The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1827-05-04

Den Dun bpIFs.
MR. sEAToN's STATEMENT.


MR. SEATON'S STATEMENT.
Published in he T. 5. Telegraph Of 1prH 10
The letter of Col Richard NJ Johnson pub
lshed IN the Telegraph OF last evening, requires
from me some notice. have never publicly j.
Identified Col. Johnson's name with the violent
expressions which have been imputed To him
aud which he certainly used, aud never should
have done so; but ms the public has become ac-
qualnted with them, am not surprised that Col.
J. should endcuvor, by all the means in his pow.
or. TO relieve himself from tue effect which dec
atations so reckless in their character and spi.
rit ar calculated to produce ON the reputation
of public man. Respecting Col Johnson for
his public services, and csceming him for his
private virtues, ! sincerely reg. cited that he
should permit the violence of party feelings so
far 10 get the better of his good Judgment and
his proscrbial philanthropy, MS TO entertain aud
utter sentiments 50 unbccoming patriot and a
Senator; and as sincerely regret that he has
by his publication, obliged me to bear witness to
the slgnal improperly which he, in fact, himse Il
Acknowledges Indeed, he admits SO fully all
that his been stated IN regard to the converse
ton between Us, to which he refers, that should
not deem any reply TO his letter necessary, had
moi, very much TO my surprise, sought to give
to that conversation private character. and
consequently TO make 1t appear, thar. by speak
ING OF his indiscrect expressions had violated
ms conhd'ncs. Tins, aver, was not the fact.
am warranted III say ing 50, because there was
nothing IN the commencement, in the tone in
the manner, OF III the place of that CONVERSE
ton, OF IN the relation which Col. !. aud myself
stood TO each Other at the time 20 impart to il a
confidential character. The conversation was
entirely casual, was open, loud. aud as public as
the place permitted II TO BE-. There was third
pen son present dn,iug d part OF it. he admits,
and am not sure that there were not others with
IN hearing. Is II probable that another gentle
man would approach aud listen 10 "A confidential
conversation, or that Col J. would have continu.
ed II, being such, after that gentleman joined
us
Letting this, however, pass for The present,
vii SINCE am compelled to notice the sub
Jcct thus publicly, stale, as briefly as can
what really passed on the occasion referred 10
IN order TO correct some newspaper misreprc-
sensations and some inaccuracies ia Col. John.
sons own statement
Some time in the session of 1926. rs was
passing through the Senate chamber to the Sc.
cretary's table, after the Senate had adjourned
was hailed by Col Johnson (sitting near one
OF the lire places under thc gallery, with one o.
thet member standing or walking near himl who
IN his familiar manner of speaking, said /" How
goes II, old friend: Well, when are you com.
ing OUT"
fd'tor.-0n what subject, Colonel
toL J-Why on the Presidential question
Are younot coming out against the Admin
israiion
fd'or.--l cant tell. The administration ha
hardly commenced its caree vet and don / see
any thing SO far, to condemn.
Col J-What of that Has not CLAY takel
away the laws from your paperi
! Edaor.-True; but that would be maxim.
private grievance motive for public conduct
| and that we cannot do, however sore we ma,
feel about il. As for Mr.. Clay, know he is n,
trend OF ours we opposed him and | under
stand that he has always been hostile to us an,
oulpaper; but tho administration NAV pursue
policy that we have approved in other admin
Istratlons, and itthey do so, how can VIC wit
any consistency oppose them
Col. JoifSsGS, with yehemcnce and thiul
with an oath)--l would not care for that
any body injured me would give them as goo
as they sent and, as for this administrative,
We will turn them out, as sure as there is Go
in Heaven
Ld1or.-Bnt, Col how can YOU say so. bcfor
you see what course the administration will q
dopt suppose they consult the public intcres
ana pursue a course which you think rightl
COZ: - don't care raising his arm, an
Speaking with warmth FOR, by the Eternal,
tney act as pure as the Angels that stand at iii
,ight hand OF the Throne of God, well putthcr
down
10 this made no reply, but left the Col,
mel, TO pursue the errand that carried me 10 III
senate Chamber The last remark astonishe
anu SnocNed me, and made an impression on N
nind too strong ever to be eHaced | hay
stated II with fidelity that would attest at I'll
ihSt moment OF life, and have related the res
OF the conversation with Observation-Disclosures. Co
ohel johnson gives different ,urn to his r.
nla'hs' ana no doubt honestly; but he was S
much excited, that he ought not 10 be too conf
oent IN the accuracy Of his memory 1 am a
ful'y Impressed as any man, with the ndeica
cy and unseemliness Of lightly repeating conver
sanons that are even not confidential, and Ger
"an.v coniormed TO this impression in the cas-,
OF Vol Johnson; but ] am MOI clear that ;
sense OF public duty did not require me forth
WIN 10 give the utuJbst publicity 10 the declara