Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1837-02-16
GEN. JACKSON'S LETTER TO
Mr.. CALHOUN.
rrBprAay 1877

In SENArE-Mr. Calhoun said:
have received, within the last forty.
eight hours. = communication from the
Chief Magistrate. eann.et.a with the
bill now before the Senate, Of such a
nature that duty TO myself, as we'll as
TO this body, renders IL necessary that
should lay it before the Senate.
Here Mr.. c. sent 10 the Secretary
the letter. which was read as follows
WAsHMsrox, Feb. 9Th, 1897.
SHIN the Globe Of the 9Th inst.
find the report Of speech made BY
you on the 9TH. upon the land bill
which contains the following passages,
viz:
Was il not notorious that the Presi-
dent OF the United States a,nassJ had
been connected with the purchase Of
fhe public lands, Yes, the "experi.
nent (Mr. Calhoun delighted in the
~ord) was the Case Of speculation in
public lands. and If THIS bill should no,
be passed. speculstions sould no, 20
on. and the price Of the public lands
must consequently be reduced. He
commended that every man could not
but see that "a ssanld h.. ut,~. run 10
those who had borrowed money TO
speculate ia lands, if the system was
not 10 60 on" In q former part OF
your speech. As reported. you say {:
The speculation which q particular
state OF things had given rise Ia, had
been produced by those in power
They had profiied by that state Of
things; and should this bill be passed,
II would only consummale their wish
e." sc. sc. &c.
Knowing the liabilities Of reporters
TO err in taking down and writing out
the speeches Of members OF Congress,
have made enquiry in relation to he
accuracy Of this report. and have been
furnished with certificates Of gentle
men who heard you, affirming that il
10 substantially correct.
You cannot but be aware, sir, that
the imPu,aiions which your language
conveys are calculated, if believed, 10
destroy my character as a man, and
that The charge Is one which. IL true,
ought TO produce my impeachment
and punishment as a public officer
III caused the removal Of the depo-
sites for the base purpose Of enrichIng
myself or my friends BY any Of the re-
Euiis which might grow out OF that
measure, there is no term Of Ieproach
which l do not deserve, and no punish
ment known 10 the laws which ought
not TO be inflicted upon me. On the
contrary. If the whole impUtatiou, both
rs to motive aud fact, be fabrication
and calumny, the punishment which
belongs TO me. IL guilty. is too mild for
him who wilfully makes IT.
arm aware, sir, Of the constitutional
privilege under which this imprtation
Is cast forth. and the immunity which
II secures. That privilege it is in no
degree my purpose to violate, however
gross and wicked may have BEEN the
abuse Of il. But ] exercise ony The
common night Of every citizen, when
Inform you. that the impu,a,ions you
have cast upon me are false IN every
particular, not having for the lat ten
years purchased any public lard, OF
had any interest in such purchase
The whole charge. unless explained
must be considered the Offspring Of a
morbid imagination or Of sleepleis ma
lice.
! ask you, sir, az an act due 70 JUS
tioe, honor and truth. TO retrad this
charge on the floor Of the Senate in a,
public . manner az IL has been uttered.
1t being the most appropriate mode by
which you can repair the injury whic h
might otherwise 6ow from Il.
But ia the event that you faii 10 do
90. I then demand that you place your
charge before the House Of Represcn.
ishyes, ths. they may institute The ne
eessary proceeding to ascertain th,
'ruih or falsehood Of your impu,stion
With view 10 such further measure
a' Justice may require.
II you will neither do justice your
cell, nor place the matter in position
where usiiee may be done me by th'
representatives. Of the people, I shall b
compelled 10 resort 10 tho only Semedl
lea me. and. before ] leave the city
give publicity 10 this letter, by whicI
you will stand s,iEmah1e6 a. one vho
protected by bis constitutional pfisi
lese' - ready 10 stab the reputation o
others. without the raagnanimiiy 10 d.
then justice, or the honor 70 pIac
them ia q situaiion 10 Tscsiss K frou
others. Yours, &c.
ANDREw Jackson.
The Hoa. J. {. cALaoys, q. 8. Sssasa.
p. 5. herewith enclose yoa N
copies Of two notes, verifying the co,
Tsstaess Of the report Of your speee
- ths Globe d the Cab insi. A. J.
FEB. =. 1897.