time, that he was a magistrate of the county. This was very necessary, as I had never heard of Mr. Langley's name or magistracy before. Mr. Langley was so good as to express sorrow for the treatment I had received, repeated Mr. Jn's information, that he was a magistrate, kindly offered to take my examinations, or even write any examinations which I would dictate, and proposed to subscribe liberally for the discovery of my assailants. All this I declined for a variety of reasons which I detailed to him with a fullness and candor which, I thought, might have satisfied any reasonable man. Such was not the case. He changed his countenance, and affecting the dignity of the magistrate, told

me

me that a publication in a blackguard newspaper (attributed to me) conveyed a reflection on the county, and a gross libel on its magistrates, and that they were determined to support their honor. To this something like a threat was added, if I would not lodge examinations.

Unaccustomed to threats, and disgusted with Mr. Langley's manner. I told him that I would not trouble him with any examinations; but that I would publish the whole business, and afterwards, if necessary, verify on oath every word I would write. On this the gentlemen rode off, seemingly dissatisfied; and having failed in running down the real object of their chace, set out in quest of fresh game.

That I was really the object of this day's chace I was fully convinced, in the evening, by certain information, that it hd been publickly known and talked of in Armag during the week -that it proceeded from no riendly intention towards me-and that the genemen, or one of them, had strictly examined poor laborer of my next neighbour about the Esiness on which they honored me with a visit, n their way to my house.

On this information, I instaly determined to write to Mr. J-n, as I knenothing about Mr. Langley, lest any words mine, in my U u 2

interview

interview with them should be misunderstood, and consequently misrepresented; and in this determination wrote as follows;

SIR,

I am exceedingly glad that you did me the honor of calling on me to day though your call has imposed on me a painful task. However I may have felt at the time, when I turned over in my mind the latter part of the conversation, with the pretext under which, and the manner in which, Mr. Langley was induced to favor me with a call-or rather, by seeming accident, came in my way I shall not pretend to say what my feelings were, as I have a peculiar fear on my mind of taking offence rashly, and a much greater of giving it. You will, no doubt, recollect the reasons I gavefor suppressing all public notice of what, I ASERT, took place on the night of the 9th. of Septmber last. For these reasons, I resisted every aplication of my friends to have the affair publied, with offers of reward &c. These reasons ould have induced me to have suppressed suc publication for ever, regardless of every reflect on my character, to which I might be expod, by the ignorant or prejudiced. This day has onvinced me that I was wrong; and, in that ɔnviction, you may rest assured that I will puish every circumstance, in which any person ling could have any concern with my conduct situation, during the day or night

of

of the 9th of September last. I hope this will be more satisfactory than any unmeaning examinations as to one circumstance only. I shall state nothing, it may be taken for granted, but what be rebutted, if untrue. At any rate, it will give a fair opportunity, to every one, of judging for himself, and acting afterwards, in respect to me, as he may see cause,

may

Roan,

I am,

sir

your most obedient servant,
WILLIAM STEEL DICKSON."

Nov. 8th. 1811.

On the 9th, while copying the preceding letter," some additional information from my friend induced me to add the following postcript; and also, to avoid all correspondence with Messrs. Jn and Langley, except in writing.

"P. S. Since writing the above I have had reason to think that I misapprehended Mr.: Langley, who seemed to say that he called on me, in the name, or on behalf, of the magistrates of the county. This induces me to request that you may be so good as to inform me, in writing, whether I did or not, that I may know whether I am to address my account of September 9th. to you and him exclusively, to the magisterial body at large, or to the public. Your

answer