Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-08-14
To the Editor of the National Journal

Jackson, il has been attempted to defend or e1' |
cuse the violent sentiments Of that Individual,
in relation TO The Hartford Conveptlon, and
thus TO remove one Of the many obJecllons 10
him as a candidate for the Presidency.
think i, may be shown from the article IT.
self-lst, That General Jackson, consistently
with that stubborn integrity so much Wanted
by his adhercnts, can never concede counte-
rance or favour to the old federalls,s, and that
the latter, with their principles, cannot accord
sincere and honest support 10 an individual
whbm they perceive 10 be so incompetent, &C
co,ding 10 every test and standard by which
The opinions Nave been heretofore influenced.
Cd, 1t may be shown that, taking the apollo
gy in the Evening Post as correct statement
of the impressions under which the General
acted in regard 10 the Convention, tina; he was
grossly ignorant of The political and military
situation Of the country, and its events, and
therefore entirely unworthy Of support.
Sd, That he has betrayed an utter ignorance
Of the spiri, and meaning Of our laws; and thai
in declaring he would have punished with
DEATH, by the sentence of Court Martial, A.
merican citizens not amenable even to CivH
tribunal, he has shown disposition dangerous
| 20 the liberties of his country, and which rem
FIRST, then, il is to be shown that General
Jackson and the old federalists cannot make
common cause, without mutual sacrifice Of
principle.
For this purpose it is only necessary TO refer
to the Generals own words, as qno,rd by hi,
apologis,s, in correspondence with Mr. Mon
roe. II have read wifh much satisfaction, that
part of YOUR letter on the rise, progress, and
policy of the federaists; it is in my opinion
just exposition" sc. WHAT, then, were these
sentiments of Mr. Monroe, in which the Gene
raj so heartily conceded? They were, that led
erahsts we're inclined to monarchyi that their
principles led to consolidation, and were rad-
ally opposed to that lin, of policy which orl-
! eina,ed with Mr.. Jefferson, and which met the
appreciation ola large majority OF the Amer-
can d ople. Ofthis system, General Jackson
has always declared himself champion. What
reliauc rtAsru-rne iproie sslons OF dh1UufTfduat
wno ininrd so heartily in their Litter dennnc'a-
49,; ,or .h,, confidence could he consistently
! reDose in tEem! tf General Jackson possessed
even he ordinary qualifications deemed indis-
pensahle by the federalsts for the high Office to
which he aspires-suth as an acquaintance
With the foreign and domestic relations Of his
own country, familiarity with the laws of ma
Itlors. which, control their intercourse; know-
edge Of and respect for, those maxims of gov
ernrnen, SO essential 70 The preservation of ma.
tional character and indi0idual r;ghfs;-even
Ithen with the estimation IN which they were
neld by this candidate, i say the fedrralsts
could not support him: 5Ft believing him, as
they do-nay, as every gnecting man dues
either totally ignorant OF these important SUBJ
( cts, or wilfuliy regardless Of their control,
when opposed to his prhidices or passions. it
nav be confidently s,ssrfHl tina, no medi
UNI exists by which theitssrtlments or feelings
cab or ought 70 assimilatr.
This perhaps NAV be consS ered by many as
assuming too much; for questionable there is
!, one charge against the tedtalists, which, if
true, may create some sympalv between them;
III IS that Of propensity Tor ycoNTnoLED pow
ERs, coNSTRrcTIvE CRIMES AZ VIOLENT MEA-
suREs. Experience has too stely proved, that
10 II, sc traits of character fhe Chiefain in
debed for much of ms celelAy as citizen,
{ iu,,s, and soldier
, Secondly; 1t is 10 be showH taking the apol
oey in The Evening Post as CORRECT statement
of ne impressions undtr VIII General Jack
son Ted, in regard to he Cn'eniion, that he
was grossly ignoran, OF the n tical and militia
r ry situation of country, its events, and
therefore entirely unworthy support
P l, is sufficient to refer TO t Apology for the
4 es abls,ment of this posli@f For, in order
D 10 vndIca,e General Jarksorss I'M the imputa-
y ton not only Of folly and stu NY, but Of law
e less violence, the writer has Sbrsed 10 sub
, terfuge which establishes IMPOSITION: it is,
y that General Jackson, hone pul, did really
= believe tina, the New III gland htes were prin-
h cipaly in the ppwer oforeies6; that Harri-
e son G.. Otis and his as,oolatdefre not Amer
= lean citizens, delegated by e& constituents
Il upon lawful, l will MT say t4otic occ aston,
:. but spies lurking in md about s1prt fcahons or
n encnmpmsnfs effhe Uaifd Statt lat is, within
i, the emballled Dails Of Harttorsed the exten.
e sve con'onment established fol defence. This
d i, rather 100 much: Nca infasH pm will not be
d credited by those wp enterat te humblesl o.
e pinon Of tie Generi' s mind I it is imma-
Re urial which horh of he dilesE is prefsrred;
IS he has either d,liyssd hims Fer with the
N dsivelings Of dosag5to the irdRce OF weak
" and vulgar crrdulitSor asssddt as miser-
re able apology fer ill.lme aiH &cusable vio-
{ lence. Each posiio3s equafafalto his pre-