Edwardsville spectator. [volume] (Edwardsville, Ill.) 1819-1826, 1824-09-07
Communicated for the spectstor.)
70 the Honorable JOHV FORSYTH, Repre-
sentatipe IN CONGRESS-.

SIR,
have this day, tor the first time, seen your
remarks before the late Committee OF Invest.
CATION, wherein you do me the unexpectea
bonor Of extending very pointed and part
cuar notice to my affidayts, attached TO the
copies Of certain letters, produced before that
committee.
The bare mention of my name by distn-
g,iishet member OF Congress- in the course OF
30 important on investigation, although only
il the language of abuse, may be considered
BY some sufficient distinction for so obscure
and humble Al individual as myself; and may
possibly be thought arrogant Tor opposing ny
feeble resistance to injuries inflicted By one
WHO occupies so lofty station. But have
not so learned the principles of our govern
ment. have been taught to believe that no
person; whaever may be his fortuitpus eieva-
ton, or how great soever the ta,enls which
have raised him TO that rank, is privileged in
our free community, TO attack wita impuaitv
the rights OF the character OF the huniblesi
citizen. | have been led 10 think too, that he
who Is attending to the investigation of mat
tets immediately connected wlth the highest
offices of the National Governnlent, is less eX-
cusabe for disngenuous qubbnl.a, especial,
when the reputation OF a stranger ma be IN
yoiyed, than pettIiogger, whose practice ca-
tends not beyond the county court. From
the latter we seldom expect that strength Of
intellect and especially tina, profound loarn-
ing which would enable him to soar above
such pl..tu resources. But trom'the distin-
gi.lshel friend and advocate ola high public
oifcer--a r. pfese ntative IN Congress too, from
aa,,rs,1n,,,ad a.. ,Jn;,.d Stat9.a -, tnra;,r'.
court, We had certainly reason TO hope Dig
illhed ana hoeoraoie course.
That you condescended To- stoop from the
eEnnence on winch yoaf Offices, ii not your
talents mad placed YOU IN ofder 10 assam the
character OF ono whose name You probably he
yer before heare--and toi,'saii 1t too by inuen-
does and by strained and erroneous interences
when Gu had not the power OF knowing
how deep wouhd YOU ih'ght IhflIct, is itsuih-
Gent apology, ii apology were necessary, tor
nun WHO suffers under your assaaH, TO use The
only weapon nov "itiilii his reach, in his own
defence.
i wiz not dweh upon tue want OF magoani-
mIty manifested NJ Your attempt TO destroy me
IN orGer TO stte s"nf irleaa. Unfortunately
Tor me, hapFehed 10 DC the means by winch
Important ihiofihauoh Was promulgated, ami.
es' MS mo- NATION s,apuii nave Tue dreaded
erect t--tho''sh unonehutnB ana unknown
mast DC ni'Ho''teu' No s'oaht IL see hed or
hltie importance TO YOU, whetheri should, III
consequences oe iooked u,Sh WAN contempt
~ the ,l.ic circie IN which reNoiYe, SO that
those, whose ORBIT IS ceextensiVe "t'h the
Union, should remain unsupported. But, sir,
. vne roorh...,,.. TIA, ~. +,.,l ~
. T., o,,,,,n,r, .,'iy,.,.'r,
:. ,.b'.n ,,i.,,4 ro b
Whatever YOU may think, feel as tenacious
of my good name, as huugh lifted your sta
ion, OF even occnrietl "a seat in the Cabinet
your first insnuatlon, that WIS chosen TO
prepare and prove The copies OF the docu-
merts fton. u.e Land Office, rati,er than the
Receiver, or than Mr.. Damn, because could
be made supple alNi eoWenlcn, instrument
to effect certain purposes, may be best an
swered b. pain and succinct statement Of
facts.
For some time prior TO the tlecease of Col
Stephenson, was employed in as ssli.g him
in h,s Office. During his Illness, was, alter
natciy, in the Office aud at his hc,,-side-and
Witnessed his dissolution. My intimacy in MS
family, and the knowledge winch was natural
ly supposed possess Of the situation Of ms
papers, induccd his widow to rcaaest me, a
few days after his DEATH, to select from among
the flies and loose papers Of the office, such
as were OF a private iiatnre, and send them to
her residence. | complied With hrr request.
ndlaclted the case Containing tie books and
official papers. The oliice. was then closed;
and things reoancl in tsi situation believe,
until Sometime afterwards, when tie case,
with The BOOK and papers in 1t, was removed
tor greater SAFETY, into sbrick bufiding, being
the same Which is now occupied as the Land
Office. had .til access 10 the case, until the
present iteceiver assumed tho duties OF tie Ct
fee, and being employed by ham IN "a, 4. aging
the books (Which were III arrears) up 10 the
time othis incqnoencg, have continued to be,