The Salopian Zealot - is it by Benjamin Francis?

There is some debate over the work The Salopian Zealot. A Baptist Quarterly article on the Calendar of Letters collected by Isaac Mann and now in the NLW appears to put the question to rest for good. It says that among the letters is one (34) dated 1786. Oct. 13. It is from BENJAMIN FRANCIS (Horsley) to Rev. L. BUTTERWORTH (Evesham).

It apparently refers to some of his own published works, especially the work mentioned, in its 2nd edn. It also mentions: Mr. Thomas (Pershore) and Mr. Spencer.

Regarding The Salopian Zealot , it was a rhymed skit on Richard De Courcy, vicar of St. Alkmond's, Shrewsbury, who in 1776 had published a letter to Samuel Medley of Liverpool, on his baptising some converts at Shrewsbury. There had been a vigorous pamphlet war, and in 1778 this appeared anonymously. This letter t says is conclusive that the skit was not by John Sandys, as thought by a relative of his, who was followed in "A Baptist Bibliography". It was in fact by Benjamin Francis, as asserted by J. A. Jones in a fourth edition, 1837. Francis, in 1778, was 42 years old, and had been pastor at Horsley, or Shortwood, for 20 years.

Thomas Thomas of Pershore left next year for London (Mill Yard First-day church) where he became joint secretary of' the Baptist Union in 1813. Benjamin Spencer, from the Grafton Street church (letter 19) and Bristol Academy, was; pastor at Alcester, preaching occasionally at Astwood Bank.