Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1834-10-04
AN ExceLLBxr LrrER-In the diplomatic

An ExcELLENr LETER.-In the diplomatic
correspondence of the United States, published
under the direction of the Secretary OF State,
NAV be found the annexed letter from tailor
in New York, acting in the capacity oil Alder
man. 1t appears that in the year 1887 the tai
lor had issued writ against servant oil tiie
Dutch Minister, NJ Van Berckel, not knowing
him To be a servant of that functionary. Inc
Minister took offence at the proceeding, deeming
n an innovation upon his rights, and complain
cd TO the Mayor, at whose request for an eX-
nlanation of the circumstances, the following
letter was written. II evidences the spirit OIL a
freeman. 10 roo
q "SrR,-In answer to your letter OF the Itn In,
slant on the subject of complaint exhioiteo
AGAINST me by the Minister OF the united Ne
therlands, beg leave to inform you substan-
tally of nv whole conduct in the business, rom
which YOU will be enabled to judge whether l
have, in the least been guilty OF the vloiatloh OIL
the privilege of an ambassador
0On Tuesday. the 18th December last, IS
sued a warrant against a certain James " an
Antwerp. at the suit Of John Van Geldert, Tor a
debt. which warrant by mistake dated tne
18th instead Of the 18th. That on TUESDAY
following received two messages from MS Elk
cellency, Mr. Van Berckel, desiring me 10 wait
on him Immediately; accordingly left my bu-
s;ness and went to his Excellency's residence,
when. after waiting in cold room Tor quar-
ter of an hour, his Excellency appeared, ana
asked me my name, i answered John whey;
he charged me with having issued writ against
his servant which denied; then asked MN
the name of his servant, and on ms answering
Van Antwerp, | said had issued war a.'
against a Young man Of that name, not Know
inc him to be an ambassadors servant but sup
nosing him 10 be in the service OF Mr.. stevens,
as was informed by Mr.. Van Geldert, the
plaintiff at the time of issuing the warrant.
6 His Excellency then said should be maze 10
know his servants; replied that dld noI know
that was obliged to know him or his'servants,
but in the way that was right. He then direct
ed me TO 90 home and mind my tailoring, that
T had no business to be an alderman replied
that had supported myself for many years
by the tailor's business, and hoped Tor the CON
tinuance of the favors Of many qood lrlehos
who had employed me in that way: that as 10
The office ofaiderman, the people had been pleas
ed 10 elect me, and placed my hope in high
er mower than that of his Excellency for support,
in the execution of my office. he then said
should be punished, as falling under his notice.
I replied, | asked no favor OF him; he theh ask
ed me if | did not know that his person was sa-
cred; l replied; did, and had Done nm no IN
Jury. He then repeated the threat that he would
punish me; and again answered, asked no
favor; then setting himselfin the window, ne
asked me if | thought him fool | ansWefeo
that the oeople of the States of Holland would
be wanting in their duty, if they should send
fool on so important an embassy. tnen askeo
him if he had any further commands, ana On re-
ceiying no answer wished his Excelency
good morning. On my leaving the room, ne
Tepeated the threat Of punishment, and repeat
ed the answer that asked no favor. have the
honor to be, &c. JOHN WILEY