The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-03-11
DOMESTIC.
From the Naticnal Intei1igenoer.
M X. SMITH,

Mr.. sMfrH,
Having noticed with some degree of dis.
pleasure statement said to have emanated from
Bye-Stander Of parts Of evidence given by ME
before the Military Court in the case of Genera,
Vilkrrson, should not only deem it repugnant to
every principle of equity and honor to become
tue passive instrument Of an impression to the
prejudice of the honorable Daniel Clark, when
wholly unacquantcd with any eiycu,,,staxee in the
shghtest degree relative to the affair in issue be.
tween HIM & the General, or ofany incident calcr
lated to establish the charge of coopcration with
col. Burr, or fact going to shew a connection be.
tween them IN the evil designs ascribed to the
latter gentleman but 1 should conceive it of.
tending against the impulse which actuates all
my actions, were not to notice what appears
materially to concern myself This stenopraphist
OF niutilated testimony in his selection of EXPIRES.
SONS, seems to imply that had heretofore been
des'rous of concealing an avowed and admitted
TACT, which can only receive an lnfavorable hue
rom such desire. 1t is circumstance. / have
ever openly declared when called upon. (but
which never acknowledged, for an act in itself
lnnocent should not be reluctantly confessed "a a
SIN, that embarked for New Orleans in YES.
sci on board which was DIR. Boman, a gentleman
4 had never spoken to prior to sailing from Phi
iadeiPhia, Mr. Alexander, barrister, known
10 me only AS a man eminent and respectable in
MS profession, and Lady, who nj that time had
never seen, but who afterwards had the piles,
sure OF knowing as Madame D'Avergne. Whe-
ther those persons sailed with the privity of col.
Burr, or with news in coaleseepce with his 7
could not at that time have taken upon myself to
determine, for never understood from either of
them by the remotest intimaton that designs were
contemplated, such subsequent accusations
have charged them Without that col. Burr was
acquainted with my intention TO visit New
Orleans is manifest from the subioined transcript
OF letter written by him to TIE honorable Da
mel Clark, which TIL the day Of delivery was o.
pen to my perusaI.
This viii be handed you by my Young friend,
1t spence OF the navy-he was one of the brave
corps who Curve splendor 10 our naval character
at the siege OF Tripol, and an officer of distin-
guished merit. l have to request that YOU will
shew him every civility, and need not say how
much ysur attentions will contribute to render
ms stay amongst you agreeable-introduce him
to some of your friends of both sexes"
"a BURR"
This is the letter spoken OF in my evidence
which stated to be simple letter of introduc-
ton, the face of which supercedes the necessity
OF my saying, differs widely from a letter of re-
Communications 1t insured to me the polite at
tcntlons OF Mr.. Clark, and whilst the hospitality
OF his table is still alive in my memory cannot
silently permit its being interpreted to his preju
dice, as never have or shall without resentment
suffer any man to offend my feelings or honor. /
can safely affirm that neither col. Burr or DR..
Boilman, at any period of my acquaintance with
them, made to me proposal Incompatible with
this unfrail principle of conduct.
There is remark made by this bye. stantler
respecting my having dined with Mr. Clark in
company with DR.. Bollman, something too ex-
elusive to accord with my testimony given before
the honorable court. 1t would have worn more
the complexion of candor, had he stated that
never Ito the best Of my recollection) had seen
DR.. Boilnian in the House of Mr.. Clark but once
at dinner of which many participated. After
nearly months residence in New Orleans, mo-
tlves have never felt reluctance in disclosing
views separate from and unconected with col.
Burr, and such as / intend no man Of spirit shall
reflect upon with impunity, induced ms to realise
an excursion had long contemplated, suggested
by curiosity andthe errantry of youth, tour from
collateasl consequences pregnant with great un-
easiness to me, but which should have made,
had col Burr aeen in London or its Antipodes
Dr. Bollman knew of my purpose to make this
Ja'lnt, for he had often heard me express this in
tention and few days before my departure re-
qussted me to take charge of aletter to cell Burr
e'ho he said would be in the Western cOun-
try and probably at Nashville, and have an i'm
preston that Madame D'Ayergne solicited the
same favor.
knew Col surr as the E2.vice- President of
the United States. He had but just abdicated
THIS dignited situation he had never been ac-
cused of designs at variance with the interest of
his country, nor had the breath of suspicion sui
lied the reputation which had exalted him to the
post Of honor his esteem was no odium; nor
was his acquaintance censure. Under such
circumstances took charge Of letter-On 81
riiilar occasion where is he who could so far de-
viate from politeness to refuse Mr. Clark on
my leaving Ncw-Orleans, had the kindness to
furnish me with letter Of introduction which
contained merely repetition of what col. Burr
had written.
This, Mr. Smith, wish you TO insert as an an
notation to the statement noticed in your paper
of the goth ult to explain and dissipatc the fala-
cious expression, and to do justice to one who
has the
Honor TO remain,
Your obi servant,
ROBERT r. SPENCE.
Washington, March l., 1908.