Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-03
To .4ndreu Jackson, Candidate for the Presi-
dcacu of the GIFTED States

To .4ldrep Jackson, a Candidate for the Presi-
dcacy OF the Cnited States.
SIR-The force of old associations, and lin
gering affection for your ebbing glory, which was
once nearest my healt-maugre all the neglect
and injury your party has received, from those
who ought to have shewn friendship, and shower
ed favors, induces the present communication Ii
you find in it truth that is unwelcome, and facts
which the fattery of parasites may cause you to
Ioubt--your incredulity may be esteemed mis-.
fortune; but the information canpot be deemed
an offence. i know there are those who to the
last syllable Of time, would delude you by adula-
ton, and lull you into confidence by unmeasured
assurances of popularity and success; and | am
ready to concede, that you are yet in some sec
tons of the country popular; but not to that i'm
mense extent, which once bore you on the wings
Of enthusiasm far above all your rivals, and left
your painting competitors imperceptIble in the dis
lance. The most generous steed. it rode too
hard, will at last tre-the most implicit conf
dence, il abused. will at last become distrusttul
and even the idol of the people, by too often test
ing his popularity, and causing 1t to bear odous
measures, Immoral practices, or dIsrerutable men,
may at last sink beneath it. Do not, however,
m,sconceiye me. do not say your fame is vet
ruined Or desroyed; but believe me it is most fa-
tally impaired; most seriously abateC.
Although your official station is entitled to re-
spect from every good citizen; yet when you, in
the course Of an ambitious career. forget what is
due to your fellow citizens, in the exercise of
their Just constitutional rights, and insult them in
their liberties, by denying their freedom OF opln.
ion-it becomes those thus insuted, to speak to
you face to face. in the language of freemen; de-
corus but firm; decided but respectful; and give
YOU to understand, that there obtains great dis
lance between the President whom they elect to
Office for term of four years, under a solemn
pledge that he would retire at their expiration,-
and the ambitious candidate, who treading under
foot all principles, all pledges. and all honor, a.
gain starts for the prize, aud opens himself to ev
ery imputation of the future, while he confirms
BY his own conduct, every accusation OF the past
When you forget your station, YOU forget the re-
spect which attends it.
You. sir, through your official paper, have chars-
eel the SIX s,sners to the jackson Protocol, as be-
ing six militia men who have deserted their CO.
l0rs; and no doubt, had you the power, as vnu
have the disposition. you would cause them to be
shot in cold blood, as sou did those deluded and
unfortunate men! Their crime, in your eyes,
and their virtue IN mine, being the exercise of
the right of suffrage, and the privilege of free
dom of opinion.
But, Sir, YOU are deceived. 1t is your term OF
service that is about to expire-not ours. 1t was
you, that the People enlisted for four years-not
US. 1t was to you that the Bounty money
was paid, and not US. We arc free to choose
whom we approve, but you have no choice-you
must be dismissed at the end Of your service, full
Iy paid and fully rationed. The people have no
further need of your services; but be careful and
do not disgrace your uniform, before you depart;
have some regard for your country if you have
lost all concern for your own glory,