Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-08-08
By This Days .EEOiR.
POLITICAL.
From the Philadelphia U. S. Gazette.
TO THE PUBLIC.
LETTER 9.

Correspondence ,cih I'tomas Rtt,hie, Esq
hnd myself comneled to intetrupt the re-
gular current of these letters, and of course, to
break in upon the consecutive details of past
events, by violent, personal. ard scurrilous
attack, from the pen of Thos Ritche, ESQ Ed
t'r of the Richmond Enquirer who, to his othef
numerous functions OF public and political char
acter, adds that OF "A defender of the Jackson
faith, and especial guardian of the infaliblity of
of the president. An assault ON such quar-
ter demands attention. When Mr.. Richie
speaks, nation listens the fate of the country
hangs trembling on his pen; and every disciple
of reform bows his head,-as the voice of the
Apostle announces the doctrines of truth in the
tone of consistency and patriotism.
Effects cease IL be wonderful, when the causes
that produced them are expounded. The pique
and modification Of a private letter, from me 10
Mr.. Rltche, has produced effervescence Of
political rage, that no possible combination of
public circumstances could, perhaps, ever have
brought forth, however formidable or threaten
ing TO the country. In this fact while | per
ceive and acknowledge a fresh instance of his
patriotism, cannot omit to observe, that |
should have felt more of that admiration which
ms pre-eminent consistency excites-had he
shown more the GOODNESS oftemper, and, self
possession, that characteristics age. in his brief
but bitter philippe against the Protocol of the
Original Jackson men, which challenge him to
anaiyse confute. While, however, l scarce
y regret that priuute aorong, and not a pub
lie grievance, has excited HIM SO much from his
wonted propriely, cannot but rejoice that the
lniIrmitlcs which accompany old age, however
piteous to behold, have afforded me an oppnrtu-
Lity Of revealing to Mr. Richie, some of those
ALTERATIONS on the part of gen. Jackson, from his
purItanlcai creed, of which he either remains in
ignorance, or has the hypocrisy to discredit
AS venerable Gator | would fam treat Mr.
Richie with a thai Difference and respec, due
10 gray halrs-bu thai his age has ia led to
y be isln
the virtue, which should accompany the vel
toto ieoJ OF the deci ing politician. Mr.. Richie
mas been all IN the wrong since 1923. He be-
longs 10 past age He is piece of history
a monument of other tlmes-a remnant of things
lost in the political flood. His instincts-his
perceptions-his judgment-are 100 year in the
rear OF this political epoch. As well might
mummy of Egypt upcoIl its own baHdages, as
Mr. Richie fit himself for the political era OF
1881 Had nature even reversed her laws, and
given his mind vigor as his body decayed in
strength-stl would Mr. r. prove unequal to
the task he has assumed-even supposing that
hattery had not destroyed the little vigor which
age and vanity had spared. But to business
The principle charge adduced by Mr.. Ritch-
lie, is having solicited general Jackson to stand
a candidate for reelection.
The facts are these:-About January of this
year, much speculation was aaoat touc hing the
Identical point which is made the ground ,oort
o. me r. otocot-wheIheT general Jackson would
FORFEIT his character for consistency and good
ialih, by running for a second terme Under
standing him even theD--wel acquainted with
his lnordinate ambition. and The little respect
ne paid to any principle in it's gratlfication ]
ventuIed TO mountain that he would press his
suit for re-electisn-whst those in the inter
est ofthe Pennsylvania Inquirer toho toere then
opposed to him--took the opposite eround-in-
SlSllns he would retire, to save his character
and fame. In order to ascertain the fact, ad
dressed note to Major Eaton, asking the
question. HIS answer was cOuched in the usual
canting terms-that general jackson neither
sought nor declined Office, and that, if again
nominated by the people, he would az ain be
cand date An extract from this letter was
published In the Pc nnsylvania Inquirer, and
formed the sem-official notice that he was
candidate Tor recollection | have no COPY of
my letter, but have distinct recollection, that
II contained mere request to know the deter
mnaton OF general Jackson touching second
term; and, although Mr. Richie appears to have
oeen Ggoh'scd under partial violation of the
sanctuary of private correspondence, I can
scarcely believe Eaton to have been SO base, our
Lewis so reckless, as to provoke that fatal re-
tdlt1lion, which such a dishonorable procedure
might excite.
But horo did the people Of Pennsylvania solicit
gen Jackson to become a candidate for re- electi-
on! The whole process is well known TO me as
combining the trick ofthe juggIer with the art of
the ChaTlaian. letter was written bv Mr.
Henry Iotand, then residing ,eith general Jack
son, at Wastington, to MIR George Guie7- qua.
ger IN the custom-house of this city, urpinr hin,
10 cali public meeting to nominate the president
Tor re election. A slmil lar letter was written 20
general RrepPs, of the leg stature at Harrisburg
ranked by general Jackson himself and written
by Dit Andrew J. DOnelsoD, his private secre-
ary-urgiug Mr.. Krepps 10 call a caucus of the
members 10 re-nOminate him! AT his period |
DIR. John Pcmberton, navaI o6icer, of this port,
was also al Washington, and was also active
IN this (nrce Of nomination Of The Doople! |
|hen the whole proceeding emanated in,ne- |
lately from general Jackson himself, or those
l1iding commissions under him, or those deem. |
y indebted to hun for the highest obljpaiion., |
The CAUCUS at Harrisburg, was attended bv |
niacrity Of the legislature-ond the mceftno /. |
bis city, by less than a hundred active persons
Comment on such system is supernuous. I, |
you'd insult the understanding of the pecnle
we're it necessary to tell them they were ,riclied
buscd, and delrouded, by such hgerant abn.o
# the power Of government over public opinion.
" such mockery Of all that has affinity ~ non
lar movements, popular prcdilections. or popp-
1r nominations. No, Mr. Ruchie-wben
General Jackson IS nominated for rc-elec- /.
loD, tmust be through tie peopte-not through
us QDfce hodleTS-Bot by kissys from she ,niaee