Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-04-22


NJ C. LIVINGSTON.
s. A MAVERICK.
Hon. JOHN G. CALHOUN, Vice President u. S.
Mr. Caltoun's Reply.
FoRr HILL, March %.
| Gentlemen-I accept with pleasure the invita-
tion, which you have kindly presented, in the
name of my neighbors and friends. to par
take with them of public dinner on Friday next
am much gratifed that portion of my constitu-
ents, for whom have so sincere regard, as have
for my neighbors, should consider my vindication
against the mnprincpled and artfh attempts to des-
troy my private and public character 'clear and
conclusive"
| In the various public stations | have occupied,
ever relied for support solely on faithful discharge
OF my duty. The manner in which have been sus
tanned by my constituents on the occasion to which
your note alludes has confirmed in the safety of
the reliance. The trial severe, and, will add
panfuli but, if the result shall to strengthen
IN the public estimation, the side of Duty and wea-
ken the opposite, | shall feel amply Unidentified
for all the difficulties and dangers to which have
been exposed. Nothing could more certainly add
TO the duration and success of our political instu-
tlons than general conviction, that honest and
fearless performance of duty, will ever find certain
refuge, even against the highest power and influence,
in the enlightened and vrtuous verdict of the people,
With sincere regard, am, &c. &c.
]. G.. CALHOUN.
+. w, Symmes, ]. Marley, ]. B. Terrell, NJ. c.
Livingston. S Meverick, Esqrs.
Agreeably to the above invitation and acceptance.
the company sat down at 3 o'clock to an excellent
dinner prepared by Mr.. Hubbard. Gen. ]. NJ Whit
ner presided and Jesse P. Lewis, Esq acted as Vice
President. We sublon the regular toasts and all
the Volunteers with which we have been furnished.
Many gentlemen were present who have not handed
in their toasts. We regret that we were not furnish
ed with al-On no public occasion cfa political ma
ture have we ever seen much unanmity of opinion
displayed. In our Immediate section, we know of no
dssentent.
TOASTS
|. The Constitution of the United States-An
invaluable legacy let those to whom it has been be
queathet, watch with lynx-eycd jcaousy the small
est attempt a. its infiaction, and stand up manfuy
i'll its defence.
2. The Revolutions of l776 and of l8OI-Eacb
contributed but by different means, to elevate the
character of our country and preserve the rights
of man. The actors in both will be held in grateful
remembrance.
g. freedom ofSpeech, freedom fTrade and free
dom of the Press-These liberty; when either
is lnirlnged, she is curtallcd of her privileges.
Our Guest and fellow-citizen, the Vice-Pres-
dent OF the u. States-Phe secret inrigues of CUR
nIng aspirants may ALLEVIATE some; but candour hon
esty, and talent must take the station to which hey
are emitted IN the confidence of the great body of
the people.
When the repeated plaudits which followed this
toast had subsidized, the Vce-President replied:
rise, Gentlemen not to make speech, but sim
ply to return you my thanks, which do with the
most heartfelt sincerity. On occasion could the
appreciation ofmy felow-citizens be more accountable
than the present, when have been compelled by the
most arttu and proligate movements, to appeal to
them as my constituents, in vindcaion of my char
acter, lmpeached in the highest quarter in an jmpor-
TT political transaction. The manner in which |
have been sustained in the appeal by the great BODY
oil my constituents, and particularly by YOU my friends
and neighbors who have the best means of Judging
my conduct in all of the relations of life public and
private, will ever be remembered by ne with feeinrs
of the most lively pleasure and profoundest gratitude
But if these emotions were to be the only conse-
qnences of the incident to which your sentiment re-
latPs, however interesting they might be to ma ind
vdualy TO the community they would be of little i'm
poitance. | trust, however, that such will not be
the fact, but that others far more durable and impor
taDt will follow.
Our government is founded on the intelligence and
virtue of the people Without them our free nsti-
tutons cannot be preserved One of the severes and
most interesting trials to which their virtue and in
telgence can be put is in the of an humble in
dIydual, unsustaned except by the force of truth
and justice, coming into conflict with the most popu
lar name backed by the power and patronage of the
Government How the people have stood this test
IN the present instance history will record, and I
trust so record as to impress ndeibly as great and
salutary truth with the American people, that pub
nc servant, honestly dischargng his duty need look
to no other protection but the enlightened judgment
of thecOmmuniiy.
Before ! sit down, permit me, Gentlemen, to offer
you the following sentiment:
The people of the United States-When their
public servants shall to conde in their inteli-
gence and justice, the days oGour liberty will have
been numbered.
B. The State Of South Carolina--In times of peril
shc proved her devotion TO the Union and the rem
eTa good; let say she is recreant To he cause