Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1822-07-27


ing mine.
That l may not appear to entertain
this opinion, without sufficient reasons
for it, it may not be amiss to allude TO
few of the cases, upon which 1t is found
ed. And for that purpose, will, in the
first place, refer to his election to Con-
gress by the Legislature OF the Indiana
territory, then sitting at Vincennes.
Two parties prevailed in the legisla-
ture, each OF which, deemed the election
of delegate to Congress of the highest
importance, in relation 10 their respective
views. Mr.. Thomas himself was a
member, and he and two other gentle
men of the same party were candidates
for Congress. The other party brought
forward but one candidate. So that there
we're three on one side, and only one on
the other. In this situation, the former
determined to hold a caucus, and to de-
eide, by an election among themselves,
which of their Candidates should be sup
ported. Mr.. Thomas consented, AND
PLEDGED HIS WORD AND HO-
NOR that, if it should be decided against
him, he would withdraw, and support the
one that nigh, be selected. 1t so happen
ed that one the other gentlemen was Sc
lected in conformity TO the agreement.
Mr.. Thomas appeared to acquiesce, and
all difficulties seemed to be adjusted, The
other party not having strength enough,
to elect their man. Mr.. Thomas, howe
yer, soon entered into negotiation with
them, making his visits to them Tor that
purpose privately, through back ways.
and back yards. He offered TO do what
Verthey wanted, ifthey would elect him.
They, in consequence of some previous
circumstance, qvere afraid TO trust to his
7rord. He agreed to bind himself by
written stipulalions. And notwithstand
ing, he was tie Representative Of one Of
The eastern counties of the territory, he
Submitted TO the humiliaHon, and degra-
da.ion, of executing an instrument OF
writing, commonly called his bond, (now
III my possession) by which he bound
himself to support the interest and
wishes. and obey the Instructions, Of the
weStern counties. And thus. zcith The as
Sistance ojh1s ozpa Uote, he obtained his
election, TO the perfect establishment Vi
these, to whom he had most solemniy
PLEDGED HIS WORD AND HO-
NOR, and who, till that moment, had
not even suspected his Vaccinations.
These facts can be inContestibly esta
hlished by Gen. Harrison, of Ohio; va
rlous individuals in Indiana; the Hon.
John r. Jones, one OF the Judges OF the
Supreme Court of Missouri; and his
Exceliency Gov. Bond, William Biggs,
Esq. and John Messenger, Esq. OF this
state.
Previous to Mr.. Thomas election to
the Senate OF the United States, having
frs, promised Col. Philip Fouke, OF Kas-
kasaia, that he would try to procure him
the office Of Marshal, he proposed to do
the same thing for MIR. Robert Lemen
in favor of whom his promises were re-
peatedly made, at different times, and
to different persons--yet, he afterwards
did every thing in his power TO defeat Mr.,
Lenen's appointment
! might, and indeed, intended to men
ton othel cases. But these, which /
pledge nsyself 10 be able to establish in
court OF Justice, must be sufficient, With
all reasonable men, to show that have
good grounds for the apprehensions ]
have expressed, and that the people
ought to receive Mr.. Thomas profess
sions, and representations, with many
grams of allowance.
1t is well known that gentlemen Of the
highest standing among those whom he
claims as belonging to his party, have
repeatedly, and openly, expressed their
wait of confidence in him, much more
harshly than I'have ever done; though
have been the constant object Of his
persecution. Their names shall be 81
ven if required, for am prepared to
prove what say.
Let him, instead of prosecuting me,
Justify himself to bis fellow citizens FOR
HAVING DRAWN HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS
MORE FOR MILEAGE, than any member OF
Congress who has ever gone from either
this state, or Missouri, which tactthe pub
lie documents Of Congress will prove.
have been extremely anxious to avoid
all collision with this gentleman, and |
would not wish any Thing herein contain
ed, published, unless he shall, in my abb
sence, publish or cause to be published,
charges against me, which he declined
to efford me a fair opportunity to meet.
But in that case, will thank you to pub
iish SO much of this letter as relates to
him. This | shall regret; but | trust
my fellow citizens must see, that it is ne
cessary measure of selfdcfcnce, against
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