Alexandria gazette & advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1822-1824, 1822-10-01

from Leesburg, represents Tue Hlahi'eI Vi
Major Lewis annunCiation to have gil
ven offence TO some oil his friends -'sit is
thought too sudden and abrupt and con-
suItation with bis usual advisers, should
have preceded it, The source whence
these structures have probably proceeded.
entitled them 70 little consideration; but,
if the object of Mr.. MERGERS publication
in the manner it has been made, can be
be OWNED, it is to propagate generally,
some such untayourable impression, in re-
gard to Mr.. Lewis. Connect, therefore
this report, with the peculiar mode OF adj
dressing the FREEHoTDERs, adopted by
Mr.. Mercer, and it is entitled to some at
tention. AS it is one OF the miserable sub
terfuges of designing men, to lay hold OF
the least important act of an ingenious
and unsuspecting opponent, in order 10
wrest it 10 some sinister purpose. fsel II
duty 10 Mr.. Lewis, TO acquit him to MS
'.friends" Of this charge, for whatever
there be in the mannerOi his annuncIatlon
at all reprehensible, to me, and to me
only it should in justice be imputed.
Circumstances of peculiar character,
with which the foes as well as friends OF
Mr.. Lewis are very well acquainted. rem
dered it impossible he should consult Ell
Their of them psrsonallE, without delaying
hrs declaration that he should be a candl-
date at the next congressional election,
and for reasons highly honorable to him,
he wished to avoid delay.
His letter to Mr.. Mercer, was commit.
ted to me by mere accident. For many
wears he and have been personally inti-
mate, and his federation and urbanity east
" reconciIed this friendly intercourse with
coptrariety in our political sentiments
After his effecting an important negotia-
tioo in Fredericksburg, be called OIL me
for a moment in bis way to Philadelphia. to
wbichhis duty to himself, made it indis-
pensably necessary be should immediate
" repair. Whilst congratulating him on
the attainment of his long sought object,
even though at painful sacrifice, be drew
from his pocket the letter addressed to
Mr.. Mercer. and apprised me for the irst
time, of bis design to- offer for Congress
In the course of our conversation, | re-
marked, / have often heard the rumour of
Mr.. MERGERS intention to decline a poll,
and believe the termination OF his politi-
cal career to be the unconcealed wish OF
not few Of his friends; but, added, from
the dominion bis master passions exercise
over him, he will never, | think, With
draw from his station from choice, aItho'
time having allayed in great degree the
animosties arising out OF the old party
fued; and it having too impaired the force
of those delicate, yet benevolent, consi-
derations which determined many to sus-
tain him, have little doubt the necessity,
will be very sooR imposed upon him. This
view OF the subject made no change in the
determination of Mr.. Lewis, who. never
theless, did actually believe the rumour
he had heard, but it lead him to express
increased solicitude TO have his letter con-
veyed Immediately; in order that, IF, him
self and Mr.. Mercer were TO be COMPETE
tors, this gentleman might be as earilysap-
prised of the fact as possible, before his
pubick duties should call him from his
district. Mr.. Lewis suggested the mail ae
proper channel of transmission, and then
the enclosing his communication to friend
in Leesburg, TO be sent thence by mes
seDger. Obvious objections presented them
selves to either course if avoidable, and it
occurring to me, that should in day or
two be in Loudoun, offered my services
TO effect his wishes, and there seems no
reason why they should hare been declin-
ed. The Editors OF the Leesburg papers
were requested by me to announce Mr..
Lewis to his fellow-citizens, as candi-
date, and with great Difference to the
judgment of others, | must be permitted
to aver, am unconscious of any thing in
this at all reprehensibIe: | repeat, if there
be, alone am the offender.
regret, sir. exceedingly, chat there
should be necessity for this communica-
ton, which is made as an act ofjustice to
Mr.. Lewis, who has been eminetly USE
full az a representative of the people, tor