The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-11-06
TO THE PUaLIc.

name IN connection with statements and
assertions, which l have been compelled
by due respect for myself, Jas well as the
demands Of justice and truth. to pronounce
"false and without just Foundation"
In a notice to the public, he has since
come forward with what he would seem
to intenda vindication and such, perbap.
1t might be,if arrogance were argument.
or indecorous epithets were persuasion,
or the speaking ofin6rmities of a heated
temper were evidences of fair mind,
ana an honorable purpose. I shall make
no apology to my fellow citizens for com.
ing before them in self-defence on this
occasion. rely too much on the good
feelings, the sense Of right, and the virtue
OF the community, to suspect, for mo.
ment, that shall be considered as obtru.
ding myself, where am commanded TO
appear ~ every principle and motive,
which can actuate an honest mind OF give
value to character.
And like Mr.. Cheves, may Be per-
mltted to have so much regard for the
"public morals" as to feel il a au,v 70
expose the audacity, which is restrained
by no 'iastidious delicacy," from violating
the rights, and sporting with the rsputa-
ton OF individuals; may be permitted to
deprecate the 'hardihood OF guilt which
dares to condemn man unheard. 10 ner,
secuse him without allowing his defence,
and sacrifice him at the shrine of private
anlmosity and especially may be al>
lowed SO much disinterestcd concern for
the "public morals" when j, is felt, am
myself the victim an6 the sufferer But
mustbe excused from meeting Mr.. Cheyes
on MS ewn ground; am no adept in the
, KIND OF language with which he proves
himself SO familiar, and have deeper
interest at stake, than trial of skill in
E uttering the voice of passion, or SELECTING
epithets OF abuse. have nothing more
to offer than plain statement, which
comes entirely within the compass of JUS
tice and fact. 1t wants no ostentatious
}, flourish of self assurance, nor the aid of
dogmaticai assertions, without proof, or
the concurrence ola committee, to make
1t clearly understood, and fully apprscia-
i ted by every candid rnind.
About three years ago the President g
Directors OF the bank caused prosecu-
ton to be instituted against me, which
has been most unreasoDably protracted
through their agency. On late occa.
sion l used all the means in my power
to bring the investigation to an issue, hav.
ing been all along subjected to grea, ey.
Pense; but these attempts were frustrated
I by the counsel of the bank. While this
prosecution was pending, meeting Of
the Stockholders was called. From their
numoer committee was selected, who.
the world IS told, organized themselves
INTO court of justice. The President
brought his charges, and this SELF .consti.
tuted judicial body, as it is said. wen,
: through an investigation, and finally tude-
ed, condemned, and sentenced the accus-
led. Upon this mock trial and condem.
nation, which is acknowledged to have
been founded wholly on &c harse tes,i.
mony, the President imagined himself
authorised, and actually took the liberty
to publish this sentence to the world, and
| declared me guilty of being accessory to
'stupeneous fraud on the bank.
i This is literal narrative Of facts, as
short aud simple as it is obvious and inn
posing. And now appeal to every man
in the community, who looks upon the
laws OF his country, as the safeguard of
his rights, and who considers, as every
honorable man must consider, a wantopi
attack on his reputation, as the deepest
injury, which can be inflicted or design.
ed appeal TO every such man, wbeth.
er have been precipitate or rash in the
charge ! have made, or whether have
gone beyond the bounds to which | was
compelled to go by a consciousness OF in