Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-10-03
MR.. WIITS LETTER TO THE NATIONAL.
ANTI MASONIC CONVENTION.

GENTnEMEN:-The unanimous resolution of the
"NationA Anti-Masonic Convention" assembled at
this place, nominating me their candidate for the
Office of President Of the United States, at the en-
suing election, is honor very grateful TO nee as
proof Of confidence from respectable body,
and quite unexpected as il grateful Ny pur-
suits, habits and incinations, have removed me so
far from the political excitements and contentious
of the day, and know well, from close per-
sonal ohseryation.o twelve years how little of at
traction there is in the Office of President of the
United States, to any man who values his own
peace, that 1T was as far removed from my wishes
as my expectations, that it would 10 any por-
ton of my fehow-citizens TO present my name to
the consideration of my countrymcn for that office.
Not only have never sought the Office, but have
long since, looked at it with far dread than of
desire, being fully of it's fearful responsible
ties, and of the fact demonstrated by past expert
ence, that no degree of purity and intelligence that
can be cxerted in the discharge of its duties can
protect its possessor from misrepresentation and
| asporsion.
Give me leave to add gentlemen, that one of the
last quarters from which could have anticipated
such an honor, is the Anti Masonic Convention;
because, adopting, (too hastily am happy to find)
the current rumors of the day, had supposed that
the very principle of your un a war of in
discriminate prescription against all persons thro
out the United States who had ever borne the
name OF Mason; that you would put in nomination
no person who had over been Mason himself, and
who would not, moreover, pledge himselfto become
a party TO such OF iudscrimnate extcrmina-
ton, mad WELD the appointing power of the office
under your dictation: who would not in short, be-
como the President of your party instead of being
the President Of the u. States. ! am happy TO fad
that this is error for should have been grievod
for my country, to the rise Of any party, that
should affect TO upon the Tens of government,
and through the agency Of an autonaton President,
10 direct its powers to the vindctrve purposes Of
party prescription and persecution: and Should
be grievcd, for myself, to learn that there had
been any thing in my life and character, that
could mark out fit instrument for the
execution of such purpose. am relieved from
both these approximations by learning, since your
asscmblaGe here, that you have other object
in view than in effect, 10 assert the supremacy
Of the laws Of the land; that yop seek TO disturb
no portion Of the peuccable and virtuous citizens
of country in the enjoyment of those social
rights which are secured to them Ivy their
stitution and laws; but the contrary, that the
principle which has embodied you, is one Of self
defence, IN the enjoyment Of those rights that hav
ing become convinced by the disclosures made I'M
der oath, by numerousaud respectable witnesses, in
the trials which have been agitating the State Of
! New York. for several years, and by your invesi-
! cations consequent those disclosures, that the
| Masonic Society has become tremendous po-
/ litcal engine, with the power and the DISPOSE
ton TO set the laws ofthe land at defiance, to mark
out and sacrifice is victims at pleasure, and with
/ mpuEity, and 10 silence all individual opposition
! by the mysterious terrors which n dlffuscs
/ Throughout tie community, you have come to
the determination to root out this noxious insti-
tutor if you bythe use Of all the peaceabje L.
| GAL and constitutional means in your po,Cer that
the most effective means of this character which
has presented itself TO you, is by the exercise
Of Xxlr eIeciv9A Ianohise; that deeming every
i - f,y 20 uhe IN accordance with