Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-01-04

to cherish and perpetuatc good feelings and
friendly relations between all the members of
society; and sincerely regret that we are con-
strained by the unkindness and cruelty of others,
10 Iecur 10 events which can only create the
most painful associations. In performing this
unpleasant task, we shall not adduce all the
facts and evidences within reach; but only
notice briefly such statements of Mr.. Benton as
are worthy of attention, leaving the result to
the decision of impartial aud enlightened
people. However reluctantly we may engage
in IT, we consider it duty owe TO General
jackson, whose illustrious services render his
fame and reputation public property, and i'm
pose debt of gratitude upon every American
citizen. We have personal dislike to- graft
fy, as we are unknown TO Mr. Benton, and To
almost all those connected with the events TO
which he has adverted: but we act alone from a
sense of Justice 10 General jackson aud the ma
ton.
As MIR. Benton's statements consist Of round
assertions, unsupported by any description of tes
timony, we shall endeavor TO enumeratc the err
roneous allegations contained in his pamphlet
and where any thing more is believed TO be ne
cessary than negative, by which he Is put up
on his proof, we shall subjoin few PROMINENT
facts in the shape of refutaton. This course VIC
have adopted Tor two reasous-first, because q
publication of all the documents and details at
command, would render this reply volu:nnous;
and-Second, because the character vi General
jackson does not require ii, believing we do,
that all the SANDER and dctraction which can be
ted against him cannot Ia .nish the purity
OF his reputation, or diminish the glory and re-
nown which he has acquired as soldier, patriot
and statesman.
We shall notice the allegations of Mr. Ben
ton, as nearly as practicable, in the order in
which they have been presented in his publica-
ton.
1. Ii is untrue that Mr.. Adams ''wrought on
General jackson in the West to aid his views"
upon the p Presidency, as intimated III pages Z, g,
and 80. This is proved by Mr.. Benton's own
assertions, in pages and ., where he shows,
that General jackson became rival candidate
of MIR. Adams for the Presidency, and would
not accept of the mission TO Mexico, which he
says, was presented to him through the influence
OF MIR. Adams sin order TO get him out of The
way.n
2. II is untrue that Gen. jackson promised
MIR. Edwards the appointment of Minister to
Mexico, formed any alliance with others to
confirm his n)ni nation, insinuated III pages
lO and ii. On the contrary, General Jackson
presented to MIR. Nouroe recommendations IN
favor of Mumford Stokes, of North Carolina,
and Mr. Crabb, of Nashville Whilst in Nash
vile last summer, Mr.. Il lwards did visit Gene.
raj Jackson once, as Is usual with most other
strangers; but the General has never formed
any combination with him against Mr. Crawford
with either of the Presidential canii lates for
the purpose of promoting his their cleo
ton.
j. 1t Is untrue that the g manner and the
means of bringing General jackson before the
Legislature of Tennessee, as candidate for the
Senate of the United States, was the result Of
organization and preconcert, for months be-
fore" as alleged inpages Is ami 10. The lettc.
of Major Maury, soliciting the General To be-
come candidate, and the reply, having long
since been published. They not only iiscredil
the idea of preconccrt, but prove beyond the
reach of question, that General Jackson anx-
iously desired to avoid the station ami RESPONSE
bility.
4. tits untrue that General Jackson >sper-
sonally excrtcd himself 10 promote his election ,,
as represented i'll page 16\-Acting upon the
principle that public stations arc neither TO be
sought or declined" lie was never known To
electioneer on any occasion. He did not name
the subject TO a single member; and indeed, did
not see one of them before the election, unless
they visited his room. The people brought
General Jackson forward as a candidate for
the Presidency, and 10 them lie has always sub
mtted his rctCntions. It was his wish that ne
contest should be settled by their unbiased dc
Cission, free from tie influence of intrigue and
management. As to his election of Senator.
he desired his friends in the Legislature To ex-
cuse him, and make different selection. How
unjust and Liberal then is it IN Mr. Benton to
state that ''members had been threatened, per-
suaded and managed in every way possible 10
order to ensure his election.
D. 1t IS untrue tiat General Jackson has
abandoned 'the interest of the South for his own
promotion" as stated in page 17.-This aIIudes
to his vote upon the TarifF:-In adopting that
measure, the General was in favor Of a pro.
tectinS duty amounting To exclusion, only upon
such articles as are inseparably connected W i'll.
the defence of our country in time of war; urnn
the remainder the duties were intended to brinp
the labor OF American citizens into market up-
on terms OF far competition with that of foreign
nations. These are known TO have been Gen
JacksoAs sentiments for many years, and are i'm
conformity with the best interests both of the
South and North. Such policy is inIcspensa-
aie To the protection of our liberties the en-
enlargement of domestic industry, and the in
dependence ofthe nation. With regard TO the
charge of the Generals negIectiup the interests
OF Tennessee, and that nothing las been heard
oil an 'H'H,ory" in this state, we have barely TO
reply, that the commissioners aprinteI To cx-
anime scltes for their location, made no report
during the last session OF Congress.
.. It's untrue that General Jackson whilst
at Washington, blowing and cringinr 10
all his former foes, only lis greatest rival.
We. Crawford" Every one at Washington who
Sd" the GCncraI, must b. sensible of the nm
business oftn remark. Il is true that he met
with two Or three Persons witt whom he had
not been upon the best terms; aud feeling dis
posed to discardevcry thing like ann3sitv, was
willing TO associate with them upon conditions
OF mutual good feeling. In this there was luoo-
nanimiiy, & d department becoming good man
and gentleman. Ii docs not correspond " III,
the character Of t!Ic General gwen in other
parts OF the pamphlet where he Is represented
possessing ga disposition to bullv lis onpo