The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1808-01-26

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the proper authority for an Investigation into
my conduct, BY that tribunal which is secu-
red TO me by the constitution and the law,
and YOU gentlemen have been ordered TO sit
| IN Judgement on ME.
The occasion was certainly unexpected,
yet it was not the less desirable, and altho'
the occurrence so recently after the ordeal
Mt Richmond, may dispose some invidious
persons toderogate from the motives of my
honorable accuser, the candid and intclii-
gent part OF the world, when possessed Of ali
| the facts, Will do him ample justice for sure
ly no unmanly vindictive personality can be
ascribed to a gentleman of Mr.. Randclph's
lofty carriage and sublimated honor. In
deed when we survey the course which the
| accusation has travelled to this court, and
examine the manner of its Introduction into
the House of Delegates, it would imply an
lunpardonable degree of scepticism to doubt
the disinterested patriotism, which has gui-
ded the procedure before that honorable DO
| dy, much less to complain of failure in
those chaste observances and delicate Be-
CARDS, which are due to the unfortunate, who
may become the subjects Of pablo accusati-
on
Though highly battered by the manner of
| my accuser, l must confess that my repug-
nance to unrighteous and unnecessary limo
vauon, Inclined me to prefer the plain, re-
gular, and invariablc course to military en-
curry, by complaint TO the superior-be-
cause IT secures to the individual Il constitu-
tional right, prevents the obstruction of con-
Germs purely executive, upon the attention
| OF the Legislative body, and spares gentle
men of glowing sensibilities, the deep regret
llnseparable from the analysis of individual
character, on eXparte testimony, OF no testi-
monv at all
| The victim of suspicion and obloquy for
more than thirteen years, / have treated
with frlgid indifference the paragraphists &
pamphleteers, who have pointed their dag
gers at my reputation, resolved to respond to
their calumnies, by redoubled zeal in the
discharge of my duties but l must now
thank the hatriof who has given the outline
OF my offences, for the opportunity he has
furnished me to meet him on the ground of
his preference, and there to DEFY him and
his deprared intormcr, with the host of con-
spirators who participate their sympathies
> The bhghts with which men united for the
ruin or their country, had recently attempt
ed to Sully my humble fame, in consequence
OF my feeble efforts in her defence, served but
to excite my pity and contempt; | did in
deed believe that the scene of persecution
had been closed forever, and began 70 hone
after long and not inactive life of military
service, might be permitted to wear out
Its remnant, somewhat Cheered, under those
privatlons OF the heart which leave us lit
tie TO wish for, by the retrospect Of DAYS with
out reproach, and the consciousness that
whatever might have been my utility, had
lived without dishonor.
/ But had forgotten that had sinped be-
yoned forgiveness, and that my destruction
had been sealed III New-Orleans by a band
OF hardened traitors, who have advanced so
Iar, that they place their safety in their sue
Cess; and for the first time stand yo-
unfairly, before military tribunal, to vim
dlcate all for which l have lived and for
) which will die. The precious gift of nv
father-the lnestlmable inheritance of my
) Children soldiers honor-after it has been
: worried, and torn, and mangled, and tiegrad-
) ed, by whoms Let expressive silence mark
the avengers OF a traitors cause And NAV
the angel OF mercy blot out the remembrance
OF my wrongs. For my services shall live
and be remembered, when the disciples of
detraction, those pestilerous vermin who feed
on calu mines, shall have persisted and are
forgotten.
There arc certain terms in our language
so offensive to an American ear, that to cou-
pie them with mans name is sufficient to
taTnish his character, such are corruption,
bribery, pension poison, and poitroon-my
enemies aware OF this, and knowing that a
strain OH military honor, like an aspersion
on female chastity, sinks deep and is not to
be erased
- o make assurance doubly sure
g And take bond Of fate
That they might tell pale hearted flea +
cit lied"
Have not been content to arraign me before
my country, but III their rage for personal
vengeance, they have condemned me I'M
heard, and stigmatized ma to the world, on
the evidence of made up documents, PERU
r1es ard iorgeTics; l am sensible of the ir-
reparable injury done me, and yet, in this
cur government of laws, l have found nv
! case remedies l have therefore suffered
M silence, conSoling myself with the hope,
that he example OF my prosecutions, might
be future protection to the war worn veter-
an, and useful example to those, who too
readily credit the tale of detraction.
1t Is an easy matter TO charge virtue itself
with corruption, andal2s, in these times, we
find it almgst as easy to sustain the al cgati-
on by the oaths OF prohgate abandoned men
But Gracious Coo Shall the unqualified inn
lpdiation of corruption, without some word
ldccd, act, influence or instance, to consunl-
mate the offence or to designate the Grimm
al intent or ciiort, suffice to rob public of
iiceT OF his hard earned repute, the price of
more than twenty years of jealous faithful
! service! shall bod assertions without facts
or circumstances to substantiate them, even
vixen sanctioned by the single oath OF a faith
/ less. Wing. Interested unDriucinied man