Richmond Indiana palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1837-1839, 1838-10-20

: GLiSit PRISON.
To the Editor OF the Albany Evening Journal:
: NEw York, SErr. %, 1888.
: My Dear Sir,-Yours OF yesterday calling my
. attention to article in vour paper, together
with a commentary it by the Argns; came to
hand this morning; and although the affair is rath-
: er of a private than public nature, Yet the
persecution l experienced on the eve of my de-
, parturc from England most unquestionabiy had
its origin IN political enmity, have no hesita-
ton IN giving you the particulars of the Disgrace
, fHl transaction TO which you have alluded Ii |
could with a clear conscience. consider aught that
the Argus says, calculated in the slightest de-
gree to In IRE the character of a political oppo-
ncnt, might add, that having repeatedly, since
my return. narrated the conduct OF Mr.. John Van
Buren, in this transaction, | am bound in honor to
relieve YOU from the charge of .infamous fdbrica-
ton" made by the Argus Bu; the character and
standing of that corardly and reckless pamier of
a corrupt administration, IS too well known 10 rem
der any defence against his opinions necessary.
viii, therefore, relate 10 you the facts OF my ar
rest in Bristol on the afddru of Mr.. John Van
Buren,, of Albany.
1t is well known YOU that sailed tor Eng
land on 7th Of May last. in the steamer Great
I Western; and il understood hv my friends ct
the period OF my departure, that went abroad
! for the purpose of establishing Il correspondence
for the Courier and Enquirer different parts Of
Europe, and that would return in the July trip
of the same steamer. Among my notes payable
falling due during my absence, was one drawn
eighteen months previousy-ior which had new
err received any considera tion-which had been
obtained under false Pretences--and which the
holder, in March last, agreed never should DO pre-
scented for payment it | would abstain from max
ing known the circumstances under which 1t was
obtained, and not go before the Grand jury ask
an Indictment for sa-indliag. Upon this nssur
ance left the country, knowing that the note in
question would fall due in a few days; but made
no provision for payment, in the full nvict!on
that the certainty of indictment and punishment
would prevent any being made OF IT. Bat IN
this l was mistaken. Ii appears that prominent
political opponent in Albany heard of the exis-
tence Of the note. obtained possession OF 1t, en-
dorsed and lodged it in the Bank OF Albany for /
collection, caused it to be regularly protested
when due, and sent ii to England for prosecution.
was in London from the time of tho corona
ton until short time previous to the sailing .oi
the Great Western. The son of the President of
the United States was there at the same time
the associate of Princes and Mobiles, and treated
with degree of courtesy and attention OF WHICH,
in common with every American, was proud,
viewing did, the signal distinction with which
he received by the Queen, as evidence of her
respect for the United States. During this period
] lille dreamed that he was in any way connect
Cd with Il contemplated proceeding against me,
having in view my incarceration in foreign pri-
son; and you may imagine my surprise, when in
Bristol, and on the evening prev ious to the sail
ing of the Great Western, was arrested at the {
suit Of the City Bank of Albany upon process q
issued out of the Kings Bench and order to hold v
me TO bail. procured by the affidavit of JOHN I
VAN buren,, the Of the President of the a
United States. q
On learning from the sheriff''s officer that he .
was directed to require bail to the amount OF one
thousand pounds sterling, and knowing no person :.
o whom could apply in Bristol, at once pro- u
posed that he should post to London with me, ii
where could procure the bail required, and by t,
lard posting get back Bristol in time to save v
ny passage in the Great Western. But was n
hen toId-and the officer exhibited feeling
he occasion which did honor TO his humanity NJ
hat by the law bail could be received except III
of the city of Brstoi--that from the ~,
manner in which the suit had been commenced, In
here escape from its penalfios e. that ,t
must find such bail among entire strangers, or &C
be consigned TO a prison. bl
l win not attempt to portray my feelings TO Jt
e thus kidnapped into prison in foreign land tn
nd that too by the affidavit of the son of the il
,hief Magistrate of my country, was well calcu tn
tied 10 excite in my bosom degree of indIgEa-
on which cannot be we'll described. But there
'as no time to be wasted in the indulgence of re- ~
ections upon the character of the proceedings or
,e deep disgrace in which it involved my perse "o
ltors. Bail, immediate, local, and satisfactory
all, the cell Of foreign prison, was the alter
attire prosecuted me the suitable punishment
an opponent Of Martin Van Buren, Let any
an of the slightest sensibility imagine what
n
I'd no difficulty in arriving at the conclusion,
at the prospect of incarceration IN for
gn,prison did not appear more appalling TO me, no
an the alternative of applying for aid to one SCI
ION whom had no claims, and to whom / was 10
y known in consequence of his having extend
to me the Inequalities ofhis table. Bat it was
e to myself and family 10 make the application; Of
ID RoBERr BRIGHT. Esquire, OF Bristol, with on
gree ofprompiness which evinced the generous are
I'd noble character of the the simple tiy
rance that he should not suffer, gave the requi-
e bail, and thus completely thwarted this well
AIMED scheme to disgrace political opponent. SOL
OF the conduc. of Mr.. Bright and Of my new Of
to be eradcated feelings ofgratitude. this is no
zee to speak. Those who appreciate true ~
bleness Of character, will require no fkompting &c
estimate his value and my gratitude; nor can Inf
y honest American fail to appreciate an act, Pei
itch, in point Of fact, was compliment to the {
nerican characfer-for my only claim on his N
crafty consisted in nv being American nv
flee it to say, that the Great Westerns on her l
1t trip will take out the full amount of the be
i'm. to be deposited for the protection of my vii
il; but as the law of this State is applicable to
!. case in the English courts. not a dollar will nv