A Copy of a Letter from Brian Fairfax Esq; Dated, London July 23. 1696.  
MY Lord Godolphin this day took notice in council of a Passage in one of the news Printed papers the last Tuesday July, 21st. Either the Post Boy or flying post or some of them? Wherein he published a Notorious lie, Concerning an Alderman of York, that had Received Six hundred pounds to Distribute amongst the Poor of that City, and keeps the five Hundred pounds to himself. By this( Says my Lord Godolphin) he seems to accuse an honest worthy, Gentleman Alderman Thompson burgess of York; and if he had name him, the author of the scandal, ought to have been prosecuted with the utmost Severity for it's a malicious falsehood, and no ground for it, for there never was any Sume paid to any man upon that Account. This gave my Lord Arch Bishop of Canterbury occasion, to Speak of the Services you have done the government &c. And his Grace bid me acquaint you with this, with his affectionate Service to you.  
Yours, Br: Fairfax.