the major marched, commanding his adversary to follow.  To a most spacious room in the sheriff’s house, near the place of quarrel, they come; where, having due regard to what you have lately published, they resolved not to shed one another’s blood in that barbarous manner you prohibited; yet, not willing to put up affronts without satisfaction, they stripped, and in decent manner fought full fairly with their wrathful hands.  The combat lasted a quarter of an hour; in which time victory was often doubtful, and many a dry blow was strenuously laid on by each side, till the major finding his adversary obstinate, unwilling to give him further chastisement, with most shrill voice cried out, ’I am satisfied, enough.’  Whereupon the combat ceased, and both were friends immediately.

“Thus the world may see, how necessary it is to encourage those men who make it their business to instruct the people in everything necessary for their preservation.  I am informed, a body of worthy citizens have agreed on an address of thanks to you for what you have writ on the foregoing subject, whereby they acknowledge one of their highly esteemed officers preserved from death.

“Your humble Servant,

“A.  B.”

I fear the word “bear” is hardly to be understood among the polite people; but I take the meaning to be, that one who ensures a real value upon an imaginary thing, is said to sell a “bear,” and is the same thing as a promise among courtiers, or a vow between lovers.  I have writ to my brother to hasten to town; and hope, that printing the letters directed to him, which I knew not how to answer, will bring him speedily; and therefore I add also the following: 

“July 5, 1709.

“MR. BICKERSTAFF,

You having hinted a generous intention of taking under your consideration the whisperers without business, and laughers without occasion; as you tender the welfare of your country, I entreat you not to forget or delay so public-spirited a work.  Now or never is the time.  Many other calamities may cease with the war; but I dismally dread the multiplication of these mortals under the ease and luxuriousness of a settled peace, half the blessing of which may be destroyed by them.  Their mistake lies certainly here, in a wretched belief, that their mimicry passes for real business, or true wit.  Dear sir, convince them, that it never was, is, or ever will be, either of them; nor ever did, does, or to all futurity ever can, look like either of them; but that it is the most cursed disturbance in nature, which is possible to be inflicted on mankind, under the noble definition of a sociable creature.  In doing this, sir, you will oblige more humble servants than can find room to subscribe their names.”

White’s Chocolate-house, July 6.