Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1820-07-25
To the Editors of the Illinois Intelligencer
nEssRs. BLACKWELL & BERRY,


To the Editors of the Illinois Intelligencer.
NEssRs. BLACKWELL g. BERRY,
Gentlemen-Mr. Kane having public
" insinuated, if not explicitly declared,
that | had some agency in the editorial
remarks which appeared in the Edwards
vile Spectator OF the ! It'll inst. upon the
subject Of a real or supposed plan to in
troduce slavery into this state-and
having also declared himself "well con-
vinced" that no such measure was ever
" thought off," beg leave to assure the
public that all, and every suggestion,
that l advised, or even wished the publ
cation OF those remarks--or that ever
saw line, or letter of them, till they
were pnblished--or that any of the state
ments contained therein originated with
me-are utterly destitute of even the
tkadow of truth to support them.--And
in repelling such foul and malicious i'm
putatlons, am happy to have it in my
power to afford Mr.. Kane himself ample
proof of their injustice, and to place him
in situation to feel compelled, if he is
disposed to preserve even the semblance
of regard for truth, or honor, to acquit
me-or otherwise by falling to retract
his own gross SANDER, when deprived of
every pretext for persevering in it, to
give public manifestation of that dis
righteousness which for years past, has
characterised his conduct towards me.
And for that purpose, besides other
gentlemen Of this place, and ST. Louis,
to whose testimony might appeal, !
refer him to DR.. Todd, Edward Coles,
Esq. Maj. Theophilus w. Smith, Joseph
Conway, Esq. Mr.. M'Kcnney, Maj.
Winchester, Mr.. May, and Mr.. Wat
kins of this place, and to Mr.. Hart, and
Col. Riddick of St. Louis, for proof
lst. That eitherthe whole, or the most
material part of the statements contain
ed in the editorial remarks above alluded
to, had been made, and were believed at
this place, weeks before my arrival from
Congress.
End. That those statements were
brought to this place, and had been COM
municated, not by Mr.. Cooks friends, Or
those in favor of his election, but, by
gentlemen of high responsibility, friend
Iy to those who are implicated, and de-
sirous that the plan should succeed.
Some of the gentlemen referred to,
can testify that change of our constitu-
ton in regard to slavery has at least been
"thought of" pretty seriously-and
knowing as much as do upon the SUBJ
ject, in relation to certain individuals
who are intimate with, and support Mr..
Kane, l am truly surprized that he
should know so little, as to believe that
the change spoken of j." had never been
thought Of"
have however, written testimony in
my possession which at present do not
feel at liberty to publish, but which l
will cheerfully show to Mr. Kane, that
will prove to his satisfaction that &C
change or modification of our constitu-
tion in relation to slavery" has recently
been contemplated-and that there are
some men of intelligence, and we'll ac-
quainted with our situation, who think
the period not remote when the slave
side OF the question will be the most
popular in this state" But for further
exculpation of myself refer to the an
rexed extract of letter m ,,,veeIf frey,,