Frederick Haswell requests that Kenneth Munro 'furnish him immediately with the name of the writer of the article in the Colonist of yesterday, reflecting on him, Mr. H.'
In reply, Munro 'begs to inform Mr. Haswell, that he does not think it necessary to furnish him with the information solicited, as it appears to him that the writer of the article he refers to, had no intention to reflect upon him, Mr. H., and was merely expressing his commiseration for his truly destitute case, in being so unseasonably deprived of his right hand man, Mr. William Watt. Indeed, Mr. Munro thinks Mr. H. should rather feel obliged to the writer of the article in question, for showing him how easily the matter might be managed, notwithstanding Mr. Watt's having got into trouble.'
The Colonist then reproduces the column, published on 30 July, regarding William Watt's committal to stand trial.
The writer for the Colonist expresses their thanks to a subscriber for 'informing us that the notorious Watt holds his levees in His Majesty's Jail, and occasionally writes in Mrs. Howe's blackguard paper, under the signature of a Presbyterian Divine'.
The writer goes on to reiterate Watt's alleged crimes and claims credit for the discovery of these. Watt's 'species of criminality', the Colonist claims, would 'destroy all confidence in society' and the public 'are certainly indebted for the denouement to our articles on the Press'.
