Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1840-06-25
To Gen. WV. H. HAralsOs, CineiMnati, ora


neuralgia, or sun pain, as IT Is commonly called,
which was so much increased by writing, that was
obliged for some time 10 do bGs very little IN ihht
way. When ! recovered, my Unanswered letters
had increased to so fearful mass that have not yet
been able to get through it, even With the assistance
Of my conscience keeping conm,ttee And although
have adopted the method OF getting ma OF large
portion Of them by committing them TO the flames IN
stead of he committee such the constant inter-
ruptions 10 which am subjected by constant
stream of visitors that SIN able 10 make very little
progress in lessening my file. You have in the
above my apology for treating you with apparent
neglect which it impossible that should do, as
well from your high standing IN society, as from
the regard feel for you in consequence OF 1he long
and intimate friendship and cOnnexion between our
fnmes. But for these reasons, candor induces
me TO say, that could never baye brought myseh
to answer the political perl OF your letter dt ALL
am convinced that upon reflection you viii your
self, think that it was totally unnecessary, for
cannot suppose that my personal friends ana CON
nexions in my native State could think that was
less of a gentleman OF an honest man than those
ardent politicians farther South. Stsniy, Altoid,
Legare, Dawson, King, &c, &c. They take II
for granted that | could not suffer my Vincennes
speech and others to be quoted by my friends 10
show my opinions on the subject of sbolitonlsm,
il | did not hold those opinions at this tme-they
have, therefore, treated with scorn and contempt,
the charge of my being an AboliuonlSi, and iruiy
assert that ! have done and suffered more TO sup
port Southern Rights than any other person north
OF Mason and Dix.oos line have had, indeed
great number of applications from individuals,
(nne-tenths. at least, my opponcnts,) requiring me
10 reiteraie what have SAID or written upon the
subject Of the u. Bank, Abotionism, &c. ]
have declined to answer them OF late dtal' amongst
other reasons because it vas physically impossible
that should do it, and they all require my oPln-
ions in manuscript, particularly addressed to the
writer's, they should not be satisfied ~uh my writing
one letter and sending printed copy to each /
was determined, however, TO avail myself OF The
first favorable opportunity, and referring TO the
letters and spe, ches had made on the subjects
have mentioned, TO endorse them all. This have
recently done in a letter to committee appointed
by the Wing members Of the Legislature OF New
York. You will probably see 1t published by the
time this caches you. In relation 10 the discussion
between Mr. Randolph and myself IN the Senate, OF
which a statement is annexed 10 the address what
better evidence could be gwen. that there Is no pos.
sibiliy ofsais!ying my political enemies 10y any thing
that could write, than the garbed account which
they have given Of thai discus-lonf 1t the charge
made upon me by Mr. Raadophis authentic, taken
from a newspaper report surely, my answer 10
him should be considered so also. IL is worthy 81
remark TOO, that Mr.. Randolph made no reply to
m, answer to his attack and that he was not nun
to leave matter in that situation II hs could avoid
1.-THE truth s, that believe that he really regret
ted bis attack upon lie repeatedly told inc so,
and frequently solicited me bury the Ratchet
at friendly dinner with b m, which agreed to do,
At the dinner were MIR. Calhoun All. hafne aud
General Hamilton and many others, all but myself
of the then Jackson parry Our friendly intercourse
was never afterwards interrupted. In reply TO
al ih The old Fp-
deral party, will state to you The circumstances
under which received Two appointments from Mr.,
John Adams In the year 1886, General Wayne
left the Army Oh a visit 10 Phlade phia. / had
been recently married and rendered 10 hin my resg-
nation as his aid decamp, but he declined receiving
II; saying he could very well dispense with my ser
vices in his journey ltwss DUNG is trip that he
obtained the promise of Gen Washington TO give
me u civil appointment, as had expressed my de-
tcrmina ton to leave the Army. tbs promise, the
President repeated to m, brother, Garter b. Harii
son, then in Congress, with some very kind remarks
upon my condncr in the Army. Wnen Gen. Wa h.
ineton left the Presidency, have reasons to believe
that he Obtained promise from Air. Adams 20 fulfil
his intentions. When the office OF the Secretary OF
the North Western Territory became vacant, Mr.
Adams appointed me, although was opposed by
Col Pickering the Secretary of State. Ia 1899,
selected by the Republican Party of The Ier'io-
rial Legislature to be their cabd datei the appoint
ment OF delegate to Congress. Between Nc. Arthur
ST. Clair. Jr the SON OF Gov ST Clair) the Federal
candidate and myself, the votes were divided pre-
cisely as the two parties stood in the l. gslnture.
with the exception OF one Republican vho WINS in
duced by his regard for the Governor TO vote Tor hs
son. The vote was ii to 10, not Of the nine
Federalisis voting for me. Before ltf Cincinnati,
the Republican members made me promise not to
suffer my known opposition to The measures OF the
Administration interfere with The attainment OF
the great ohiectfor hich was sent. Upon my ar
rival in Philadelphia, Sas received by Mr.. Adams
in the most Ha,tering manner. AT his dinner par
ties where, | was often guest he seemed TO take
grea, pleasure in speaking Of my fathers services
in the Revolutionary Congress, relating many onec-
dotes TO show his devotion 10 the cause, and the eff
feet which his peussntries produced IN cheering hem
in the gloom, which the occasionally unpromising
state of their affairs often produced. had no
versation with MIR. Adams on politics. firther than
to explain to him my views in relation To the charge
in the system OF selling the Public Lands, which
was glad to fad he approved. As soon a. the law
was passed for the division of the North Western
Territory. was informed that 1t was the intention
Of Mr.. Adams to nominate me TO the Government
of Indians. ] hesitated not moment to declare
that ! would not accept it although very much pres
sed TO do so by several leading Federal members Of
Congress. | was not long ndiscovering the motives
ofthose gentlemen. There had been some meetings
Of the people OF the Territory. in which resolutions
had been adopted recommending me to the Presi-
dent for the Government, Of the Territory, (Nofth
Westeru) instead Of Gov. ST. Clair.
Those resolutions, with cores pondent addresses,
had been forwarded to the President aud Senate
Now 1t so hsppensd that Two dlsuns Senators
had fixed their eyes upon the same Office. Oae OF
them, who had been most urgent for me to go 10 la
diana, had large possessions in the North Western
Territory, which Was probably one reason for his
wishing 10 20 there. But The main object was to
secure the Tenitory TO the Federal party, when it
should become II State, which II was kuo~n would
soon he the case. To carry out this plan, il was
necessary to get me out Of the way. The appoint
ment was pressed upon me, notwithstanding ny re-
fusa TO take H. AT ength, my relations and friends