Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-09-26
WAsH1N GroN, Feb. 10Th, 1896.


WAsHIN GToN, Feb. 10Th, 1896.
NJ Dear Sir: have been prevented by
riety of circumstances from replying to your high
lv esteemed favor of the 18th, until this moment.
Be assured, Sir, that the interest you have taken
in nv concerns, and the wishes and sentiments you
express with regard 10 me, will ever be borne in
grateful and pleasing recollection, the more so,
/ feel myself forced TO become exile from my
country, and from service, among the officers of
which there is but who has served as long as
myself Com. Rodgers was the first Lieutenant,
and was the first Midshipmsn, who entered the
present Navy, and we served together on board the
first frigate that was launched.
Should / determine accepting the com
mand offered me in the Mexican Navy, | beg
YOU to be assured that 1 shall do so under the
most thorough conviction, that l should fail in
my duty to myself and my country, were to de-
cline it.
Resentment for the past, as some have coniec-
tured,) will have nothing TO do with my determi-
nation. 1t is true, feel that have been harshly
dealt with; and it is true, that am almost every
day made to feel that am not yet restored to the
good will and confidence of the Executive. What
is past, can forgive. The evils of the day, can
bear,-but have the utmost dread of the future.
feel that have nothing to look for from the Co
vernmeht during the present Administration, but
contumely and neglect. And seeing that there is
no controlling protecting power, TO whom |
can LOOK lot TeuTesS, OeaT the lQea OF re-
manning in situation TO be again exposed to treat
ment, similar to that which | have already expert
enced from the Government.
Ihave met with much sympathy from my fellow
citizens in general, many of whom believe that /
am an injured man, and many gentlemen in Con-
gress have assured me, that should receive Fl ON
that body protection To this end, an Intellectual
cali has been made on the Executive for informa-
ton.
feel grateful for the sympathy OF my fellow
citizens and to those in Congress, who wished to
protect ME- but neither the one nor the other have
been able TO relieve for the present. or give me
hopes of security for the future The punishment
TO which was sentenced, and which have borne
without murmpring, has passed off without any
abatement whatever. The Executive has been in
fuenced neither by the voice of the one, nor the
call of the other, but to the last, has manifested
rancour which has been increased,by every express
sion of the good will of Others towards me- This
feeling, which has been bequeathed from one Ad-
innistration TO the other, may remain TO nv pre-
judice, heirloom in the Government al least
as long as can feel interest in the events OF
this life. And under these circumstances il would.
conceive, be but useless waste of my time as
well as voluntary submission to degradation
were to remain longer in the u. States Navy, ifI
can find honorable and useful employment in that
of Mexico.
Let those who would reprove me for leaving
foreign
nation, reflect that but pursue my vocation If
cannot find employment from the Government
here, where can look for it in this country? NV
lite has been spent in the Navy, | have no other
profession, and am too far advanced to learn new
one. The command rendered to me is the most
honorable that can be offered. 1t is the command
In-chIef OF the Navy of young and prosperous
republic, in amity with the United States actuated
by the same feelings and interests and struggling
as she has done against despotism for the establish
ment oil free principles Let those who see dis
grace In the act, reflect the unparalleled honors
winch they have bestowed, nay, heaped on Lafa-
yeue Tor doing the same thing. Why should be
dlseraced by what was considered so honorable in
MN, LIE KaIb, Kosciusko, Steuben, &c &c.? WHY
IS IT more dsgraceful in me to accept the invita-
tIon o. The Government of Mexico, than in Gen
bernard to accept that of the Government of the
united States! We all acknowledge the value
OF mas services to this country; and hope and
"ust mexico VIII experience equal benefit from
NINE, should accept her offer.
Inc profession of arms has never been deemed
dlshonourable, and whether go to learn il or to
teach 1t, maligny only can find cause to censure
have served my country with fdelitv. nv
country mas treated me with more than Kindness
one mas estimated my poor exertions far beyond
'ner value. shall feel grateful for the inte-
rest she has manifested for me, and the praise she
nas bestowed. Ii will be severe struggle to Sc
PsIate myself from such a country
Ontll recently, have had the happiness TO pass
through my official life with the entire appreciation of
tne Government of that country. But now find
yseii alter twenty nine years Of constant service
unoer ITS ban for doing all in my power to support
IT'S - honor and interestsl'
III The only reward ola faithful discharge of dufv
oi iaudabe desire to sustain the Z" honor and in
e''s OF the country, is degradation, and if there
- - no power to control the Government that in
ncvs tne punishment then farewell country, fare
wen friends, farewell to every blessing that this
country and this life afford, if the enjoyment of
'"e ms Is only to be purchased by degradation.
w I'm sentiments Of the highest respect, and
80" we pest wishes Tor your happiness, remain
your very obedient humble servant.
r. DAVID PORTER.
Hon. NJ, DIcKERsoE.