Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-04-27
Hon. Tie L. 5. Ieirsrdpl IF ,Jbrti H.
BLUE SPRING, Scott county, Ky.
81 April. 1907


Sd April 1927.
ERR In compliance with your request, as far as in
my power, will now detail 20 ,au the substance ola
conve, saton which took place between Mr. Sea,on
the ]nDior editor of the ationa ntegencer and nv
SELF which he has thought proper partially TO disclose
first, TO individuals, and lastly to the public; and in
Doth cases he ascribcd language 10 which never
used.
You will particularly attend TO the time Of the con-
versation. which early the session of CONGRESS
previous TO the last, and upon subject personal 10
hself VIZ the transfer of the printing of the laws of
Congress from tue National lnieyencer to the Nat
ional journal. The meeting with Mr. Seaton ia the
Senate Chamber, at the close of daily session.
accidental, and the conversation unprecedented.
mad been in habits OF intimacy and friendship with
Mr. Seaton for - or 10 years, and the conversati cn
which was casual doubt, partook ofthat eedom Of
remark which the nature of the subject, and the most
perfect confidence and friendship would naturally in.
sPs; not suPposing that it ever could or would be the
subject of private disclosure public remark. In
few days after, notwithstanding this, Mr. Seaton Ell
Their directly indirectly, communicated the CONVEX.
sationt Mr. Clay, of whom he had spoken with no lit
tie freedom; and as the facts came 60 me thew were 20
m'Srepresented that didfnot know that Tie auson
was made to this conversation, until on n subsequent
day, was informed tina. Dir. Seatou had made the
communication. was represented as having made re,
lnarhs personally offensive and abusive of the admin
isuation. Having up to that period, entertained the
very highest opinion of the integrity and amiabe dis
position Of MIR. Scaton, than astonished
was shocked, at what considered yTanton and un-
social
intercourse which had existed between the MEM
hers OF the administration and myself and particularly
TO make breach of friendship between Dir. Clay and
myself AS ii was conversation that i'd not think
any man OF honour would ever condesccnd to mention
again, more especially with design to make mischief,
and recoccting tue remarks of MIR. Seaton himself
was anxious TO place his disclosures 10 want of pru
dence and discretion on this occasion, rather than 10
ascrbe them TO malignity of heart and want of prnc
pie: and felt less disposed to attribute them to wish
on his part TO curryfTcour with the administration at
my expense, and in violation of those principles which
govern honorable men in private and social Intercourse
with each other-princples that have been consecra
ted by time. and by which all men are shielded from
The aniInady of the world upon any unguarded
expression.
Mark, also that up to this period had been the per-
sonal, will say devoted friend of Mr.. Sea,on and his
partner, Mr. Gales. During the recess and before the
commencement Of the last session Of Congress dis
covered that some Of the public prints nsed the same
language, which Mr.. Seaton had ascribed to me- but
as my name was not connected with the publication
remained silent In the course of the last session NJ
Congress detailed 70 several friends tho circumstau
ces and manner OF tina, conversation. | mentioned
10 one OF the members OF the admin israton who told
INC that be had been informed understood that Mr.
Seaton had not intended TO make any part of the con-
yersaton puhlic aud was mortified that il had become
This soncned my feelings On the occasion and
had determined to converse with Mr. Seattn but uron
reflection, thought it his duty 10 explain 60 me
his extraordinary apparent departure from the ruIes of
honour which time had consecrated. wish you dis
tncy to understand that my regret his course did
not arise from the least willingness that the whole
world should know the opinions which expressed on
that OCCASION, aud the sentiments uttered III had
supposed that they TO be made the subject of pub
lie investigation, mil ht have selected different Ian
guago to eX press them.
But to come to the conversation. I expressed my
deep regret that the printing OF the laws had tcen
transferred from the Intellgencer to the Journal on
account of my personal friendship to Mr.. Seaon and
Mr. Gales and expressed my doubts as TO the policy of
In tho 1ry,;p
fact. stated that did believe il was wise inca
sure, and that thought it would do more harm than
good. MIR. Seaton appeared deeply wounded; not so
much account of great pecuniary DISADVANTAGE
which would result from, the transfer, the act itself
which no considered mark OF disapprobation of his
course, and attempt 10 njure, a small affair which
was unworthy OF airy administration. Learning from,
some of his remarks that lie considered Mr. CLAW his
enemy, expressed surprise, and told him was under
impression that there existed between Mr. CLAW and
himself the most perfect good will and friendship
recollect the very language Of Mr.. Scaton 10 this re-
mark. He said MIR. Clay had no friendly FEELING IN
wards him. and never could have; that he kncw MIR.
Clay too WELL and Mr. Clay knew this fac, too well,
ever TO be bis friend. As did not desire to hear any
personal nsruations or charges, did ask for AZ,
explanation of what lie meant nor did know At that
time; do ever wish 10 know TO what facts Lc al
iUdcd | waved this part OF The conversations BY saw
ing TO him, in familiar STYLE that expected nov to
sec him break ground against the administrations He
said that he could not oppose the measured of the adj
VI
~ done himself personally BY one of its MEMBERS
This answer accorded with my OVID views ofproprie.
iy and stated that had acted, and should continue
to act upon that principle; that would neither opposc
what my judgment approved, nor advocate what dis
approved, account Of The Presidential questions tina.
considered il my duty to give to the administration
every opportunity to be judged by Tie correctness of
lis measures, but ] conscieDtiousy believed thai
General Jackson was, at the fine OF Mr.. Adams cleo
ton, the decided choice of majority ofthe citizens of
the United States, should feel myself justified upon
the principles offree government vote for General
Jackson at the polls, although the administration might
be pure as the angels in heaven. Although this
language may be too strong aud proper for such
an occasion, yet other words which did not use have
been added TO give TO my expressions The appearance
of profanity.
perfectly willing 10 be judged by my Actions
and although have uniformly declared for The election
of Gen Jackson, defy any to say that my course
has been iiiiberai towards the administration | do
not at this time rccocct single vote of mine in which
fnnnd InIv 10 ynt, ,nn, he -