Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1832-10-04
CORRESPONDENCE
Betwesn s. L. Gouuerneur and r. Z. BLAIR.
FRAscIs P. BLAIR, ESQ.
Editor of the Globe, Harrington.

FRANcIs P. BLAIR, Esq.
Editor of the Globe, Harrington.
Sir-I have read with great attention an edlto'
rial article in your paper Of the 9Th inst to which
respectfully ask permission to invite your at
tention, and which have no doubt you Will rea.
Oily call to mind. l am free to acknowledge that
take this step after full reflection; but with all
the diffidence which ought to attend 1t. 10 re-
frain from mingIing at all in the discussions OF
topic, which has already been productive OF so
much excitement, has been my earnest desire.
In departing from that course, reluctantly as
d. even SO far as this letter suggests, have en-
couutered all aud the strongest motives, which
could induce me to be silent. The known re-
Iation in which | stand to the subject, IN many
respects, cannot possibly have escaped your re-
collection. | can readily suppose that transcen-
dant obligations Of feeling and duty Imposed up
on me. under circumstances Of the most sacred
nature, are yet unknown to you. Representing
in high degree the honor and fame Of James
Monroe, and having been made by direct appoint
ment, the depository Of those materials which H.
lustrate the history as well as the purity OF his
public and private life, should consider myself
indeed unworthy of the trust, if could shrink
at any sacrifice, from fearless discharge Of the
duties it imposes | assure you that have toll
lowed the progress Of this discussion with the
deepest regret; and finally to point where
had earnestly hoped it never would reaeh.-to
point where it becomes imperative upon the re-
representatives. of Mr.. Monroe boldly to challenge
the evidence on which insinuations against his
parity and honor are made and repeated. or to
suffer without an effort to arrest 1t, that his cha
racter be shaded by Inspirations of the most de-
cided duplicity and Of the most contemplate eva
sion. A declaration made short time since BY
an Honorable Senator in his place. did not escape
nv notice. do not doubt that il was made. un-
der an honest misrepresentation of the subject Of
his remarks, nor that he would not have refused
at the time, on respectful appeal, to have Pac-
ed me in possession Of the evidence on which it
was founded. II were wrong III declining an
interference, at that period OF time as we'll as
at snme other. when the subject has been agItated.
MANY an honest motive may suggest itself to you.
to Justify nv silence: as well as to indicate the
deep regret with which it is broken. The paper
to which refer leaves me- no alternative. and
whatever results may flow from my interposition,
feel bound to offer it.
You will do me the Justice TO observe that
co'hne nv attention to the remarks, and those
ou,y, IN which sincerely believe that great IN
iastice Is manlie>fly done to the character and
memory of M. Monroe. You distinctly charge
that II, conducting the Seminole War ''GeneTat
jackson va, IN tact acting under the secret or.
GERS OF rhe G"vcrnmentn |; is impossible not
to observe, that although not personally named
il must be the unhoub,ed Inference, that he was
~ possession of secret orders from MIR. Monroe,
directly at variance with those which were made
known to the public That while Mr.. Monroe
,ii.avow.d before the world his conduct IN F'ori
da as transcendins his instructions, but the me-
l. (.I. ,od fha nnfi
of which he never called in question:. and which
for good and efficient reasons he chose To sus.
tain; he had privately encouraged and promoted
the very acts which he subsequently dlsapproved
That he suffered Gen. Jackson to bear the brunt
of an Investigation of the most painful character,
for an alleged high offence against the cons'itu.
ton and laws. when he himself had made him his
own instrument for palpable violation OF both,
and withheld from him the means OF triumph.
ant defence.
wish you distinctly to observe, that 1t is the
purport OF your remarks respecting Mr.. Monroe.
and their effects, to which alone | advert.
claim to vindlcate the memory OF the dead, and
far be it from me to desire to detract from the
living. touch not the laurels which are worn
by the hero. but only ask that they ol'om not
over the dishonored grave OF the statesman. II
is the obvious inference from what you say, which
[ can never admit. II it be not your intention
to make it clear. the matter from which 1t newt
ably springs. deserves your correction. u on
the contrary YOU intend, and think you can sus-
tain it. challenge the investigation. II Isl so
Tenn charge. and ought to be gravely consider,
ed. l have no feelings to indulge but those OF
affection and duty toa deceased relative and
friend, but in which, must admit, mlngle
! those Of an American citizen, proud to recognize
IN his name, one of the distinguished patriots OF
our land, and tree to lend willing hand to res
cue his character from any and every importation
of di.honor. | cannot but believe that when
you revert to the article in question, you will re-
alize its manifest injury, and that so Tar from
lending their names to support the grave charges
which it bears against the honor of MIR. Monroe
both of the distinguished individuals who are
connected with the discussion, will take just
pleasure in furnishing the materials to correct the
error Being myself possessed OF many valua-
bic documents. fully Illustrative oil the facts 10
question, | shall feel il incumbent on me, on a
proper intima,ion. bya frank exposition OF heir
contents, to contribute to fair distribution OF
Justice to all. With great respect, &c.
SAML. l.. GOUYERNEUR.