Thomas Mullett, Bristol, to Edmund Burke, Bristol, 14 April 1775. 

   Mr Mullett presents his respectful Compliments to Mr Burke. He thought himself honor’d by Mr Burkes obliging visit yesterday morning, and had not the most distant idea of incurring any censure by the present of a publication, the propriety and justice of which, several of Mr Burke’s particular friends have repeatedly acknowledged. The facts asserted in the narrative Mr Mullett believes to be incontrovertible: He is sorry they are disagreeable to Mr Burke, or that they are thought dishonorable to the City of Bristol. They remain facts however notwithstanding. Mr Mullett had the honor of communicating nearly the same Sentiments to Mr Burke in person which the Author of the Narrative has published to the World. Mr Mullett recollects that Mr Burke doubled the truth of his testimony, and considers himself fortunate in having it so fully confirm’d by a recital that has been printed some weeks, and that remains uncontradicted.

   Mr Mullett is apprehensive that Mr Burke is not fully acquainted with the real state of things in the City of Bristol. The influence of individuals there, as elsewhere, has more weight than public motives. It is very true that public motives induced Mr Peach originally to apply to Mr Burke thro Dr Wilson; and it was from public motives that Mr Burke was effectually supported. If however, Mr Burkes Election had depended on public motives, abstracted from individual influence, the City of Bristol would most certainly have been deprived of so respectable a representative, and the sum of near Ten Thousand pounds appended solely on his account would have been saved. Mr Mullett is happy in knowing that his Conduct is equally free from restraint or influence. He can never consider the communication of truths respecting any public transaction as a breach of politeness, and he has too much personal respect for Mr Burke to offer him an insult.

14 April 1775. 

Text: Sheffield City Archives, Correspondence and Papers of Edmund Burke, 1729-1797, WWM/Bk P/1/683.