Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-09-08


Havng Inadvertently opened our columns to a
controversy OF personal character between
Messrs Nswton and Robertson, wo arc constrained
TO give MIR. Newton's reply. We must, however,
here close the discussion We do not see that
either OF the gentlemen are SO ccnsurable or
chargeablc with any such improperly az to cali
Tor public investigation. We know them both,
and do not believe that either would desgnsdly do
the othor wong.
To the Eo,reas OF THU WIG
NrssRs. EDrroRs:
Not having personal interview with Mr. Ro
oertson, 1t was my wish to treat him with mild
ness and respect, and to place the most favorable
construction upon his mysterious and ludicrous
conduct at this office. Many things l knew could
nj reflect honor upon his character, was dispos-
ed'to conceal or bury in oblivion, unwilling that
they should be exposed to public view. Knowing,
that ''to err is human, to forgive, divine" But
even acting under the influence of the above gen
tIment, could not for moment Le!iepe Mr. r.
was deserving this lenity of treatment: and his
communication of the ID inst. has fully confirmed
me III my former Impressions.
As he is disposed to bubble and to m,rnif, II.
Tie things to my disadvantage, when no good could
possibly result from it, he deserves be exposed to
public view in his true colors.
In the first place, Mr.. X. accused me of iuius-
tce In not giving his ettor to tho public entire
In this did him no injustice. did feel unwiinr
TO occupy 30 large space in your valuable paper
10 The exclusion of matter moro import ant and in
terestlng but that had any sinister motive or dc
sign to convey wrong idea to the public mind in
Withholding any part OF this letter, pssiticsy de-
ny.
IDLY. Ausion is had TO two lettsrs, containing
money, missont 10 this office, and which Mr.. II.
says, were detained from the 22d TO the 29lh July
Here l must beg leave to call in question, the
correctness of this statement. My assistant in
whom can confde, positively assures me- that
those letters arrived on Monday, the 25th Of July
hal MIR Rob [-,, ,l,n =
day following, making III all oalp four doys and
the only reason why he did not Immediately return
them, was the mysterious manner in which thew
were directed; at the time firmly believing
these letters were not misSeRt, las pretended by
MIR. r. but Intentionally and designedly sent to
this Office! Is there not intrigue herc7 An open
enemy, we stand prepared TO meet, but by q snake
In the grass we arc often bitten unawarcs
by every candid and impartial investigator, the
conduct of Mr.. r.. on the 2sth of July, is viewed,
Ito use the mdest terms as rash, unfriendlv and
inexpedient. Had tho office at Flies been of so
suspicious character, and its conductors volators
OF tho laws that induced Mr.. Il. to proceed with so
much violence and precipancy, as nol even to in
quIre, into the -expediency of the course hs was
pursuing? Let the public decide let those testify
who have been most familiar with the proceedings
at this Office from its commencement If Mr. Il.
really suspected the honesty ofmy assistant las he
pretended, why did he not act calmly and dispas-
sionatey? Why not ride far rs Wilmington and
make known his suspicious to the Post Master, who
would have been as ready to detect any fraud as
Mr.. r. himself? This would have been less trou
Bile, than setting half Goochland in an uproar to
collect posSee, to search for, he knew not what.
No, this would be acting too much upon the golden
rule, this you'd not suit his purpose. 1t was in
the absence of the Post Master, the duty to com
mence his warfare, forcibly impressed upon
his mind, when he could take the ADVANTAGE of an
inexperienced assistant" Bat when foiled in his
attempts, IN making his legal search" then he
coald ride as far Wmin gton in search of the
Post Master. But forbear to dwell, should need
be require, will continue the history of this Quiz
otto enterprise, in number accompanied with such
testimony as will fully show to the public that my
OPINIONS on that subject have not been formed pre-
naturely and that the above picture is not too
highly colorcd.
D. +. NEWTON, P. NJ.