Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-14
CORRESPONDENCE.

4 y t!!E IIot JOI:l t(ULTcg adams.
SIR he Undersigned, citizens OF Massachu-
setts, residing in Boston and its vicinity take the
liberty OF addressing you the subject of state
Inent published in the National Intelligencer of the
Zist OF October, aud which purports 10 have been
communicated, or authorize by YOU
In this statement after speaking of chose indiyil
uais in this State, whom the writer designates as
certain leaders OF the party which had the man
ageinen OF the State Legislature in their hands in
the year 1903, & saying, that in the event of civil
war, he (Nlr. Adams) had TO doubt the leaders
OF the party would secure the co operation with
them OF Great Britain it is added That their
object was, and had been for several years, dis
solution of the Union, and the establishment of a
separate Confederation, he knew from unco,ivo-
caieyidence, although not provdble in court of
law
This, sir, is not The expression of ain opinion rs
10 me nature and ten ency Of the measures at
~ prevailing in the State of Massachusetts, Eve
ry citizen was at liberty TO form lis own opinions
on that subject; and we cheeifIly subrn. the pro-
Priety oil those measure. ~ tl'c judgment Of an
impartial posteriy. Bat the senterre which we
have quoted contains the assertion Of distinct
'iact, ., one within youi own knowledge. We are
not permitted 10 consider ii as the uuguarIcd ex-
preston oiirritated feelings hastily uttered at
'ine OF great political excitement. Twenty wears
have elapsed since this charge was first made in
private correspondence with certain members of
Congress; and it is now deliberately repeated and
brought before the Public under the sanction Of
cal py
dencc, within yv,ir knowledge.
We do not claim for ourselves nor even for
shose deceased friends whose representatives. ioiu
IN this address, the title OF leaders of any party in
Massachusens; but we were associated in politics
win the party prevailing here at the peri1d refe
fea TO IN the statement above mentioned; some of
Us concurred in all the measures adopted by tina,
party, and we all warmly approved and srpnorted
nose measures Many of our associates who still
survive, are dispersed throu ghout Massschusetts
ann Maine, and could not easily be convened to
Ian US on the present occasion. We trust howe
YER that you will not question our right if not for
ourselves alone, at least in behalf Of the highly
valued friends with whom we acted at that tie
and especially Of those of them who are now de-
ceased,resPectfully TO ask from you such IulI and
precise statement Of the facts and evidence rela;
rag 70 ms accusation, as may enable US fairly 10
meet and answer il.
The object OF this letter thereto ia 70 rec,,o.,
you 10 state, - " i'e''
First, Who are The persons, designated as lead.
ers oil The party prevailing in Massachusetts in Inc
year i9VS whose object, you assert, was and
NAG oeen Tor several years. dissolution OF the u
ration? and '''
Secondly, The - hole evidence on which ,ba.
charge is founded, ''''
1t is admitted i'm fi,o sisfe,,or, IS Il -,
that IT Is not proveable in court of law al .;
course that you are not in possession of anv legal
evidence by which 10 maintain H. Tbe eo{,onss
however, must have been such az in your oninion
HdNc DSCH piVbDunCcG UnpQulVocal nv, TN.
light and honorable men Of di,cfiuin,ting ,Jj ~
and we may certainly expect from your sense Of
justice and self-respect, full disclosure Of ali
sou possess. 40
A charge ofthis nature, coming as it does f,or
The first magistrate Of the nation acquires an IT,,
portance which we cannot affect 10 disregard: and
~ IS one which we ought not to leave unsnsyyered
we are therefore CONTAINED, by regard 10 our
deceased friends and 10 our posieriiy, as well az
" sense oil what Is due 10 our own honor mos,
snemniy to decl arc, that we have never known
nor suspected, That the party which prevailed In
"ias'achusetts in the year 1903 or any other par.
w WI, state, ever entertained The design 10 pro-
cuce dissolution Of The Union, Or the establisb.
In n,a OF separate COME Jeradon II il iinoDs
.lpie lor Us N any oihcr manner to refiie, or eve,
70 answer uhs charge, Until We peeit fuIlv eoJ
Parltcuiirly stated, sul know tl,e eyjleo.c to
which II ~ 10 be maintained ~
The undersigned think IL d8e 10 thofo-e1yos n
ADD That ~ making this application to you Tho,
nave M design nor wish to proiuca an effect nj;
any political party or question Whatever. MOI
'hef - nNTTf PuSo't1 =o'sr 5vs v',.sicsf'on