Edward Smith Hall, chooses not to reply directly to the Sydney Gazette's editorial of 31 July 1834. He does, however, take up the comments made by William Watt in a letter published in the Gazette on the same day. Hall provides a differing version of events to that proposed by Watt in regard to their falling out over Watt's employment at the Monitor. Hall also argues the that letter, written by him and quoted by Watt in the Gazette, shows him in a favourable and honorable light. He explains that he was deceived by early advice regarding Watt's character and details what he now knows of Watt's background.
Hall also announces his decision to pursue Watt and the Gazette's editor, Edward O'Shaughnessey, through legal avenues.