Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-19
WAsHINeToN Cry, September, 1851.
TO THE PUBLIC.

IO Ink PUBLIC.
Ii is witltaextreme reluctance that appear be-
fore the public, upon subject purely of per-
sonal character. To me, nothing could be more
painful than the necessity of bringing into discus
cussion, in the newspapers, any thing which con-
Germs nv private and domestic relations. In CT.
yilizcd society, a mans house is his castle, and
the circle OF his family sanctuary never to be
violated. He who drags before the public its
helpless inmates, and subjects them to rude as
saults, deserves TO Be considered worse than
barbarian. Against those who commit such sac
rilese and shun an honorable accountability. the
public will justify an appeal, which, under other
circumstances, might not be considered admissi-
BILE. expect not by this effort to silence those
who have been assaiiBg all that is dear to me-
II NAV open airesh the fountains of their abuse.
II is probable, that the very remorse and shame
which an accurately drawn picture may produce,
will excite my prosecutors 10 raise clouds oi
fresh calamnies to break upon me with redoubled
fury. Let it ali come. nv head is uncovered, and
my bosom bare.
There i, another consideration which would
seem to impose silence. These are times OF an
cry political contest, unsnited to dispassionae in
qriry. Already have the enemies of the Presl-
dent made use Of my private relations to injure
and harass him. In attempting to represent hm
as devoting his thoughts and his power To further
nv views and wishes, they seek TO blind the people
10 the principles and acts of his Administration.
They will doubtless seize even upon my humble
efforts at self yindication as means oil promoting
that design. seriously calculating BY their mach,-
nations, that the people of the United States may
be wrought into tempest of passion" and
thus induced to forget the signal success Of his
foreign negotiations, and the unparalleled pros
pefity and happiness which, under his admins
trat,on, our country enjoys.
Bat to all these consequences submit myself
with entire resignation. A portion OF the COM
mucity will at least DO me justice. They will
perceive that the President is in no need OF any
developments from me to give proofs OF his inte-
vrity. and that it ia not for his sake that pre-
sent myself before the public. 1t is a paramount
duty which owe to myself and to my family,
and which shall be performed. Others may con-
ce,ve, but cannot describe, the pain those at
tacks have inflicted. 1t was indeed enough
that was assailed i'm private circles, while
was in Office, but retiring from its labnrs, with
view to sit down at my own home, IN tennes
see. it was a reasonable expectation to indulge,
that might escape repetition ot these assaults,
and be permitted to enjoy INV firesde and friends
in peace. But Instead of putting an end TO this
unfeeling war, my resignation served To make
pered in dark corners, now sared in the columns
of the newspapers. Men who had been my
friends-who had received favors at my hands
who had partaken Of the Inequalities of my house,
aud given pledges of friendship at my own board,
became INV deadIiest enemies. while | still con-
hded in them. | sought that redress which wrongs
SO wanton and deadly provoked, and which pub
lie opinion, under such circumstances has always
justified. 1t was refused IN way which ad-
,,ed insult to injury; and w. then accused. by
one of the malignant call lators, as having
sourht revenge al the head of band of assassins.
Not satisfied with privately injuriug me in my
own and the honor Of my household, and shrinx-
Ing from an honorable aud just accountability,
these persons have, one alter ano,her, come be-
fore the pubic. 10 give coarteuipc' lad SANCTION
H. lie caiumries of r reckless press MIR. Ing
ham, Mr. Branch and Mr. Berrien, with ev,-
dent concert, s deliberate design, by filling the
country with erroneous and discolored statements.
and substituting falsehood for truth, have sought
20 consummate the ruin which their conduct in
office so iusiduously began.
What can Lof What course adopt? There
are persons committed to my charge who are dear
"a me. lam their only protector. Shall see
.S.,n worse than murdered, BY men who claim
tho polish and the culture of civilized life, add
NO. In nv nd and NV voice for their rescue?
These gentlemen express desire to preserve
their characters as precious inheritance tor their
children. Is the good name of mother OF less
value to her orphan daughterss Did they forget:
that she whom SO relen,lessly, they pursue, and
who in noth,ng ever wronged them, has two in.
nocent little children, whose father lies buried
On foreign shores Had these little ones ever In
;ured themi Were they and their mother so much
IN the way Of these gentlemen, that in their una
lightly they should consent to sap the foundation
Of their future prospects 10 iiies HAD taey no
remorse. in conspiriag and seeking to rob them o.
all that villany and fraud had lett themItee In
s.r;,,nce of mothers good name? And it they
s,iJ hs simulated in their addresses to the pub
~ hy the desire of transmitting to ths,r children
; snotless honor and unsullied name, what might