With respect to depositions taken ex parte, to the prejudice of the town which we apprehend has been a practise here, his Excellency has not thought propper to be explicit in his reply to our address upon that head. ’Tis a proceeding so contrary to the plain rules of law, and the principles of natural Justice, that it must be held in the utmost detestation, and contempt: And we are perswaded that your regard to equity will induce you to emply your influence to prevent any ill consequences, that may arrise to the towns from so illegal and dangerous a practice. This town Sir, professes to be firmly attached to his Majestys person, family and government, A character which we think cannot fairly be impeached: And they have not been inferior to [any] of their fellow subjects in a regard to peace and good order. of all which were they called, we trust they could give satisfactory evidence [to] the world: But they think they have the right of all other subjects to complain and petition when they are aggrieved. Like all true British subjects they have an invinsible attachment to constitutional liberty, and they will always in decency assert it; their attachment to liberty is construed by those who would build their fortune upon its ruin, a spirit of rebellion—Their complaints under grievances and oppression, a contempt of lawful Authority—such colourings have our enemies given to transactions which if impartially, and clearly view’d would appear to be not only innocent but laudable. Hence appears the necessity the town is under of friends on your side of the water to discover the secret machinations of interested and designing men. We desire no friends, but such as are friends of truth and liberty; and as we esteem you as such, we beg your attention to our interest and remain Sir Your Most Obedient humble Servants