It is true, there are yet _sophisters_, who want to _impose_ upon us; but I think their designs are easily seen through. It is impossible that any impartial man should fail to observe the almost incredible pains taken to misrepresent and blacken his publick and private character. Even now, after he has paid the forfeit of his _life_, for _crimes_, at most, only _disputably so_, there are a great number of emissaries, who seem to make it their business to go from one coffee-house to another, spreading the most scandalous reports with regard to his death. _Dying Speeches_, containing the most _infamous absurdities_, have been imposed upon the publick, with several booksellers names prefixed in the title-page, in order to give them the air of authenticity. For what end and purposes all these measures have been taken, they can best tell, who have always been, and still continue so indefatigably industrious. But I must confess they greatly raise my indignation; and I am at last fully persuaded, _hidden political machinery_ has been employed against this unfortunate gentleman. Our friend _D----_ says, _cunning heads, black hearts, and long purses_. Indeed, I think it appears very evident, that some persons are very active and solicitous to _load him_ with ignominious crimes, with a view _to exculpate themselves_, or others; to render him odious in the eyes of the people, that his fall may be unlamented. But can a generous nation, like this, where understanding abounds, accept of his blood for the crimes of any other? surely, it cannot be. I believe you will agree with me in thinking, that the Admiral's behaviour before and at the time of his death; his observations and conversation with his friends; together with the paper containing his thoughts on the occasion, wrote by himself, and signed, which he gave to the Marshal of the Admiralty, immediately before the sentence passed upon him was put in execution; must hereafter be his best APOLOGY, EXCULPATION, and ENCOMIUM; must reflect honour upon his family, and be an _indelible reproach to some of our cotemporaries_; who have practised every _wicked artifice, to deceive and spirit up the people_, and to throw a mist over the whole of this transaction. Without any farther preamble, I shall proceed to give you a relation of the particulars, as they are ascertained to me, by the concurring testimony of gentlemen who were upon the spot; whose veracity cannot be doubted, and whose authority to vouch them again, may be easily obtained. As you have critically perused the trial and sentence, I presume you will be pleased with some particulars as far back as the time of passing the sentence.