Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-03-26

Washington Correspondence Of tie ". Y Co,t.
r5a <.

Washington Correspondence of lie ". Y. Co,.
ria s. Enquirer.
There have been so many rumors within the
last ten day s, on the subject OF meeting that it
was said would take place between VIM Cost
Johnson, and Lieut. Barry, of the U. S. Army.
that have taken some pains to enquire into the
facts. ! always refer TO these subjects with re-.
greet, but, belies ing. as do that misrepresenta
tons have, in this case been put in circulation,
will detail tle c.rcums stances, as have reason
TO suppose correctly. know the public curiosi.
ty on such occasions, and perhaps the sooner il
Is eratified the better.
1t will be reeolieeied that about ten days a.,
Mr.. johnson, IN debating the post office aiss
tion spoke IN strong terms Of reprobation of the
manner in WI rh that department had been con
Quoted Among other remarks he said" They
are rotten from head to heel;'' or words to that
effect.
The next day he received letter from Ma
Jor Barry, the Post Master General, inquiring,
whether, IN his remarks, he intended 10 I'M
peach his honor private gentleman Mr..
johnson replied that he did not admit the right
OF public officer TO demand of him an cxplana-
ton OF words used in debate, reference 10 that
officer. That with his (Mr. Barry's) private
Character he had nothing 10 do: but that h had
said, in sp aking Of tn Post Ofice Dtpaftaip .
that " thai they were corrupt from II AL hcci :"
that IA should stand by il. and that h would
take nothing back. To this lac received no an
swVr.
On the third Of March, he received by the
hands Of Mr.. Pcyton Of Tennessee, chai ne
dated 9th Of Febtuory from Lieut. Barry OF the
army. The reason assigned was thv language
used IN reference TO his father. for which be- de
manded satisfaction, and that has friend Mr.. Pey-
| ton, would make the necessary arrangements,
| with Mr.. J9hnsons friend for the meeting
| MIR. johnson replied that ne did no, admit the
| right to make the demand, sc. &c, bat espc.
H.. 4 -
would however, waive every objection of the
kind and give Lieut.. Barry the satisfaction he
demanded. He then informed Mr. Peylon that
he insisted on the meeting that day By 3 O'Clock
| an the afternoon.
| Shortly after Mr.. Pcyton requested logger
| time. During the interview, he asked MIR.
johnson whether he would not dsavow having
made any reflections on the private character Of
| Mr. Barrya He replied that he would disavow
nothing; that the meeting must take place on
that day or the challenge be withdrawn Mr.
Pey ton suggested referring the matter 10 honor.
able MIR. johnson said that satisfaction
had been demanded from him, that he waiv ed
his official privileges for the purpose of yielding
| that satisfaction, and that while the challenge
| was not Withdrawn, he should do nothing &c
change the responsibility.
Mr. Peyton having consulted Col. Richard "a
johnson aud Mr.. Wise Of Virginia, these gentle
men drew up brief statement, concluding with
disavowal that he Cost Johnson) had intend
ed TO impeach the private character or honor Of
| the Post Master General, which Mr.. Peyton
| brought to Cost johnson aud requested him &c
| Sign. He replied he would sign nothing. Thai
| there were three points he would not concede.
He would not go behind his letter to the Post
! Master General
| He wou..Ii rctraci nothing said in debate.
, Tho cb,,"'.-nge must be Withdrawn or the
meeting take place i..N day. e.
Col. r NJ. johnson and rIr. " Use men Grew
| up and signed statement, that they had heaIc
! the remarks ofthe Hon. VIM Cost johnson "
debate, and that they did not think any thIne
! f.ll from him impeaching the private character
| of the Post Master General. This was salts
factory to Lieut.. Barry, and the matter was thu
fortunately terminated