Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1828-01-10
for Mr.. Adams in preference to Gene

the session Of 1924 5, on returning
from adinner at the Columbian College,
at which we both were, in company
with General Lafayette and others
The day of the dinneF was on the 18th
of December, which may be verified by
q resort to the National fntelligencer.-
10 the course of that conversation, Mr..
Barbour states that be expressed him
self, in the event Of the contest being
narrowed down TO Mr.. Adams aud Gen.
Jackson, in favor of Mr.. Adams, and
Mr. Clay expressed coincidence Of o.
pihion."
1t viii be recollected that Gen. La
layette was in Washington during the
greater part of the session Of the Rresi
Dental election. lie mentioned the
subject to me with his characteristic de-
licacy. Without seeking to influence
my vote, or manifes,ing the least dispo-
sition to interfere in the election, he
made simple inquiry Of me, which l
am quite sure was prompted by the
deep interest which he felt in every
thing that concerns the welfare of this
country. lam happy to be able now to
submit the statement of the General OF
what passed between US on that occa-
sion. He says: BLESSED as | have
lately been With the welcome, and con
scious, as it is nv happy lot to be, of
the affection and confidence Of al. par
ties and all men 10 every party within
the United States, feelings which |
most cordially rcciprocate, I ever have
thought myself bound to avoid taking
any part in local or personal divisions.
Indeed, il thought that in these mat
ters my influence could be of any avail,
IT should be solely exerted to deprecate,
not by far, the free, republican, and
full discussion of principles and candI-
dates. but those invidious ISLANDERS
which, although they are happily re-
PEELED by the coed sense, the candor,
aad in domestic instances, by the deli
cacy Of the American People, tend TO
give abroad incorrect aud disparaging
impressions. Yet, that line Of conduit
from which | Gust not deviate, except
in imminent cases now out Of the ques
ton. does not imply forgetlulness OF
facts, nor a refusal to state shen occa
lsionally. My remembrance concuis
slth your own on this point, that, in the
after end of December, either before
or after my visit to Annapolis, you be-
ing out of the Presidential candidature
snd after having expressed my above
mentioned motives Of forbearance, l.
by way OF confidential exception, al
lowed my selfto put simple unqualified
question, respecting your electloneerins
guess, and your intended vote. Your
answer was, that, in your opinion, the
actual state of health of Mr.. Crawford
mad limited the contest to choice be
tween AIR. Adams and General Jack.
son; that clam founded on military
achievements did not meet your prete
renee: and that you had concluded to
vote for Mr.. Adams. Such has been, il
not the literal wording, at least the
precise sense Of conversation which
it would have been inconsistent for me
to carry farther, and not to keep So
eret, while q recollection OF it, to as
sist your memory l should not now
deny, not only to you as my friend, but
to any man in similar situation"
General Lafayette was not able 10
state, with absolute precision, the date
of the conversation between US, nor can
| undertake to specify the day, although
| retain a perfect recollection of the
conversation. 1t was, he says, sin the
| latter end of December, either before
or after my visit to Annapolis, you
being out of the Presidential Candida
ture." He left Washington on the 9th
for Annapolis, and returned on the
2lst (See National lntelligepcer; If
the conversation took place before that
excursion, il must have been on or
prior to the 10th of Decembar. But he
says that was out of the presidential
Candidature Whether should be
returned to the House or not, was not
asrertained until the vote Of Louisiana
was knowR. Rumors had reached this
city of the issue Of it, previous to the
Goth Of the month; but the first certain
in diligence of il was brought here by
Mr. senator Bouligny on the 20tb, ac-
rording to his recollection. On Gen.
Lafay ette's return from Annapolis, the
probability is that the subject of the