The Alexandria herald. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1811-1826, 1822-09-18
TO THE PUBLIC.


since. in several newspapers, copied o.
ripinal,y, it is believed from Philadel-
phia print, stating as report that James
ID. Westcott adbeen removed from the
Office Of collector of the customs OF
the District Of BrNgetowD, N. J. having
proved defaul,erto the amount OF Sc
yeral thousand dollais.
Other re ports, alikt unjust and untrue,
have, am informed, been industriously
propaca,ed among which, disappro-
val by government of the measures pur-
sued BY him against the parties concern
ed in violating the revenueSaws in the cas-
es ofthe sloops Boxer, Tonkins, * cargoes
has been assigned as a prominent reason
which pre-, en,ed his re-appointment--
From those who have waD;only and Cruz
ely assailed the reputation OF an indiYi-
dual and injured the feelings OF his fannie
", WHO'S not conscious Of having ever gil
ven them any cause of offence, justice is
not to be expected. 1t unfortunately too
frequently occurs, that men are moro
disposed instantly to seize uDon any adj
yenti,ious circumstance which may give
colorado rretext fol attempts TO de-
slroy character, than to walt for dove
iopement of facts and afford their and,
should Justice warrant and necessity re-
quirc lis defence :-more aDxiously ca
ger to inflict wound than desirous of
healing it.
II would, however. exhibit nm insensi-
bility to public esteem, of which am in
capable, to permit the subjec, to PASS by
me totally unDo,iced. A respect for the
good opinion OF my fellow citizens of
4 New Jersey, the evidences of whose con-
! fdencc l have so repeatedly possessed.
seems TO require, and justice TO my sell 81
family, to tho feelings of my friends, and
a regard to truth, to demand, concise
statement of facts. t
\ Ii is true that my accounts as collector
| Of the customs had not been rendered To
the government 10 the times prescribed
| by law and il is also true, that this cir
cums,ance was owing partly TO my own
neglect, but principally TO The considera-
tion that they could net be equitably adj
justed except personally at Washington.
Ii is true, that rule was pursued liz
the senate Of the United States, at their
last session, that no person whose term Of
Office had expired should be re.appoiDt-
ed unless his accounts had been settled
at the treasury. This rule, l have good
authority for stating, was iigidly and in
variably adhered to, in every instance,
and although in its practical operation it
| has been and viii! be, no doubt, produc.
tive OF much general good, it must of ne
cessity, in some cases, bear severely on
the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. perhaps its relaxa.>
ton, even in those cases,might produce
greater public injury by destroying the
certainty OF its effects.
II is true that my case came within the
aforementioned rule of the senate, and
that was not re-appointed TO the office
oil Collector, afler the eXpiI alton Of my
term, on that account. W neither dim,ss
milton OF confidence in the integrity or
| capacity OF the incumbent, or any other
considerations, mingled themselves With
the ostensible cause on this occasion,
\ does not belong 10 me to say. howe.
yer with confidence appeal TO the secre-
tary and comptroller of the Treasury, t.,
the members of the senate from this state,
and although l have not the same autho-
rlty tor an assurance, yet, perhaps l may
ado, every member of the house of rep>
resenlatives from New Jersey, that such
/ was not the TACT.
1t IS true, that was appraised by my
| friends in congress ofthe existence of the
| rule oil the senate, and of the necessity Of
| my proceeding to Washington and set
'''''o ny -seoants UefUrv si,o -epo;n,nen.
was made. 1t is also true, that this wac
rendered impossible by protracted and
extreme illness in my family, without 4
violence to parental feeling and duty to
which loss of Office bore no combari-
son not anticipating its connection with
an effort to affect my reputation.
1t is also true, that my successor eama
mo ONCE on the 18th of May last, and
mat 10 June, as soon as practicable. (beino
previously under the neccessity Of attend
ING the court of errors and appeals a,
trenton, and of visiting New York ON
onsiness) epaired to Washington. and
while there effected settlement OF ALI
my accounts. The balance due from,
me,when ascertained was instantly paid
my accounts with the treasury closed.
.Ps ueot against rpe Of fiye hundred
anu twenty dollars and ninety cents. ne
c oo,,as ior duties outstanding and un.
collected. These bonds were ,a;,
70 me on the thiriieth ul,imo AZ R,;i~ To-"
to"p' draft on Philadelphia haos
W. inc money deducting commits
''ons' transmitted On the same dav f. ,h.
OF the treasury, and I az
''' low charged on the boots or FL