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250 I did not however adopt o grievous an Accuation. What Reaon oever I may have to be convinc'd of the great Depravity of Mankind, I yet was never o Credulous with regard to Crimes. I have combated, and that efficaciouly, more than one Calumny; and am even the only Man who dar'd to jutify the Memory of Count Piper, by Arguments, at the Time that all Europe lander'd him by Conjectures. therefore of following the Account which had been communicated to me, I contented myelf with relating, That it was reported, ome Hamburghers had given a Sum of Money ecretly to Count Steinbok. This Report became univeral, and was founded on Appearances. An Hitorian is allow'd to inert Reports, as well as Facts, and when he publishes a general Report, an Opinion, merely as an Opinion, and not as Truth, he is neither reponible for it, nor ought to be accus'd in any manner for o doing. But when he is inform'd that this popular Opinion is fale and landerous, 'tis then