Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1808-09-27

4 of Mr.. Jourdan."-Now, sir, what does this
denial IN the first instance, that he knew any
thing of them and this pointing precisely
afterwards to the very house where they were
to be found, indicate The counsel for Mr..
Il Smith says that Taylor was sent there for Mr.
Burr's great coat--nothing of that appears i'll the
| evidence. But from Taylor's declaration it APP
lpears that he was sent there to ascertain where
Burr and Blennerhassett were to be found !;
that Mr.. Smith at first denied knowing where
lthey were, and afterwards told him the very
jhouse i'll Lexington where he was to SO for
them. AS the sole object of Taylor's going TO
MIR. Smiths was, to enquire where Burr and
Blennerhassett were, and as before he LEFT the
house Mr.. Smith gave him letter for Burr,
under cover to Blennerhassett, it is Impossible
to doubt the correctness of Taylor's testimony
in that respect that Mr.. Smith told him where
to go. The inference is irresistible. This
| curate knowledge where they were, and this
express denial of that knowledge to a man
whom he supposed stranger, is a proof that
even then Mr.. Smith knew much more than
he was willing to avow.
| The remainder of Peter Taylor's story, so
| far as it respects Mr.. Smith, all concurs to es
| tabsh the same fact. Mr.. Smiths anxious en-
lqhries for the news for what was passing !;
for what was said about general Wilkinson !;
the charge to Peter Taylor not to so to tavern
lest he should be sifted with ques ions and fl
lnally, the letter proiessedly to Blennerhassett,
but enclosing one to Mr.. Burr, all combined TO
exhibit state of mind agitated and alarmed
I studious of concealment and fearful of detecti-
on.
| Above all, consider the enquiry what was
said about General Wilkinson. What could
have associated in mind utterly ignorant of
all Burr's projects, enquiries about Wilkinson
with the then situation of Burr and Blenner-
hassett. Recollect the passage of the cypher-
IaH IAft A L., r.. II
ders to furnish six months provisions ut the
points Wilkinson shall name this shall be used
only at the last moment, and then under pro-
, per injunctions.''
Mr.. Smith has at one time denied all the ma
terial facts attested by Peter Taylor; and he
J attempted to disgrace his character; so little
has he been borne out by his own evidence now
: produced, that he formally admits the very
facts he had denied. The same course has
q been pursued with regard to Col James Tay-
lors testimony Sir, this treatment OF the wit
nesses is not calculated to inspire confidence
in the s0lidity of Mr.. Smiths defence. TN
founded attacks upon the character of res
pectable witness not only confirm, but aggra-
waite the weight ofhis testimony,
lfhowever, the testimony Of Peter Taylor
needed confirmation, it would BE- found in the
substance of the letter itself, of which he was
the bearer and of the answer to that letter.
To these two documents now ask the particu-
lar attention of the Senate. The letter is da .
ted 23d October, 1906, and SAYS beg leave
to inform you that we have in this quarter va
rioas reports prejulicial to your character.
It IS believed By many that yo,ir design ,issto
dismember the union although do not believe
+ that you have any such design, yet must con
fess from the mystery and rapidity of your
movements, that have fears, let your object
be what it may, that the tranquility of the coun-
try will be interrupted, unless it be candidiy
disclosed, which solicit, and to which l pre-
sumo you will have no objection"
Now what's the solicitude manifested in this
letter Ii is not so much that MIR. Burr's OBJ
: feet should be disclosed, as that it should be
declared, not TO be the dismemberment of the
union. 1t asks for something which may be
: told, to prevent the tranquility of the country
And it very explicitly intimates what may be
denied 1t is an answer ola very peculiar kind
which appears to be wanted an answer con-
t tanned in the letter itself A voucher is wan
, ted TO deny the project for Remembering the
union and to speak with certainty Of the osten-
sible obiect.-Ihs was the settlement OF the
: Washita lands.-Mr. Smith in one of his nara.
tives says that Burr had talked with him on this
subject III September before 4; but the purchase
OF the lands was not yet concluded 1t was un-
lcertain whether that could not be spoken of as
S the profcssed purpose, and Mr.. Smiths letter
h was well adapted 20 obtain that certainty
MT DuIT > answer ppcaTS perfectly 10 nave
e understood the object of these enquiries Much
: has been said by Mr.. Smith about the apparent
e frankness and candor Of this letter, and on this
: document he relies with great emphasis, as a
: complete justification of all his subsequent con.
G fidence in .,1r. Burr. To me, sir It bears a
very different aspect. Considering it in the
. light Of an to the solicitude Of a man al
:. together unconscious of Burr's real designs
and aware Of the extremely suspicious appear.
: ances in which the conduct Of Mr.. Burr was
involved this answer appears to me calculated
for any thing, rather than to restore confidence
, To manifest its real character, lot us attend to
o some Of its most remarkable passages.
Mr.. Burr says, {" IL there exists any design
S to separate the western from the eastern states
d l am totally ignorant oft never harbored OF
e expressed any such intention to any one MOI
c did any person ever intimate such design TO me
e Indee ed have no conception Of any mode in
c which such measure could be promoted, ex
ccpt by operating on the minds Of the people, and
demonstratingit to be their interest, have ne
r yer written or published line on this subject
, nor even expressed any other sentiments thar
- those which you mny have heard from me IN
. public companies, at Washington aud else.
where, and in which thint you eoneuyred."'
r Attbis passage there is the following notes
s by Mr.. Smith" Smith has heard Col. Burr
2 and others say that in fifty or an hundred years
1.-THE territory Of the United States would cons
mise two distiuct governments IL return 4,