Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-10-04

which yours was, that it was thought proper by
me to address myself to you.
You will do me the justice to remark that In
all the discussions on this subject, have cautious.
ly avoided an exposition of any thing which could
be deemed confidential or private. had also
earnestly desired, not to connect It in the least
with the names of individuals, who are not in
any degree responsible for my acts, aud with
whose feelings and opinions in reference to any
other subject, than that Of our immediate inqui.
~, have nothng to do. You have think un-
generously introduced the name of MIR. Calhoun,
but as YOU have openly charged him before me,
with at least some acts of which | know him to
be innocent, Justice to both you and myself, com.
pels me to say so. Inferring then as you do,
, that there is conflict between the public and
private views of Mr.. Monroe, which | take oc-
cason here merely to deny, and which may take
OCCASION hereafter at large to refute, you say
"the guilt belongs TO those who furnished Mr..
Calhoun with private and confidential cores
pondence, as we'll as Mr.. Calhoun himself, who
violated the most sacred principles of honor in
giving it publicity" II there be anything SO horri-
Bile in that view of the subJect-which # neces-
sary am well prepared to meet, Mr.. Calhoun
ought not to be charged with it. 1t was the act
of Mr. Monroe himself-and he alone ought to
responsible for it. Living he never would have
shielded himself. If called upon, by suffering ano-
Their to be openly charged with that which he him
self had done. His representatives, only claim
to defend him. on the same principles of honor
upon which he would have defended himself
He not only furnished Mr.. Calhoun, bat he
expressly authorised him to publish them. There
was no violation of honor, and when all the facts
are known, it will be clearly shown. Being in
possession Of his reasons in writing for that act.
should feel no reluctance in submitting them to
You. From the candid manner in which they
are expressed. if they do not change your views
Of the act, think they cannot fail to convince
you, that his motives were good--and that no IN
Justice TO any one was intended. If l do not
greatly misconceive them-the warmest advocate
of any interest in thus question. could not object
to them. 1t is proper that should add, that OF
their existence, Mr.. Calhoun is as uninlOrmed
as yourself.
But you say that there is another circumstance
much mere decisive, and refer me to certain
letter, calling the attention Of Mr. Monroe to
the fact alluded to-and, from the pointed man.
ner IN which you mark the tact, which you as.
sumo to be true-that it is Withom contradiction.
YOU seem 20 infer that, because It's without con-
tradlction, it may be made to sustain your posi-
ton. Retaining the strong desire, to which
have adverted, not to refer, unless IT becomes my
duty so to do. to any thing private, still owe to
you candid reply to the remark winch yon have
made There is no shape in which the fact al.
luded to, has not ever reached the eye, or ear OF
Mr.. Monroe, that il has not been contradtcted.
1t is as has representative, and upon his aaahora
tn that contradict ii, and that you may at least
do some Justice to my motives and views, DO
not hesitate te add. it is under circumstances OF
sacred duty, that do contradict it have
every personal motive to be SILENT am bound
to speak.
On one point we fully agree, that il is "to
| the invasion of confidential relations" that this
question must be traced. Bat pardon me, speak
mo that which honestly believe, it is not on the
part Of Mr.. Calhoun. trace it to certain pre-
cious confessions, Of that which never existed but
in the imagination Of the author; and to the an-
annexation Of sudden conversion, which can be
proved to have been as unfounded then. as it is
now insincere. What you or may think or say
will hereafter be very unimportant. Truth will
prevail-and when the period for unnasking ar
rives. If it do not exhibit singular groups. will
: at least acknowledge, that all my anticipations
|, have not been realized.
With great respect your obedent servant,
SAM'L. L. GDUVERNEUR
Ner York. July Sd 1882.
|