Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1811-08-12

ms was so much the more reprehcnsiblc i'm
Mr.. Irvine, as had never done him the least
injury: The letter also proves an indirect.
1t not direct, connection between Mr. Smith
and the editor of the iFaig: And what viii
the world think of the one, and of the other.
when 1t is known that long ago they both
nad hcaru insnuated against me ali The silly
tales which the Mig has just revived, with
embellishments; and that the one, notwith-
standing, proposed to become nv patron, and
the other, in the language of friendship, So
licitcd from me confidential communications
OF so private nature that even his own
partner was not to be entrusted with them
Il must be confessed that their private SEN
tiinents do not correspond with their public
declarations; or, that they have both been
playing the knave with me. The latter is
the point OF view in which have considered
the letter of Mr.. Smith and that of Mr.. IT.
vine; and have acted towards them accor-
dEgly. But it is time to insert the letter of
the editor of the Ehig, with my answer to
it.
SIR, " -'
Your frankness while here, in convers;n,r q,
the late unfortunate dispute between Madison
and Smith, induces me 10 be eoually frank
N mentioning what may be of use to your.
sell ana the credit OF the democrats party.
AS kox were unreserved in speaking Of The
pamphlet of r. 5. and its objectionable fca-
lures, happened to talk of your remarks in
certain democratic company, where tha
=" Address" and "Review'' bee lne subjects
OF Tree conversation. 1t was hnted to rYt. l,y
one otthe gentlemen, privately, thai lie under
stood You had declared your Intention of com
ING iorth IN your own name, against H. >. in
support OF M. but, that if you should, you
N hles
inetlozc In particular house in Washington
last season q know not whether he meant
last summer or winter) had furnished ground
FOR your discredit. l asked hosy 2 and he
replied, IN whisper, that on certain occa-
sion you had spoken in the most contem,,tu-
Gus style of Madison, and affirmed that YOU
knew, while Certain measures were i'm one
ration for procuring his nomination or cleo
! tion,-G ihis7,art II tic letter confains an, al
tuSion TOO erecr.bie for Insertion tie ain
SION zvaS no doubt made TO fireuent aie Hts5-
hcafion o. me lette7'--tlie svhoie story is ar
| aUention Nov, added he, triumphantIy.
while SAT motionless with astcnishment if
Madison resorts to Colvin's testimony in one
case, let him be prepared for recognising il
throughout. As for this matter know no
thIng oflts accuracy or inaccuracy.-it is hear.
say 10 mc--but, as Paine SAYS, 1t would not
tell well in history You are in possession
OF my motive for communicating it-without
injunction or restraint.
Ipray God we may have full settlement
with France; but, really, when look at
our spiritless behavior, have doubts and
fears. II Madison makes concessions to
England and persuade the Senate TO sancti-
on them, we are undcne. But, surely. he
has TOO many warnings boiore him to allow
him to swerve from the right tract. Should
he deviate, however, it is not in the power
hope) OF coalitions between Virginia and
NlasSaehaaeffs or OF bargains III PennsUioq-
ma, to reject him. But, in all yiScissitudes
and shiitings of precedents and parties ard
paruzans, our rule shall Il trust) Be princi-
PIES" Measures, not men or, if you will.
measures the standard of men,
verify believe if England were revoluti-
onized, or subjugated, que could enjoy more
harmony on this side the water.
Should you write line, when you have
leisure, let it be endorsed "(prvate)" IN
mat case my partner would not open it, but
deposit 1t in my 'friUate" drawer, should
be out OF town.
II net improper on your part, can Won mem
ton when Barlow departs for France
Yours truly (and hastily
Mr.. CoLv1x, L
Washington City, July 1871, 1911.
DEAR SIR.
/ thank you for your friendly hint, under
date OF the 18th inst Viewing it as a genuine
mark OF sincere regard, it merits my warmcst
Acknowledgements. Permit me however. tn
assure you, that the burthen of the eentle-
mans whisper is untrue and that whether
" nieiiozo" or unmcllow, I never spoke of Mr.
Madison with contempt, sc. 5lc.1 have
heard, to be sure, very vile tales repeated
LNc. Sec.] by men who ought to have had
more delcacy; but ] never believed them.
and 1t ever alluded 90 them it was for the
purpose Of repro5ating them. am against
all coalitions, from any quarter. and Would
oppose them. Whatever | may do in fine
case of Mr.. Smith, it will only be to promote
the cause Of truth. Perhaps it may be wen
tor the republican party that should be 81
lent-Mr. Barlow, believe, viii be Off next
week: but the precise day / cannot tell.
Believe me yours, in great haste,
J. b. COLVIN.
Mr.. 3. BUinc.
was neither dipped by Mr. Smith nor IN
Inundated by tie artful menace Of Mr Irving f.
but finding great prejudices. from gr-oundless
causes, prevailing at Baltimore, Against the
executive OF the United States; having as
certahed that Mr. Smith cherished and TO-
mented those prejudioes, and that his views
Of vengeance were not limited to the ppblica-
ton OF his pamphlet, but extended INTO the
next presidential election and havinc been
apprized that new edition Of MIR. smith,
address was printing off for circulation ttro'
the state OF Maryland, by The federal party.
l decided to come ont before the public in
my own name, and put down the pamphlet
at once. expected storm would burst up-
on my head for my interference, but did
not think it would DC SO foul as il has beeu-