Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-09-15

own elevation to the PresiLency-the consum-
nation of all his earthly hopes, andthe reaiiza' |
ton of an his dreams of ambition. All the mo-
lives Of interest, aud all the impulses OF passion'
were present to his nina. .st,.
In accusing another man OF magazines a
GAINS, the State, before the TRIBUNALS OF the
Country. he imposed oil himself an obligation
of extraordinary virtue, purity OF motive, up
r;ch,ness Of mind, and truth OF alegaion. IL
;s enough. without in the least degreee retiect>
ing ON his veracity or hislaurity, which will not
now be questioned, to know that there is not
shadow Of truth, or the slightest foundation LOT
the charge which has been made. NO man
who knows MIR. Buchanan, and the rise and
propress OF this accusation, will doubt that the
General is Indebted to his imagination ana
other revelations for the singular delusion, per-
haps honest, but certainly unfortunate delusion,
under which he has labored.
The proposition o. Mr.. Buchanan is SO
niuue, so remarkable in its character, that Inc
mind does not perceive how an idea SO diheren''
so opposite, could have been conceived. HE
only explanation and apology for the conduct
of the General, is to be found in the Tact, that
the conversation, at that lime, made no impress
sion on his mind, and that he did not undef>
stand ii as corrupt proposition. That idea
came long afierwards-it was second thought;
arising out OF the imperfect recollection oil what
took place at that interview.
If ne had understood that Mr.. Buchanan was
the bearer Of corrupt proposition from MIR.
CLAY, and was familiar confidential friend,
would he have entertained him FcHtely; listen
ed 10 his suggestions, and given him q mild an
swer? Would he have temporarily said she
thought we'll OF Mr.. Adams? Won Id he not at
| leas: have communicated :he fact 10 some
friend? Would he afterwards have congratula>
| ted Mr.. Adams on his election, at the Presi-
denl's house, the same night, and afterwards a,
his public Inauguration, and given other eviden
ces, written and published, Of his acquiescenee
| in the decision Of Congress? The whole course
of his conduct, then highly approved for Its
magnanmity, forbids the idea that he seriously
believed the charge he has since made.
| If he had any information Of corrupt in
trigue to belray the rights OF the People, OF
knew of any unfair or dishonorable dealing to
defeat him, why did he not denounce it, pursue
1t, and expose il! Why did he keep II secret
until after the election, and then circulate II
clandes,inely among his friends, editors, or
gans, and agents! If the Genera! then knew and
believed what he now remembers oil MIR. Bu'
chanan's conversation, how can he be excused
for withholding the information from the House
Of Representatives, where the charge fell un
supported, or from the Senate, Of which he wal
a member, during the pendency OF Mr. Clay:
nomination for high office?
Mr.. Buchanan has given true explanation
Of this affair, and one which reconciles the
whole Of General Jackson's conduct. VIII
could not, think, (says Mr.. Buchanan have re
ceived this impression, until after Mr.. Clay ant
his friends had actually elected Mr.. Adam
President, and Mr.. Adams had appointed Mr.
Clay Secretary Of Stale. After these events
bad transprsd, j! may readily he s9nlsslarsa. i
lied him into the mstake."
After the combination OF the new elements o
opposition, the spirit Of faction went forth Il
put down the Administration, right or wrong
Ito poison the public mind with false clamor:
and malignant accusations. The vague suspi
cions, and dark surmises, and mysterious sug
gestions Of his friends, worked on his magma
ton, and magni6ed the conversation of Mr.. Blu
chanan into most reasonable plot, and cor
ruption stood before him, pnlpabk and tangible
His visions were revealed 10 his friends, who
confirmed hi. belief, and made assurance doubly
sure. He believes the impressions now on hi:
mind, although he may not be able to trace
them TO any particular period. The Genera
has deceived himself, betrayed an innocen,
friend, and disappointed the hopes of his party
The subject is instructive, and will be pursued
The object of this is 10 show that Mr.. Bu
chanan's conversation is all the evidence in the
possession ofthe General. That this has been
the fruitful source Of all these calumnies. Tha,
il has been secretly, although actively circula-
led. That it made no impression at the fine,
but grew and magni6ed itself in his magma
ton. 1t will be shewn now what the charge is,
and how it is sustained by the evidence.
| HAMPDEN.
THE FISHERMAN'S TALE.
There is village in Scotland called Gour.
| loch, situated on the shore Of fine bay, about
three or four miles from the town Of Dcling-
burn and inhabited mostly nv Esherpep uho