Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1828-12-19
As required by fair play, we lay Mr.. Sloancs COM
njunicstion before our readers.
Ero,n Tie .vafionai Iatelliglocer OF .7iondou
TO THE EDITORS.

Nnch hau taken place between Mr.. A. Stevenson
dnd myself, stated that the public should arain hear
from me on that subject. At that time. Ar. Steven
son, inflated by notion of superiority, which little
minds to mblbc from the enjoyment of li,rh
Office, ahectedto consider himself much cleva ed,
as to he above the reach Off any timing which review
Of the means lie had employed to his pretcn-
slons could produce: ami Ia view himself too we'll cs-
tablished in public opinion, 10 need any thing more
than an indignant froWn, rid himself OF the annoy-
ance OF all such should state iacts in relation
20 his political career. But il now avnaars that OK
nited as he is, he has gvc the correctness of the
maxim, that second thoughts best ana mas pre-
scented the public with onm address u which h ct
ernps to make out hy testimony and argument that
lie never made the declaration which have imputed
TO him.
The several publications. OF Mr.. Stevenson. csta,,-
Ish the fact that men, either ny ciuootion Or
the force of habit, prCdispOscd to IN" OF harsh
and vulgar phrases. and resort tatiu in Tie hone.
that they succeed in drawing OF pubic attention
rom their delinquency: conceal the question IT
issue, and effect that by conumcv. which thew dos-
pair to accomplish by truth and reason. Whether
may be ascrlbed TO one, or all these combined
viii not essay, 1t this time - enquire; bit 50 i
=! that, II the prosecution of this controvcrs, Mr..
Stevenson has shawn very intimate acquaintance
with the vocabulary of Biugsgate and rrcat reli-
ance upon the efficacy of the terms it contains Il,
that particular will not contend with him; 7 w,
not even enter the lists: but leave him the ciiatnnor
and victor ofthe field legtmatey entitled to al its
honors.
Mr.. Stevenson commences ltz 1,lrass with th, cy-
preston of his great rc.rrnt at hifrn cor1rc. to a.,
fend his character. This is neutral enough: more
especially when the manner in which he acquitted
himself is taken into the account. He then proceeds
TO state his version Of the specification OF MY charge
Hgainst him; and here, at tho very commencement of
the investigation, he hes failed TO exhibit the generous,
opponent, and betrayed the papabe disngenuousnase
OF his character. by attempt 10 pu. words into ~,
mouth which never used. An upright man con
sclous OF the justice of his would not descend
70 the use OF such means and but one exit lne
+ weak could expect 10 profit :" them.
Bot viii not stop 20 expose hr petty deycos of his
y-Lic has ro,r IL
lic with much pHmp and flourish; hit proceed d.
recty to the discussion 81 its principal points MTr
Stevenson is Of opn;vn thai every Intelligent mind
Wl CONSIDER Ii morally impossible that he could b. SO
&cTraved and foolish, have used the words have
imputed to MIN, una that consequently. he did not use
tnen1 rms Il Very concurrent sort OF! argument.
and If Its correctness be admitted appcahle tu Mr.
Stevenson thin highly probable that he will Nc
Yer be convicted OF any mpropriety watcverd do what
fu may: tor the r"sOA- there Iili b. found C0iucc ID
with every o his su'iiciercv OF folly 10 Screen
HIM from all CensIrc. 4 folly ne once admitted rs
Hahd excuse Iiis may be illustrated hv the fact that
he was possessed OF the extreme Gliv 10 be engaged
III personal canvass or the .aa' rs Chair for The
space OF nifc months. wntn s!l tho force hn could
raise in his favor was bu. bare SEVENTEEN votes
out Of hUjadea o3d jsjdcfY-j0 the raitr ~vnn.
although himself Representative from ono al tba
most influential States in the Union--a STATE which
81 that limo reprcscntedTb by TWENTY, TWO
members. n thus infatuated. can certajnl,
Claim nothing ti3 OF sagacitg. IN matters of
that sort ind %h-n nc attempts 10 exonn.aic himself
from the charge account Of the cX.ra:a, r,,'v or
tho act charged be presents himself Il su6icct
Tor rdicuie.
Experience has Hi,'ndany shown. rita there is al
most no act Of folly which, vain. veal; man is not
ready to perform when nc can attcr himself lint il
will AID in the accomplishment of his wishes But let
rs examine this matter and eTldeavor TO see i il does
not turn ont that there large portion Of Il Ger
tain description 81 cunning in the transaction Mr.
Stevenson at early period he'd set his heart ,pon
being Speaker OF the House he approached the friends
OF the Adminstraj ION myself among the rrst) with
earnest inquiries 70 who thov intended 10 s,prrf:
lie had endeavorod to accomush the object Of his
wishes by a revival of old parry prejudice; ana had
denounced the idea o electng man he had long hcen
known to hold III nigh estimation. of those whom
he had charactersad IN his letter 10 the Editors othe
Richmond Enquirer, as the warm and Gisificr..s,od
friend Of Mr. Crawford: one in whose company he
willing 10 "s1nk with tie ship" Thus acttIateJ
the dOy of the ELECTION Of Speaker. coues-and what
does he do? The letter OF Col Brent published bv
Mr.. Stevenson cXcuVatorv testimony viii answer
tbe question On the morning ofih election ln unrS
20 Col. Brent his personal friend The warm friend of
Mr. Clay, and oftho Administrations * injuries WHO
j!efrl1ns OF the Admins ration icHd"; Lovo'c foras
Speaker" From this inerrora.0"v il is rlcar that
Mr. Stevenson was fully pPprs ID that political con
Sderatlons were tC enter uto.tlc contest. 10 flr
question thus pa; ~ Mr. Stevenson, COL Brent
promptly replied tnat, rs 70 hiH,0h, ne intended tn
vote for Mr. Stevenson hut feared frat ha would not
he elected because hrs course hadnot been so d9ad
Us to insure the confidence o. MI. Adams friends" In
tins answer OF Col Brent there WIS ever. iu.r that
Mr.. Stevenson could W n ne vls assured fiat .I-
though his mad been viewed rs sifrient'v
edecided," yet that Col Brent. hi: friend. wcuI
vote for hIll. IHs placed Mr. Stevenson Of perfect
liberty to indulge in tol kind Of haran~ua Which all
who know hun IiVura he So much dn!iuIfS in
devotion to Virginia: literal construction Of the Con
siItn'on opposition 40 dom" SIC manufactures &c;
tapg cire, moreover, 'o pro'-c that itc had deter
tjIrt to "iulrr the Administration is -inasnrc,
Fu.s all very well adapted for communication to .
rnc who although the ardent friend OF Mr.. Cuy. and
lie supporter Of The Administration OF Hr. Adams
vas, as o'"' 'e'l atru, opposed 20 tha protection