The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-07-27
MIR. VAN buren, AND THE CATH
OLICS.

We find the following correspondence in the
Albany Argus, and as we believe that this press
was the first to bring the extract before the pub
nc, we hasten, as it is duty to do, to lay it
before readers. Much as we are opposed
to the reelection of Mr.. Van Buren,, we could
not accomplish his defeat by the publication of
an untruth, or by Withholding correct information
from our readers in relation to any charge made
against HIM. We leave to the Argus and the
pensioned press, the use of falsehoOds.
RT. Rev. SIR July l, 1870
A paragraph appeared in the Catholic Herald
of July 8, 1884, purporting to be an extract from
the U. States C1tholic Miscellany, regarding
the elevation of Judge CASTOR, and the test oath
which at that time disgraced the statute books
of our country. In it is asserted that Martin
Van Buren, refused Francis Cooper his seat in
the Legislature, because he was Catholic. As
this paragraph is being made political tool by
the Observation-Disclosures and as am we'll
aware that you had no political object in view.
your lordship will exceedingly oblige and con-
fer a lasting favor the Catholics of this dis
trict by giving your meaning of the subject in
question.
With sentiments Of most profound respect. 7
remain your lerdship's obedient and humble SER
want. On behalf of the Catholics of this dis
trict. PATRICK SHARP.
Beach street, Schuylkill,
near Georges street, Philadelphia.
RI. REV. Dr.. ENGLAND.
The subjoined is the reply, which is in every
respect highly creditable to the writer, and puts
the whole matter at rest forever
Charleston, S. C. july IL, 1910.
Sir: Your letter of the LIST instant has been
received by me few days since.
I had NOT ipiSilrn IN Inolr int tha 6Ias e tI,o
Miscellany for the article until this day. | find
that the statement copied into the Catholic Her
aid of January, 1884, respecting MIR. Van Buren's
opposition to allowing MIR. Francis Cooper of
New-York to take his seat in the legislature of
that state because he would not take oaths incom-
patible with the Catholic religion, appeared first
upon the United States Catholic Miscellany of
December 18th, 1888. | also recollect and know,
by particular token, that the article was writ
ten by myself | then believed the fact to be as
there stated. | have long since discovered that
it was not so, and have received abundant and
satisfactory proof that MIR. Van Buren is totally
innocent OF the charge there made.
Had 1 made a charge against Gen Harrison.
would feel myself bound in honor and con-
science to do as / shall TOYS ards Mr. Van Buren,
to retract it WHEN | found it untrue.
You ask me for an explanation; feel bound
to give it equal publicity gave to the change
ITSELF and shall give It to the editor of the Mis-
copy of which shall be sent to you
Meanwhile, l must, however unpleasant it |
may be to appear before the public in The present
political agitation, leave you at liberty, should
you deem it necessary, to publish this, because, |
when have, though unintentionally, occasioncd |
an injury, it would not be either conscientious
or honorable to permit my private feelings to be
an obstacle to its being repaired.
l remain, sir, with sincere regard,
Your obedient and humble serv't.,
John, Bishop of Charleston
Mr.. PATRICK SHARP, Schuylkill, Phila.