Having two or three spare Pages, we think it our duty to the truth, and our selves, to obviate a barbarous and scandalous Reflection, industriously spread abroad and level'd at our ruine, by some unworthy, malicious Persons (_viz._) That we having ensur'd more than our Interest in the Ship _Nottingham_, agreed and willfully lost her, first designing it in Ireland, and afterwards effecting it at Boon Island. Such a base and villainous Reflection scarce merrits the Trouble of an Answer, were not Truth and Reputation so much concern'd: Therefore, as to the Business of Ireland, 'tis really preposterous (the Commander not knowing there was one Penny ensur'd) but being chac'd by two large Privateers, in their Passage North-about to Killibegs, and standing in betwixt the Islands of Arran and the Main, to prevent being taken; the Commander and Mr. Whitworth agreed (if it came to the last Extremity) to run the Ship on Shore and burn her (first escaping themselves and Men, with what else they cou'd carry in the Boat) rather than be carry'd into France and lose all. But being near, they recover'd their Port, and proceeded on their Voyage. And as for the other Part of the Charge, of willfully losing her at Boon Island, one wou'd wonder Malice itself cou'd invent or suggest any thing so ridiculous, and which wou'd certainly be credited by nobody, that considers the extream Hazards and Difficulties suffer'd by the Commander himself, as well as his Men, where 'twas more than Ten Thousand to one, but every Man had perish'd: And wou'd certainly have chose another Place to have effected it, if we had such a Design: But alas, what will not vain impotent Malice say, when it intends Injury? Were the Persons reflecting, but to suffer the like Extreamities (we can't but think) they'd be feelingly convinc't. But this Matter speaking so plainly for it self, we think it needless to add more, therefore proceed to the last part of the Charge (viz.) Ensurance.