The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1811-08-16


and II can. If the occasion requires it, be
used IN brides to witnesses. Can't be doubt
ed that TIE Smiths" would most cheer
fnl'y eXpend ten thousand dollars to gratify
their wounded feelings Of pride Yet with
all these disadvantages. so strong am / il,
the consciousness of my own rec,itude, that
will proceed against my defamers if they
will so commit themselves as to preclude.
me possibility of their taking refuge in quib
bic or qnirk.
have understood that certain parts of
my com munication of the 22d ui,imo, are,
by s"me persons, considered obscure 1t is
thought the declaration, I 7vrote the Ter
terS TO Gen: ARMSTRONG and Gen, 7urreau
tjor me good Of my country" contradicis
The assertion that q 4 Uer6oNy remonstya.
fed svifh IA, Smith against tie hroc eedng."
10 place the statement in stronger light.
permit me TO illustrate it by a few remarks.
The writing OF The two letters was an act
lof private friendship, in doing which SER
we'd the man whilst condemn the conduct
of the minister. rhe sentiments which the
letters contain are such as the Emperor of
the French has merited; but policy did no,
prescribe the expression of them at that
time; wrote them for the good of my coun
try, inasmuch as they were to be used, and
one OF them was used in her behalf. Mr.
Smith never dictated to me. His common
observation was, Il want you to frame
iester IN such astyle. or temper, for such
purpose and then wrote the letter a
lgreeabiy to my own ideas. But why shonld
u dwell upon these TWO letters Jshaye
written at least twenty and the records of
the Department OF State verify the fact
do not pretend to have written ALL that
bear bis name; but / am persuaded that
Nlr. STn'th never wrote one diplomatic let
ter, as Secretary OF State, of any nth or
moment, never considered this as a mat
ter for eZuitatiOn; no man ever heard me
open my Ups on the subject had literary
reputation enough But felt it business OF
labor.
These letters were composed ont of office
hours, and sometimes kept me employed
till midnight | never received any com
pensation TOR them; and this brings me 10
the topic OF gratitude. II bv gratitude he
meant that sensation # thankfullness which
us felt tcT benefits conferred, then Mr..
Smith ought to be grateful to me. He has
received more favurs at my hands than
everreceived AT his. Ii was under his Sc
cretary ship that 1 went into the Depart
ment oil state; bit in this easel merely re-
ceired payment from the public for services
performed FOR the public; and he placed
me and lett me at one Of the lowest salaries.
MY situation rem aims the same Mr. Smith
never I'D me any other favor worth ment
oning. ifow, then, can | be called nm
lgratetui! claimed nv letters, indeed. when
ne Prostituted them TO wrong use and if
lend my sword to an ACQUAINTANCE to acorn
| his person, and he draws it upon nv friends
shall not prevent the mischief he intends
l. Certainly ought to do it, and would do it
at the peril of nv life.
Mr. Smith issued his pamphlet some time
IN jdne' The moment perused it, per-
6pl Irq f,f
my mind was occupied with thoughts as to
the best mode OF counte racting it, without
! appearing III the face of the world as the
antagonist OF Mr. Smith. After revolving
the subject in my mind day or two. de.
terminc3 on going to Baltimore to speak To
the republican editors of news papers there
whom knew and to induce them if posi-
BILE 70 relinquish their defence of the pau,
phlet. Having come to this determination.
was me day proceeding from my Iodyioes
on the Pennsylvania Avenue to the Depart
ment OF state, when respectable looking
man on horseback came up with me, and
enquired # my name was Colvin? Answer
ing in the afiirmative he told me that he
was from Baltimore; That when leaviay
that city young man had Committed Co his
care letter for me. which, said the stran
ger, being in at Mr.. Wheaton'S store. j le ~
there; and if you will step back you will
get it. There was an affectation of ind ffe-
renee, yet seeming earnestness in this
persons manner, that excited nv curiosity.
and ] was proceeding to Mr.. Whea,on's
store when servant oil my lodgings crossed
the street; ! Called him and sent him for
the letter. On receiving it, found tn at
the envelope was in a hand rting un
known to me; the enclosure was a Letter in
the proper hand writing of Mr.. Smith: A
copy Of it follows:
BALTIMORE, July 1, 1911.
Mr.: J. Is. CoLvIN, Washington,
SIR,
Understanding that you have just been
admitted to the bar at Washington, and thence
presrmng thdyou intend TO devote yourself TO
the profession Of the law and TO abstract your
selfirom public lie andpoliical strife, have
10 repeat 20 you my disposition TO give you eve
ry assistance that may be in my power. But
Baltimore would, think, be more suitable
field than Washington. If you should concur
with me IN this opinion and should accordingly
establish yourself here, you may calculate on
my occasional instruction and upon the entire
ne ofWy law hDrsfy. The criminal court here
affords almost daily opportunities. by volunteer
INK your services, Of exhibiting proofs OF your
tale ITS, and Of thus recommending Yourself 10
All kind ol persons for ali kind of business, that
nigpt be WORTHY of attention.
Accept ny best wishes.
(Signed)
r. SMITH.
This letter presented itself to my mind
in variety OF aspects; but whatsoever