American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1827-05-04
For the United States Telegraph.

For the United States Telegraph.
The letter Of Col Richard NJ. Johnson, publish
ed in the Telegraph of last evening. requires from
me some notice | have never publicly identified
Colonel Johnson's name with the violent express
sons which have been imputed to him, and which
| he certainly used, and never should have done 80
but as the public has become acquainted with them,
am not surprised that Colonel ]. should eneayor,
| by all the meaus in his power, to relieve himself
from the effect which declarations reckless in
their character and spirit are calculated 10 produce
on the reputation If public man. Respecting
Col. Johnson for his public services, and esteem
ing him for his private virtues, sincerely regret
ted that he should permit the violence Of party
feelings so far to get the better of his good udg-
nent and his proverbaI philanthropy, as 10 enter
tain and utter sentiments so unbecomng patriot,
and Senator; and | as sincerely regret that he
has, by his publication, obliged me to bear witness
to the signal improperly which he, in fact himself
acknowledges. Indeed, he admits so fully all that
has been stated, in regard to the conversation be-
tween US, to which he refers that should not deem
any reply to his letter necessary, had he not very
much to my surprise, sought to give to that CONVEX
,aton private character, and consequently to
make it appear, that. by speaking Of his lndiscreet
expressions, had violated his confidence. This
aver, was not the fact. / am warranted in say
ing so, because there was nothing in the commence
ment, in the tone, in the manner, or in the place,
Of that conversation, or in the relation in which
Colonel J. and myself stood to each other, at the
time, to i,npart to it confidential character. The
conversation was entirely casual, was open, LOUD,
and as public as the place permitted it TO be,
There was third person present during part Of
it, he admits, and am not sure that there were not
others within hearing. Is it probable that another
gentleman would approach aud listen to 4 conf
dental conversation. or that Col ]. would have
continued i, being such, after that gentleman join.
ed us
Letting this, however, pass for the present, /
will, since am compelled to notice the subject thus
publicly, state, a. briefly as can, what real pas
scd on the occasion referred to, order to correct
some newspaper Misrepresentation aud acme in
acuracies in Col Johnson's own statement.
Some time in the session Of 1886, as was
passing through the Senate chamber to the Secre.
tary's table, after the Senate had adjourned, was
hailed by Col. johnson (sittng near one of the fire
places under the gallery, with one other member
standing or walking near hm) who, in his familiar
manner OF speaking said . How goes it old friend
wen. when are you coming out ~
Editor.-On what subject, CoIonc!
Cot. J-Why, on the Presidential question. Are
you not coming out against the Administration
Editor.-i can't tell. The Administration has
hardly commenced its career yet, and don't see
any thing, so far, to condemn
Cet. J-What OF that Has not Clay taken
away the laws from your paper?
Ed'tor.--Irue |; but that would be making mi.
va'e grievance, motive for public conduct; and
that we cannot do, however sure we NAV feel about
1t. As for Mr.. Clay, know he is no friend olI
ours; we opposed him, aud understand that he
,as always been hostile to us and our paper; but
me Administration may pursue policy that we
nave approved IN other Administrations ond III
they do SO, how can we with any consistency an.
pose themp ~
Col JOHNSON, (with vehemence, and, think.
WIN an oath)--l would not care for that lfauy
oouy injured me, would give them AS rood rs the
sent and as for this Administration, We will turr
them out, as sure as there is a God in Heaven
Editor-Eut Colonel, how can YOU saw So he. |
lore you see what course the Administration w;lll
aaopt suppose they consult the public interest
anu pursue course that You think right ?
C0t. ~ don't care: raising lis arm, and
speaking with warmth, for, by the Eternal, if the
act as pure as the Angels that stand AZ the roI,
hand of the Throne Of God, we'll nmt ,hem ,,as "'
To this male no reply, but left lie coloneI -
pursue the errand that carried me 10 IN. S,.n.,e
onamoer' The last remark astonished and .hock
eu me- anu haue an Impression on my mind too
slton9 ever TO be eHaced. have stated il with
!oei'ty that would attest at the last moment :,
iife, ami have related the rest of the convsr.a W
tlon with substantial truth. Col. johnson ives
u'"erent turn to his remarks, and no doubt 6nnsst
y ". ne was 50 much excited, that he oupht M,
10 pc 700 Iohuaeht III the accuracy of his mr,norv
i" III" 40 'u'1s impressed as any man, with the in
uaaaey anu unseemliness Of lightly repeating CON.
Versatiohs that are even not conIlent;sl sni
certainly CONFIRMED to this impression - ~"
! o. Col johnson; but am mt cear ,a, '"e easel