I cannot but regret you should have permitted yourself to make such unfounded statements which are not only unjust and injurious to me, but are a libel on the Tradesmen and Bankers of the town.
I add for your information that I am in no way connected with either of the Banks here, that I have no knowledge whatever, or the means of acquiring knowledge, as to the obligations of the Tradesmen of Dudley to their Bankers, nor any power to regulate or affect the amount of accommodation that their Bankers may afford them.
As your letter has been read at a meeting, I think it right to publish this also.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient servant,
RICHARD SMITH.
John Benton, Esq., London.
TO THE ELECTORS OF THE BOROUGH OF DUDLEY.
Brother Electors,