Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-05-05

nave never yeI seen answered This preference a6-
hered TO through ali the vicsstudes the contest and
this preference was sustained by the Representatives
OF the people. Thus originally supporting Mr. Adams
believing him entitled to confidence as far as honesty
OF purpose, experience and ability are concerned
knowing that however objectionable one or two of his
constitutional opinions may be- they we're vet the OPT
mons OF all the candidates for the Presidency and of
the great body of the Republicans out OF Virgina-is
it remarkable that under I'll these circumstances
should continue to him after his election that support
which had given him (such as il was) before? This
support has not been slavish-I have freely canyassed
and as freely condemned any other editor such of his
measures anu doctrines as disapproved From the
simple fact of my supporting the Administration under
these circumstances, it is impossible to infer that
have been bought SOLD.
as to the second ground upon which supposed P
Henry might have proceeded, namely my being en-
poyed TO go abroad only say that il was equal,
y untenaoie. The emoument inconsiderable nor
would 1t have been possible by any degree of economy
10 save what was losing, and actually lost by absence
from my business at home. OF this was conscious
as well before as after particular state of feeling
known TO many of my frendsl which sought relief in
foco motion, induced me to solicit that appointment 10
carry despatches of the Secretary of State In pre-
ierring the application, told him that il was neither
profit nor honour, but motion that sourht-and that
would not exchange my present situation for any Office
within the gift OF the Executive, totych dared aspire
These ere my feelings then; these my feelings now
NO man can foresee the changes which time and circum
stances may produce in his feelings but great revolution
must be effected, before these cease TO be nv (eelinrs
have been, but with this exception and shall be- no
applicant for executive patronage So much for this
ground OF suspicion and accusation If Patrick Henry
suPposes that my paper is patronzed by the Admins
tratlon or any part of it, differently from the common
mode ofsubscrpton, he is equally mistaken. refrain
cd from applying for the publication of the laws when
had good reason to suppose that the application would
have been successful because did not choose to sub
ect myself TO the suspicion of being influenced by the
pecnnary consideration paid for their publication
sometimes publish advertisements for the Public De
partrnents at Washington but not SO many as the En-
quirer If this be ground for suspecting corruption
the Editors of that paper as obnox 10 suspicion
as am
This is the substance OF the letter which addressed
10 ME- IFchIe under the superstition that his CORES
pondcnt had imputed dishonourab!e motives in the
conduct OF my paper. have fear, whatever, as to
its reception by the public. No man will tinh this
Yindcation insufficient.
In reply, received note from Mr.. Richie in which
he satisfactorily explained the motive which had indu-
ced him to publish tie communication of Patrick Hen
Fy He did not view it as seriously as had done and
he thought its publication required by the liberty of the
Press He awaited TO hear from the author before he
disclosed has name. After the lapse of week he for
waIded 70 me leicrfrom Tho. Miller Esq of Powha
tan, who proved TO be the author Patrick Henry from
which the following is extract:
| 81 had no idea that the short piece wrote over the
signature OF Patrick Henry would have excited the
feeling which Mr. Peasants has exhibited on the occa
slon-and certainly, any remark made in that note was
only intended TO bear the Editors of the WING in
their olcai and not in their private capacity OF Mr.
fleasants individually, know bat little; but all ac
counts received concerning him a man, have been
the most favorable character-as an OPEN INGENIOUS
and honorable gentleman; and, moreover have al
ways ieIt and expressed, strong attachment 10 his ia
theT 10 endeaVor, therefore, 10 nsnuate that lie was
corrupt had sold himself TO the Federal Aeimni,ra
ton, was out OF the question: dscaim any such
meaning"
feel obliged to Mr. Miller for his prompt and une
quivocal dsavowal of the imputation Which believed
Patrick Henry had cast upon my integrity Is to the
set interest of which he speaks in Patrick Henry he
explains his meaning to have BEEN general interest
in the circulation and public patronage of my Taper
depending upon the prosperity of the administration
which it supports If Adams and Clay siul he think.
the WING must sink with them--if they swim, it
may sw i'm too In this perhaps he is mistaken Craw.
ford sunk, yet the Intelligencer and Enquirer still
swim In England and the United States, opposition
papers, are most generally circulated and read Oppo
siions are ever more active and thorougbgoing than
maortes, in attacking their foes and defending their
friends Hence there is a spice in opposition papers
which rrocures readers. But am content to trust
Mr. Nii!ierS prediction to timeassurng him, that as
an t'"'fo'' had @''9ays rather be in opposition.
Circumstances have delayed this appeal to The public
been made sooner, perhaps might have averted
the wanon abuse, which, STOPPING from his official dig.
nifty Mr. Randolph has thought proper to pour upon So
humble an Individuals Upon the subject Of his
charges The public shall be Informed in due time The
whole scope Of this publication is to correct the impress
sion which may have been made upon the public mind
by ;iie communication of P. Henry or by any other