Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-03-16

lie eye, yet it contains so Just an exposition of
the enlightened views and noble conduct of its
distinguished author, that cannot folbear So
liCiting its publication in your valuable ma
per. SAM'L. SWARTW0UT.
Letter from General Jackson, to Samuel Suar-
t'0out, Of The city Of NeV- York.
WASHINGTON CITY, FEB. %. 1926,
My DEAR SIR-Yesterday Ireceived your
communication, adverting to the reasons and
defence, presented by Mr.. Clay TO Judge
Brook, why duty and reflection imposed upon
him the necessity Of standing in opposition to
mo, because of my being, as he is pleased to
style me, s. military chiettain." / had seen
the letter before, and when it first appeared,
did entertain the opinion that some notice of
1t might, perhaps, be necessary-for the reason
that the expression seemed TO convey with il
tue appearance Of personality, more than any
thing else; and could the opinion be at all en-
tertained that it could meet the object, which
was doubtless intended,t to prejudice me in the
estimation OF my couptrymen, ! might vet
| consider some notice Of it necessary-such a
belief cannot entertain without insulting the
generous testimonial with which have been
honored hy ninety-nine electors of the peo-
pie.
| am we'll aware that this term "Military
Chieftain," has, for some time past, been a
cant phrase with Mr.. Clay and certain of his
friends; but the vote with which have been
honored by the people, is enough to satisfy me
that the prejudice which was thereby sought
to be produced, has availed but little. This
Is sufficient for mel entertain deep and
heartfelt gratitude to my country for the conf
dence which she has manifested towards me.
leaving to prejudiced minds whatever thew
can make Of the epithet "Miltary Chief.
tain.n
1t is for ingenuity greater than mine TO CON-
celve what idea was intended to be conveyed
by the term. 1t is very true, that early in life
even IN the days OF my hoyhood, contributed
my mite to shake off the yoke oftyranny, and to
ouiid up the fabric OF free government. And
when lately our country was involved in war,
bearing the commission of Major General of
the Militia IN Tennessee, made an appeal to
the patriotism of the citizens of the west,
when three thousand went with me to the
field TO support her Eagles. Ifthis constitute
me a =" Military Chieftain," am ore. Aided
by the patriotism of the western people and an
( Indulgent Providence, it was my good fortune
to protect cur frontier border from the avag-
es, and successfully to defend an important
and vulnerable point of our Union. Our lives
were rlsked, privations endured, and saqifces
made-and, if Mr. Clay pleases, martial law
declared-not with any view of personal az
grandizement, but for the preservation of all
and every thing that was dear and valuable
the honor, the safety and glory of our country
Does this constitute the character of ga Mill
tary Chleftain? :" And are all our brave men
in war, who SO forth to defend their rights and
the rights of the country, to be termed 8 Mill
tary Chieitains," and denounced therefor? If
so, the tendency of such doctrine may be- to
arrest the ardor of useful and brave men in flI-
ture times of need and peril with me it will
make no difference, for my country at wa.
would aid, assist and defend her, let the
consequences to myself be what they might
have, as you very welIknow, been chag-
ed, by some the designing polite ians of this
country, with taking boldsand high-handed
measures; but, as they were not designed or
any benefit to myself, should not, under SIM
lar circumstances, refrain from course equal
ly bold. That man, who, in times of difficulty
and danger, shall halt at any course necessary
to maintain the rights and priv ileges, and in
dependence his country, is uusuitcd to au-
thority. Ard if these opinions and sentiments
| shall entipe me to the name and character of
a" Military Chieftain," am content so to be
considered-satisied too, that Mr.. Clay, if he
pleases, shall give that as the reason, to the
citizens of the west, why, in his opinion ner.
tied neither his nor their confidence.
Mr.. Clay has never yet risked himself for
his country. He has never sacrificed his re-
pose, nor made an effort to repel an invading
foe; ofcourse "his conscience assured him
it was altogether wrong in any other man TO
lead his countrymen to battle and victory.
He who fights and fights successfully, must,
according to his standard, be held up as a
"Military Cheftain." Even Washington,
could he appear again among us, might be 50
considered, because he dared to be vrtuous
and successful soldier-a correct man. and an
honest statesman. 1t is only when overtaken
by disaster and defeat, that any man is to be
considered safe politician and a correct
statesman. ...,
! Defeat might, to be sure, have brought with
it one benefit, it might have enabled me to es-
cape the notice and animadversions of Mr..
Clay; but considering, that by an opposite re-
suit my country has been somew what benefited,
| rather prefer it even with the opprobrum
and censure which he seems disposed to ex-
tend towards me. To him, thank God, | am
in no wise responsible. There is purer tr-
bunal to which would in preference refer
myself-to the judgment of an enlightened
patriotic, and interrupted people. To that
tribunal would rather appeal, whence is de-
rived whatever of reputation either he or |
may possess. BY reference there, it will be
ascertained that did not solicit the Office of
President; it was the frank and fiatterins call
OF the freemen ofthis country, not mine, which
placed my name before the nation. When
they failed in their colleges to make choice,
no one beheld me seeking, through art or man.
agement, to entice any Representative in
Congress from conscientious responsibility to
his own, or the wishes of his constituents. No
midnight taper burnt by me no secret con-
claves were held, nor cabals entered into to
persuade any one TO a violation ofpledges Civ
en-, or Of instructions received. BY me no
plans were concerted TO impair the rure prin.