Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-04-27
MIR. sEAToN's STATEMENT.

Published nl lie L. S. Tclcgruph, of 4.rii 10.
The letter of Col. Richard NJ. Johnson. published
IN the Telegraph of last evening, requires from me
some notice / have never publicly identified Colo
mel Johnson's with he violent expressions which
have been imputed 10 him, and which he certainly
used, and never should have done SO: hu, as the nubc
has become acquainted with them | am not SURPRISED
that Col ). should endeavour, by all the means i'm his
power, TO relieve himself from the effect with
lions reckless in their character and sprit are call
cniated 10 prcauce on the reputation of public man.
Respecting Col. Johnson for his public seryccs and
eseernng hin tor his private virtues sincerely re-
GREETED that he Should permit the violence of party fee.
iins so far to get the better of his good dpnent and
his proverbial philanthropy entertain and utter
sentiments so unoscnminS patriot and Senator;
and as sincerely regret that he has by his publica-
ton, obliged the 10 bear witness the signal npro-
prcty which he IN fact himself acknowledges Indeed
he admits n'ly all that has been stated regard 10
The conversation between us, to which he refers that
should not deem any reply his letter necessary had
he not, very much 10 ms SURPRISE sought 10 give 10
that conversation private character, and consequent
10 make 1t appear, that by speaking Of his ndiscreet
eXPressio MS, mad violated his confidence This aver
was not the TACT am warranted ia saying So because
there was nothing in the commencement in the tone
III manner, in the place. of that CONVEX saton or
IN the relation in which Col J. and myself s!cod 10
each other, at the time. TO ;mpart confidential
character. The conversation entirely casual was
open, loud, and public the place permitted il 10
be- There was third person present during part
OF IT. he admits and am not that there were
|
gentleman would approach and listen to a confidential
conversation, that Col j. would have continued it.
being such, after that gentleman joined us?
Letting tbs, however, pass for the present, will,
since an compelled to notice the subiec thus pub
cly state, briefly can, what really passed on
The occasion referred TO- order correct some news
paper misrepresentation and inaccuracies in Col
Johnsob's statement.
Some time in the session of 1856 as was possinr
through the Senate chamber the sccretarys table
after the Senate had adjourned, I was hailed by Col
johnson sittins near one Of the fire places under the
gallery, with one other member standing or walking
near hi'0) who in his familiar manner of speaking
said ''idow goes it old friend WE'LL when are you cons
ing OUT"
Editor.-Cn what subject, Colonel,
CoI WHY on the Presidential question:
Are you not coming out against the Adinnisr alton?
Edttor.-l can't tell. The administration has hard
ly commenced its career yet, and don't see any thing
SO far, TO condemn
COL J.-What Of that Has not CLAY taken awav
the laws from your paper9
Ed'tor.-True but that would be making n private
grievance motive for <sblic conduct; and that we
cannot do, however may feel about it, AS
for Mr.. Clay, know he no friend of ours we onpo
sed him, and l understand that he has ALWAYS been
hostile TO us and paper; but the administrator nav
pursue policy that we have approved in other adm,
nistrations, and if they do so, how we with any
consistency oppose them?
Col. JOHNSON, with vehemence, and think, with
an oath u would not for that If any body in
jured ME would give them good as they sent; and,
as tor tins administration VIC will turn them out as
sure as there is God in Heaven.
Editor.-But. Colonel, how can Won say so. before
you see what course III" administration will adopt
Suppose they consult the public interest, and pursue
course Which you think right?
COL u don't care: [ras;ng his arm, and speaking
wh warmth for, by the Eternal il they act as pure as
the Angels tina! stand a: the right hand of the Throne
Of God Well put them down.
10 this | made no reply, but left the Colonel 10
pursue the errand That carried me 10 the Senate Cham
he last omar IL ocfop rIal
and made an Impression my mind too strong ever IN
be efaced. have stated with fidelity thai would
attest at TIE last moment life, and have related the
rest of lie conversation with substantial truth Col
oDei Johnson gives different turn 10 his remarks and
ne oubt honestly; but he much exc tied that he
ought not 10 be too confident in The accuracy Of his
memory. | fully impressed as any man with
the inde!icacy and unsccmlincss of lightly rereatin
conversations that are not confidential and /
certainly Conormed TO this impre sson in the case of
Col Johnson ':t am not clear that sense of public
duty did not require me forthwith to give the utmost
publicity to the declaration Of Col Johnson that his
counrymcn might be advised of principle of action 81
monstrous, avowcd by prominent member of rreat
party in the Republic.
But The Office of public accuscr is not an eDviable
oDc and TO Col. johnson / owed several wears ne
kindness and apparent friendship. therefore smoke
OF his imprudence 10 for several days nor
until the following incident led me TO do so, and
then without giving permission to repeat it. Ina free
fire side conversation evenings afterwards
course Of certain politicians happened TO say that Col!
Il. H. Johnson would go for the Administration.
asked him if he had any 10 think Col j. lend
" TO tue administration He replied that lie was con-
ident ofthe fact he had been Informed that Col J.
bad given member Of the Cabinet 10 understand
that he was decided friend. thought it incumbent
on me TO uDdeceive TIE gentleman alluded to- and did
so by stating what had passed between Col J. and
myself in the Senate Chamber. I subsequently men
toned the conversation 10 other gentleman; but
whether either of the two communicated it to Mr. Clay
or whether Mr.. Clay ever informed oft at ALL
know not, as have not exchanged a word. beyond a
simple sanitation with that gentleman since he became
Secretary OF State; and therefore Col Us iEsinuatioD
that betrayed him TO Mr.. G. is wholly gratuitous and
untrue.
may DC proper 10 state, in explanation ofny remark
respecting Mf. Clay's hostility to paper that II
had reference not altogether 10 public indications of
feeling on bis part, which he took pains 10 conceal
lior whatever faults he may have, want Of ankness
IN avowing bis diskes or rescntmcuts is not among
ttip frfI1{,1