Chapter XV: Letter 169: To W * * W * *, Esq

"February 28. 1814.

"My dear W.,

"I have but a few moments to write to you. _Silence_ is the only
answer to the things you mention; nor should I regard that man as
my friend who said a word more on the subject. I care little for
attacks, but I will not submit to _defences_; and I do hope and
trust that _you_ have never entertained a serious thought of
engaging in so foolish a controversy. Dallas's letter was, to his
credit, merely as to facts which he had a right to state; _I_
neither have nor shall take the least _public_ notice, nor permit
any one else to do so. If I discover the writer, then I may act in
a different manner; but it will not be in writing.

"An expression in your letter has induced me to write this to you,
to entreat you not to interfere in any way in such a business,--it
is now nearly over, and depend upon it _they_ are much more
chagrined by my silence than they could be by the best defence in
the world. I do not know any thing that would vex me more than any
further reply to these things.

"Ever yours, in haste,

"B."

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