Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-10-08


SOM the following latter 70 she Comnlttee ofsArs
rang4meHts in reply invitation 10 be- present at
the meeting IN Columbus on the goth inst. S
Ills due 10 the Telescope aud zsmes to say, that
they both gave the opinion of Judg JoaNsoN, M op
posltionsto Nulleatlon and Convention. at the same
time that they published the opinion other gentle
men, who replied to the Committee by letter 4 TIL.
omission ION. TO no,,cs Judge 1eaEsoss when
our own, and wasspd accidental 20
Gentlemen-I hsve;the honor TO acknowledge your
polite invitation of the 18th ut. to dinner in Co.
lumba, to be given on the goth inst. The xvowsd
and Liberal purpose of the meeting, is tswh view
to discussion, and more thorough Understanding or
the important political topics which engage the at
tentlou of the people of this State and of exchanp
ing opinions with citizens from any other part of the
State, who may favor you with their attendance q
must apologize for not making an earlier acknow :
Judgement OF your favor, by informing you, that thus
invited and encouraged immediately wrote private
letter to my friend, the Chairman of your Committees
| to enquire, If he thought could promise myself
patient hearing while defending certain propositions
which detailed to him, and which constitute my ho
nest views or honest errors, on the great topics
which at present divide us.
1 have waited for an answer, until could wait no
longer, without committing the Indecorun, of not an
swering your invitation i'll due form. 81
i regret exceedingly, gentlemen, that am now
cons roned to decline the honor intended me- by your
invitations lsay emphatically, 'the honor" because
with the views expressed in your invitation, il is i'm
possible that your meeting assume the character
OF one of those, in which men have often recent
ly, been brought together be heated by wine and
defamation, und surprised into incorporate toasts
and septments. i would lie privy 10 intoxi-
eating Jury, that sat upon of life and death
as BE- partaker of feast of the latter character.
i Believing that the invitation was intended to elicit
my opinion on the great topics which to affect
the approaching election have difficulty. gentle
men, IN expressing them IN brief and general man.
ner. ifttsssti'3 ,silj eslIie TX
am altogether opposed to the doctrine of Multi
fcaton, to use babarous and novel term, for want
ola more direct mode ofexpressing opnion and as
to Convention think 1t most haza rdous measure,
and akoge her nugatory, unless mean to secede
from the Union. And while believe that nine tenths
of those who favor the measure are as honest in be-
ing disposed to favor it, am in my opposition to
1T yet must be permitted to say, that most sim
cerey fear, hat there among those who press
the calling of Convention, for the distinct purpose
OF SO embroiing our relations with the General Gov
eminent, as TO involve the latter in the dilemma
; either abandoning the regns of Cove ument altoge
Their, or OF maintaining 1t by force In the latter CASE
they Halter themselves that the States, or some of
them will take part with US, and thus in either case,
dissoluon.of the Union would ensue. If there are
any such, trust they are very few in number, and
must think them only fit to be consigned to the care
OF the Regent ofthe Lunatic Hospital
J There cannot be possible imagined, in
which we should be even countenanced by single
State, at present.
! am aware, that in The slang Of the day, those
who think as do, are reproached with the epthet of
Submission Men, and the imputaton of fear; but il
equally unjust and unreasonable those who claim
for themselves the attributes of Patriotism integrity
and independent minds, refuse the same others.
Ner are there wanting men in our ranks, who have
scme pretensions to character and talents Our fear
IS the fear OF God and of Disgrace and OF public ca
lamity; our submission, submission to our consci
! ences.
will conclude. gentlemen, by rendering the
following toast with profound respect to the NEE,
ing.
The generous feelings Of my Countrymen-E eva-
tion of character is conspicuous in It's most irregular
movements. May it never be msdreetsd by false
reasoning, false calculations, false pride, false
men,"
With the highest respect, have the pleasure to
subscribe myself gentlemen, 5.
Your very humble servant, q.
f eS5a- WIIfIAM NJ. JOHNSON.