The native American., 1838-07-28
(Cop!y.)
The Hon. John Forsyth,
Sfcrefdrv of State.
WASHINGTON, july 10,

4 ne Hon. JOWN FOTSyn,
Secretary Of State:
SIR-At recent meeting Of the Native American AS.
sociaon, of this City, body consisting of nearly one
thousand members, il Was represented that William b.
Benson member o the Association, who has for
years held humble post in your Department, the
prons {: which were essential TO the comfortable main
tenance Of his family, recently removed from
Office, for other than that lis having been
rolled member of the Association rendered him per-
sonalIy obnoxious to the Superintendent who, for
tinate than his victim, had the happiness 10 have been
born under the dominion OF foreign potenta,e.
The Association could not, and do not presume 10 de-
part from their appropriate sphere TO interfere with the
undoubted privilege OF the heads Of Departments TO make
their own selection OF agents perform tho subordinate
duties of their several Departments; but is due to them
selves, Association and citizens of free
ty, to repc insult at all times, however high the
from which such insult may enanate. They cannot al
nit that be born in the United States TO have served
with honor and fidelity in her armies to have endured
the pers, privatons and hardshps ol soldiers Iiic
time Of war; and to be enrolled amongst those who esteem
matter of graduation and tankiness TO have been
born free soil, are sufficient Tor the withdrawal
Of confidence ~ ccc ,c 70 Indebted for the power 10
appoint and to the singular lbcray Of American
institutions. And you will not be surprised that
moval from office, for the last reason Indicated is con-
sdered insult to the Association to which Mr.. Benson
belongs
But the Association, unwilling to yield entire credence
the representations made, without careful examna-
ton into their truth, have charged the undersigned to
address this communication to you, and respectfully
quest that proper investigation may be made into their
truth and ii found to be tue, that Mr. Benson NAV be
ordered to be restored to his office. They cannot permit
temsel,e to believe that American Secretary of
State will willingly suffer any act of oppression or in
Justice to be perperated under color of mis- authority or
by any officer whose elevation has been derived from
him. They feel assured, from your weestabisled re.
putaton that TO insure Justice to an individual is only
necessary that his be brought fairly before yon;
and they entertain no apprehension that the degree OF
redress will be merely measured by the humble condition
oil the injured Individual.
The undersigned deem il proper 20 saw that Mr. Ben.
son s IN possession of honorable proofs that he served
with zeal and fidelity for five years the army Of the
United States large part of which term was passed on
the field of battle against the enemies Of his contrv. and
at the time Of his discharge from the service he enoyed
the rank OF sergeant to which he had been
reward OF his merit and services as a soldier since
his removal from Office he has been furnished with mos
unequivocal certificate Of good conduct by th;rtv fv r
spectacle gentlemen, heads of bureaus and clerks in the
building occupied by the Department Of State
The undersigned do but justice to the Association in
assuring you, that in troubling the Secretary Of State
with this communication, they are as desirous do full
Justice to him public officer as to the humble indi
vidua whose they propose for his consideration
II will be gratifying to the undersigned to be enabled
10 lay your reply 10 this letter before the Association
their general meeting on Wednesday next.
With great respect and consideration
Your obedient servants,
's'' rs Z s nSSSSSs: jSSSs, Committee.
The Report, upon motion, was accepted.
Mr.. Ii. S. Cross then offered the following re.
solutions, which were unanimously adopted:-
Rcsolced, That composed as Of members Of the
different political parties known throughout the country
consider the disregard OF John Forsyth Secrear,
of State TO the respectful address of Committee upol
the outrage done TO the rights of Native American by
subordinate foreigner in that Department. insui
TO the whole of our fellow countrynen who endeav
orng to build up national feeling and national char
acter by our own People.
Resofped That we hold The conduct Of John Forsyth il
allowing foreigner in bis Department to remove ar
American without just cause, who has served the country