American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1824-05-04

to my constituents early in December, and frequent
ly after, corresponds with this statement The pub
lie papers however, in many places, at a distance
from the seat OF government. contained the most
confident assertions that large majority OF the re-
publican members were in favor OF IT, A little re-
Election might have shewn, that the effort TO get the
state legislatures act the members OF Congress,
by recommending a caucus, "a course totally IN
precedented in the history Of this country) betray.
ed consciousness that the statement was errone-
Gus for had majority have been disposed to go
into caucus, this step would have been altogether
unnecessary. This however was not at FIRST, gene
rally perceived and notwithstanding the repeated
declarations to the contrary, made by those opposed
to caucus, the illusion prevailed to very great
extent, tina, majority of The members were in ia
vor OF it, Now the appreciation of the members,
who by many were believed to be the best Judges
OF its propriety. was the very pivot on which their
own appreciation turned. In order therefore, that
our names should not be used to defeat own
wishes and accomplish an object Of which we dsap.
prosed--in order 10 do Justice ourselves and our
constituents, and prevent those who might have
hdence in our opinions from being deceived as TO
our real views and intentions, thought proper to
come out with fair and authentic statement of the
fact, that majority Of US opposed to caucus.
10 taking this step. we influenced by desire
10 give correct information to The people, and per
NIT the truth to have its due weight Not 10 direct
or control public opinion, but 10 distribute it, and let
it act for itself The charge then, of our having
caucussed against caucus, if it meant any thing, is
ridiculous and absurd as it is untrue. Equay
prePoserous is the calumnious insnuarion that our
object was to Influence our colleagues charge as
injurious to them to us. The part took IN this
business was not sought by mel was the person
chosen from the Virginia delegation, to ascertain
the sentiments Of my colleagues. signed my
name to the statement that one hundred and eighty
one members deemed it inexpedient to attend eau
Gus and the event has spoken for its accuracy and
truth. The same system OF deception is still at
tempted to be kept up by the most false and absurd
statements Of the relative numbers oil republicans
and federallsts in Congress, and the superintendent
OF them among the several candidates. In the two
Houses OF Congress-, there are among the whole
thirty fedeTasts nor do believe that any one
candidate has more than seventy members, federal
and republican, in his favour.
1t there had been no other objection to a caucus,
the circumstances attending its origin and progress
and the character OF some Of its principal supporters
with cautious and rejecting men, should have
brought is merits into suspicion. 1t was in New
York that it had its originals chief advocates and
promoters are party in New York, which is at this
moment, In defiance Of the most solemn pledges,
making the most desperate effort 10 stHe the popu.
election OF Presd ent, Of which the history Of fac
tons furnishes any example. 1t was the New
York f0rmulGry that ines pcated its introduction to
the people OF Virginia and it is New York ambi
ton tina, haS directed the deceptive means that have
been employed to promote It The only advantage
which can be derived from the union of Virginia
with Rev York, under the circumstances proposed,
will be to increase and confirm the influence of a
lew individuals in each state who have been induced
nam in h. Co.. bai, Il
benefit.
It's far from my intention 10 include in one gen
eral denuncation, all those who have supported the
caucus; out the most absurd creeds, and the most
erroneous systems have obtained disnterested sup
porters who are not under the influence of the eau
cusses which gave them birth and know that
some OF the friends OF the caucus are men Of honor
integrity and talents. But whilst do Justice to the
motives OF others, must claim the same Justice for
ourselves who are Of an opposite way of thinking
My motives, have little doubt, will be Justly ap-
preciated by my constituents and trus, that may
say without vanity, that my opinions will not be trea
eo by them with disrespeCt have some expert |
snce 10 public lle-There are very few members
n The House OF Representative who have been long
sr IN public service than mysell--I am personally !
with the candidates for the Presidency
and, tor several years have had an opportunity Of!
'lewlng them nearly and impartially. My opinion
IT them, therefore, is entitled to at least as much
weight, and hope, rather more, than some Of those
oracles which are sometime resorteG to for informa
ion. But on this as on all other subjects, / wish
% act fairly and faithfully with my constitueuts.--
In my official capacity will always act ia obedience
70 their wishes, when they expressed, or if re-
strained by conscience. will resign my seat. Butt
Whilst hold myself bound to act for my constituents
as long as remain their representative, must al
ways thint for myself, and make up my own opin.
ions according to the best lights OF my understand.
ing.
Accept gentlemen, the assurances Of considera.
lion and respect with which remain
Your faithful servant,