South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1836-11-05
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Au6 Higu iesPoctouiity VI tn0 writer
of tho annexed communication, and the
conviction that we shall give pleasure to
many of our readers by copying the arti-
Gle, induce us to transfer il to our col
umns...NAF. INr.
To the Editors Of the Baltimore Patriot.
SIR: The call made upon me In yeur
paper Of yesterday / feel bound to res.
pond to. i was appointed by the Whlg
Committee Of this city, without my
knowledge, aud associated with two O.
Their citizens, sent 10 meet Gen. HAR.
RIsoN at Washington, and invite him to
Baltimore.
This duty we fastened to perform
and the manner he was received by the
assembled citizens left no doubt Hpon
cur minds Of having performed a vel
come service.
4 met General Harrison without any
recollection Of having seen him before.
l was not igneran. Of his brilliant vieto-
ries in the last war with Great Britain,
s. his bloody victories over the Indians
at Tippeoanos. Blu, l had heard his
private character misrspresentsd, and
now know grossly tredaeed, and was
not entirely free from the influence Of
those representations. On our journey
from Washington to Philadelphia, he
conversed frankly With os, upon the
situation Of the country, and appeared
to have no cencealment on any Of the
topics upon which bis opinion was ask
ed.
The information he displayed upon
all these subjects, the simplicity Of his
truly republican manners, the candor
and charity Of his sentiments when
speaking OF bis politiea, opponents, the
absence OF all bitterness Of feeling
when speaking Of those who had deep
ly injured him, left no doubt on my
mind Of the soundaess Of his head, and
the bsnevolsnee OF his heart.
Twill quote the observations Of Gen.
Harrison az TO his Gtmsss for the Pres
idsncy from which each man may form
bis ewn opinion. We we're speaking
Of the merits and qualifications Of our
Presidents, when he observed ~ hope,
Doctor, cur friends do not attribute TO
nae the vanity Of thinking myself as
qualified for the office Of Presiden. as
Mr.. Clay, Mr.. Webster, Mr.. Calhoun,
and others : aud, in Philadelphia, ma.
king similar observation to a gentle
man new In this city, he added, "and
several efths friends Of the Admins.
tfation. Ne, sir, l knew myself tee
we'll, to entertain such feeling fer a
moment. But this ] may be permitted
to promise, that II the People of these
United States think proper to elevate
ms to the Presidential Chair, l will en-
deaver 10 perform the duties OF the high
trust committed to my charge with
single eye to the prosperity and happi-
ness Of my beloved country, calling to
my aid the ablest and best men in the
nation" The administration Of Gen.
eral Washington commenced, and was
upen the plan new proposed
10 be followed by General Harrison;
and 10 there a man 10 America, SO lest
to the feelings Of the patriot, who would
ne. rejoice to see the Federal Govern
ment brooght back to the glorious days
Of Washington If,here Is, he is I'M
worthy to be called freeman. The
standard for fitness for office is declared
by Mr.. Jefersoa to be, sis he capable,
ID he honest, is he faithful TO the Con-
stitution ," GeH. Harrison has shown
himself capable in the civil government,
of the Northwestern Territory fer 10
years, appointed by MIR. Jefferson
himself /; ia the many treaties he con.
cluded with the Indians; in the conduct
Of the las. war against the British aad
Indians
His honesty no man ought 10 doubt,
who knows the opportunity be had, a
bove any other man at the time, Of
making himself rich by specializing In
the publie lands, while Governor Of the
Territory, and his signature alone me-
cessary for its transfer. But be thought
his Office precluded him, and he avoid
ed the temptation, which few would
have resisted, by never purchasing an
acre except for his own use.
His fai,hfalness to the Constitution
was not doubted by Mr.. Jefferson and
MIR. Madison, who therefore continued
him in Office, and the denial is not 10 be
found among the charges made by his
enemies.
ASHTON ALEXANDER.
BALTiMoTE, Oct "a, 1886.