LETTER XLIV.
TO THE PRINTER OF THE PUBLIC ADVERTISER.
22. April 1771.
SIR,
TO write for profit, without taxing the press;—to write for fame and to be unknown;—to support the intrigues of faction, and to be disowned as a dangerous auxiliary, by every party in the kingdom, are contradictions which the minister must reconcile, before I forfeit my credit with the public. I may quit the service, but it would be absurd to suspect me of desertion. The reputation of these papers is an honourable pledge for my attachment to the people. To sacrifice a respected character, and to renounce the esteem of society, requires more than Mr. Wedderburne's resolution: and though, in him, it was rather a profession than a desertion of his principles, [I speak tenderly of this gentleman, for when treachery is in question, I think we should make allowances for a Scotchman] yet we have seen him in the house of commons over-
whelmed
