Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-04-05
APPEAL TO TIE PUBLIC.

appeal TO TIE PUBLIC
1t is with sensations far from those of the pleasing kind
that find myself called appear before the busaI of
the public i'll the attitude of self vnicaton In anv in
stance it would be uncongenal with my feelings to be thus
drawn forth: in the present it is peculiarly So But
persuaded as that it is due myself as we'll as to
those who may feel interest i'll my reputa ton that
should, under existing circumstances this
shall throw myself the canor and generosity of the
public for that indulgence which the of the case
would to
few weeks ago was informed by friend that at the
late session of the State Legislature, of some
debates on "the Marriage Bill, my had been brought
forward accompanied, it was thought, with
aud remarks of an injurious nature had hoped that the
measure at my Affections in regard the alluded TO-
was filled up and that the overwhelming calamity, which
an ali-wlse Providence had rmitei experence-
while drew forth the coincidence of many, very many
whose sympathzng hearts feel my obligations, dis
armed others of unnecessary censure; nr at least of all
that was utterly groufidesS. / will say, indeed that
consider ed this to be the without exception have
not so lad my neutrality-suspicious. am to the
contrary by some knowledge of the world as well as by
him. whose unworthy discpl profess myself be- But
from whatever quarter such censure might be expected IN
come might seem ilibe'al to look for from among that
body where we look find concentrated the wisdom the
punece, ana the virtue OF the country; whose province
Isl as legislators protect only life and bu
reputation also; and Ito the language the
from kanawha) Ito watch the happiness people
Such were reflections, while was using INV eud,a var
the public papers in which these debates
reportedan object which have been able to accom-
Pish TIL Il few days past In the mean time however
can truly say that provided there should appear nothing
materially wrong, in the statements and remarks which
might have been made ill reference nv case felt re-
concied that gentlemen who might consider
want TO their arguments should make such use of as
might seem expedlent felt reconciled thus undergo
sort OF logical dissection, provided done with proper
cauon nave now the papers alluded before ne, md
wisf could say, there managing in the operatIon
am first introduced, it appears, by MIR. Upshur of
Northampon; and then revised and retouchedr nv
the gentleman from kanawha, Mr. Lowell 1t is fton
my wish to give offence by any thing may say; but deem
II my right and hold myself at perfect liberty, correct
what is wrong, and to complain of what is injurious; and
OF that tight and that liberty shall avail myself
vi Mr. opshurS statement consider the part of CAN
dor to say that though in respects erroneous il
not seem to evhce any disposition to inaict an niury
though at the time certainly berays want
rect information, and sorry say it) too great ia
ciIty IN taking for granted some bile
which actually had existence. While am WILLING tn
make my acknowledgements for the complimentary manner
III which this gentleman has been pleased to speak of
his errors IN regard to my receive my animal
version
Upon the death of his wife (says Mr. he married her
sister; but with Indecent haste, aud s.er circumstances
calculated draw him severe censues of his own
church., nc What these additional circumstances were
Slf Upshur has not said he allulce 70 an na, ured
report wch was set aioat about thar time (and which
shall notice herealte his ecacy seems to have forbidden
him To mention it, and in this, it must be owned he has
shown himself consistent with that refinement which per-
vade the whole o his speech this indeed his allu-
Si@n must be pemltted'to say, what pity, that his
/
lIcacy III representing his impression. No such circ-
stances were even limited in the council which sat il,
trial on my case The circumstance my being minister
OF he gospel, doubtless had its influence. was aware
that there objections and preiudces against such
conneXie; out in there an excitement be
my antcpatons Various opinions existed as TO its nno-
cence or oDqnity fer, believe, considered it Gbs,ttey
S"pu but the great majority particularly of the council
that tried my case) concred in the sentiment that il was
peculiarly meXPenien and improper i'll minister of the
gospel This the only circumstance that operated in
thata
be included certain considerations, which were believe
the nam ground OF censue These the egalty
such come xon and lis opposition popular opinion
prejudice Putting aside all either considerations, these,
am persuaded would have been deemed in my case sui
Gent ground of condemnation. If Mr. Upshu audes to
these he corect but he has left matter vague
and indeermnae, and possibly susceptible of more un-
vorabe construction In what the other gentle
man has availed himself of this ambiguity, we shall see
hereafter.
The council considered proper that heavy censure
Should De innlced; and was accordingly suspended for
season. reparatoD for the injury which was conceived
to have been done to the honor of the office which
taned the religion which professed aud the denomination
to which belonged 1t is for me TO pass opinion on
this decision. AS spensation of divine Providence to-
wards IT was certainly rights doubtless permitted
by infinite wisdom, as being what needed and submitted
to the stroke 1t may be mentioned here however, that
several of our churches thought differently this council
as to the degree of mered this occasions; and
some OF e before the sentence of suspension taken
Off sent delegation to the church of which immedi
atey member, demonstrating against longer continuance
of the
Mr. Upshur proceeds,"At the instance of that church
prosecution was commenced against him. before Supe-
roi Court OF Chancery for the Richmond district" This
is the bst time after lapse of many years, that have
ever heard suggestions that the prosecution
menced at the instance of the church: and think may
say, without the fear of contradictions the statement
is founded on gross transformation. If there any
member of the church concerned in promoting that
sure, II is what have no knowledge of though this indeed
Is possible: but if the church, any number of members
church-capacity adopted such STEP will, when
that IS made appear acknowledge that have been here
toiore utterly in the dark as to that
With respect the "haste which is laid my charge
Gas to the ndecency of which every certainly enti-
tied to his OpniOn) have little, and but little say;
and that not much by way of Justification apology
Any particular intimacy, previous the marriage, might
after While have given rise suspicious sort; and
commotlon might have been raised. which rather
disposed to after the marriage than before To
this considerations whatever may be thought of the validity
of the move,) candor will award weight: and may
DC permitted add that there wanting instances
and among the refined and highly respectable where new
marriage connexions have been formed in less time
than FIVE months, and dhonorable mputaon has been
attached to the parties.
In CLOSING nv revievv of Mr. Inshurs statcment T