Virginia statesman. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1828-1829, 1829-05-23
From the Richmond Wig.

From the Richmond Wig.
Men and things at WasEingioa.-The
accompanying letter is from respectable
and inteIlige3t source. A correspondent
of the Norfolk Beacon stated that Doctor
Watkins had made fruitess attempts to get
bailed, having gone so far as to apply to
the Secretary of War to become his bail.
Our correspondent asserts that he has re-
fused to be baied and if it be fact that
he has brought an action against his pros
ecutors for false Imprisonment, his account
is no question the true one. While. on
this subject, we will notice that, the Balti-
more Republican, and Philadel phia Senti
mel lay much stress upon our saying, that
private accounts from Washington confirm
ed the suggestion Of depredatlons having
been committed upon the Treasury. We
said so indeed--but those accounts were
the mere repetition of the rumors Of the
day and place. We received no account
canfrmatory Of the suspicion, from Off
cial sources. Things certainly wear a
very different aspect in regard to DR.. Wat
kins than they die ten days ago. Watkins
was then reported to have absconded, in-
stead of which he had gone north on pri-
vate business, and posted back the moment
his son apprised him of the prevalence of
rumours prejudicial TO his character. The
deficit was then exaggerated to S45,OOO,
it has since dwindlcd to $4,000. At
that time, Mr.. Henshaw was reported to
have died, leaving memoranda of EN-
it Is asserted on the IN
expugnable authority of the Telegraph,
Gnexpugnable whenever it acquits an OPP
ponent of Gen. Jackson Of infamy) that
he left no such memoranda. Watkins re-
fuses TO be bailed, aud instead of meanly
seeking it as rumored, of his enemies,
carries the war, as Mr.. Richie would say,
Hannibal like, into africa, and brings
suit against his prosecutors, under the
counsel Of such men as Walter Jones,
and Philip K. Fendall. This does not
look much like consciousness, or fear OF
Investigation. We are persuaded that ev-
cry generous mind will receive satisfac
ton at these probabilities in favor of the
Of a man, who has sustained
until this period an irreproachable charac
Ter, who possesses the genuine talent, and
withal a large family whose happiness and
are so deedly involved in the
ISSUE.
Washington, 9th Mag, 1929.
You have heard of the Imprisonment
IF the unfortunate Watkins. Much spec |
Ilation IS anoat as to his innocence or
guilt. His friends think him innocent
his enemies think him guilty. One strong
circumstance, think, of his
innocence, is his refusal to be bailed, which |
course | an informed was advised by his
il to say, that he has or |
Tered suit against his prosecutors, laying |
lis damages at $4,000, with Jones, Cox
md Fendall as his attorneys.-I attended
court yesterday as did many others, to !
near the verdict Of the Grand Jury-but !
hey were engaged the whole day in ex, |
aiming the evidence before them furnish .
ID by Amos Kendall and bis clerks, and
he enquiry will be continued for several
lays to come--so what may be the result |
still lays in the womb of futurity. 1t was
On this occasion that | for the first time
procured a good view of the notorious
Amos Kendall, and it was the first time
n my life that my preconceiyed ideas OIL
he person, Countenance, &c. of the ndl-
gidual of whom had heard so much, was
n every particular realized. ! knew the
nan as soon as saw him in a crowd of a
hundred people. Deity never stamped a !
more legble mark upon the forehead of
fugitive Cain" than nature has express
ed Oh the face Of this modern Iago. Urea !
cherry Is inscribed in capitals apparent TO
the dmmest observer. Neyer--nO--ney
er shall forget the fend like smile that
played upon his cheek while addressing
the prosecuting attorney, in relation to the !
unhappy Watkins. The Harpies could
not have rioted on the Injuries Of Phinens
table with more zest than this man seem
ed to enjoy, in feeding on the mlsfortunes
of his defenceless foe-indeed such was
the gorgon appearance that he presented
to my eye that my Imagination sickened
at the very sight Of him, and a blinded feel !
ing Of disgust and adherence suPPlanted
all those respectful emotions which should
be entertained for one holding an Office
so much the confidence of
the President and the regardful attention
of the people. This one appointment must
ever be a blot on our national government
which time can never obliterate. What
share Of blame posterity will attach to Gen. !
Jackson for it g. some other appointments
which he has made, / am unable TO say