To the worthy free burgesses of the borough of Colchester. Gentlemen, Your eyes must now at length be opened. The last hand-bill from Mr. Potter's friends must have removed every shadow of doubt from your mind. A certain set of men, whose complexion is too well known to need a particular description, after having long held back, for purposes to which you cannot be strangers, have at length declared openly for Mr. Potter; and have forced Sir Robert Smyth to support a cause which he detests, and a man whom he despises. Unfortunate Sir Robert Smyth! How often will he wish himself, and have reason to wish himself, beyond those Alps, where he was long supposed to have been fixed in silent retirement. ̀̀sir Robert Smyth, it is said, has now declared himself averse to Mr R-'s recommendation.'' Yet, this very recommendation he once most earnestly solicited. ̀̀he has united himself heart and hand in support of Mr. Potter.'' Heart, I deny. For within a few hours, after this supposed union, he declared openly, that he would rather vote for a - that ran by him, than for Mr. Potter. With respect to that Gentleman, I have but one word to say. For I will not debase a cause, which stands in need of no such support, by personal invective or abuse. Mr. Potter is a contractor. Contracts under government are his sole business, the sole object of his pursuit. Do not suppose, Gentlemen, that, by saying this, I mean the slighrest imputation upon Mr. Potter's integrity. Many contractors are, I doubt not, very honest men. But every contractor is a dependent man; dependent directly or indirectly upon Ministry. The House of Commons were, in a former lession, so strongly impressed with this idea, that they passed a bill for disqualifying contractors from sitting in Parliament. And your present representative, unless I am misinformed, voted the very last lession for a similar bill. This, Gentlemen, is the man, of whom it is asserted, ̀̀that he has proved to all his independency.'' This is the independent candidate, to whom your patriotic, independent representative has promised his support. I am, Gentlemen, October 13, 1718. Your hearty well-wisher, A Brother Burgess.

Date:

1781]