Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-03-07

General Assembly, not only do not concur, but
entirely dissent from.-I do not deem 1t needfu,
nor would it be proper at this time, and In TINS
form to enter into the discussion of these grave
and important subjects; nor shall | attempt to
trace out the causes which have produced the
min and distress of which you speak, and under
which the country is suffering; but OF one thing
am quite sure, and that is that the present state
of things has neither been caused by the reno
val of the public monies, from the Bank OF the
United States, nor by the course pursued by the
Executive towards that institution. they are,
probably, attributable to other causes, more i'm
mediately connected with the transactions ofthe
Bank ITSELF both before and since the removal
took place.
In relation to that part Of your letter, which
can only be regarded as a censure upon the
conduct and motives of the President OF the u.
States, have but single remark to make,
and it is this: that fthe public conduct OF any
man, ever presented pledge for sincerity OF
motive and purity of patriotism, that pledge is 10
be found in the unwavering principles ana con-
duct of the present Chief Magistrate; than whom
a more faithful and disinterested votary, Pubhc
Liberty never had. and in whose civil maglstra-
CIV, the Constitution and Union of his country
have been Justly regarded as the only basis, on
which the public liberty could safely rest. must
be excused, therefore, for Withholding my as
sent, from the censure which has been cast upon
this distinguished and venerable citiZen!-ln re-
ceiving however, as do, the Resolutions OF the
General Assembly ofmy native State, with the
high respect that is due to them, and giving to
them the consideration they merit, must be
permitted to doubt, whether they express the
public voice Of Virginia; indeed, think 1t more
than probable Of what learn be true, that the
General Assembly have mistaken the opinions
of the people of the State, upon this important
subject; which has arisen since its members
were elected, and in relation to which the dellb-
crate wishes of their constituents, have not been
fully made known. That however, is matter
for the Legislature and their immediate constit
uents.
In declining to comply Gas shall respectfully
do) with the request which the General Assem-.
bly have addressed to me as one OF the Repre-
sentatives of Virginia in the national councils,
beg IT to be understood that do not mean to
call in question the right Of instruction, either
on the part of the Legislature to Senators, or
the People to their epresentatives.-Far from
it. regard this right, as the vital principle OF
our free institutions, and highly important to
the security and protection of the State Govern
ments; and so long as the Federal Government
shall be administered by Representatives, cho-
sen by the unbiased voice of majority of
the People, and subjectto their instruction. liber-
ty will be enjoyed in its highest degree. Ack-
nowledging this right, my conduct shall be Gas
it has ever been) regulated by it; but, in the alb
sence Of instructions from majority OF those
who have honored me with their confidence, |
shall feel myself at liberty to discharge my du-
ties i'm the manner that think right, and best
calculated to promote the safety, honor, and
prosperity Ofmy country.
am Sir very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
ANDREW STEVENSON.
To Gov. J. FLOYD, Of Virginia.