The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-08-29
POLITICAL.

correspondent requests US to publish Genl.
Jackson's letter to Gov. Ray, of Indiana, and
SO much of his letter to DIR. Colman as relates
to the Tariff We comply with the request be-
low. 1t will be seen that he was for judloious
Tariff, and thathe took the ground that, having
been nominated for the Presidency, he wouldnot
answer interrogatories put to him, unless dictat-
ed by friendly feeling. The following isthe
letter of Gov. Ray:
First we quote the letter of General Jackson
to Governor RAY, of Indiana, under date OF the
29th Of February, 1928.
His E4cellency J. B. RAY,
Goc. of Indiana.
HERMITAGE, Feb. IS, 1898.
Sir-I have had the honor to receive your tx
celencys letter OF the 30th ult enclosing resolu-
lions of the Senate of Indiana, adopted, as it APP
pears, with a view of ascertaining my opinions
on certain political topics. The respect which
entertain for the Executive and Senate of your
State, exclude from my mind the idea that an
unfriendly disposition dictated the interr0gato-
ries which are proposed. But will coufess,my
regret at being forced, by this sentiment, to de-
part, in the smallest degree, from that determi-
nation with which 1 have always acted. Net,
sir, that would wish to conceal my opinions
from the people upon any political or national
subject: but as they were in various ways pro-
mulgated in 1924, l am apprehensive that my ap-
pearance before the public at this time, may be
attributed, as has already been the case, to inn
proper motives.
With these remarks pray you, sir, respect
fully to state to the Senate OF Indiana, that my
opinions at present are precisely whatthey were
in 1928 '24, when they were communicated by
letter to DIR. Colman, OF North Carolina, and
4ehen coted for the present tariff and dzlp1o-
pfiationS. for Internal improvements. As that
letter was written at time when the divisions
of sentiment, on the subject, were as strongly
marked as they now are, in relation both 20 the
expediency and constituionality of the system, II
is enclosed herein; and beg the favor of your
Excellency to consider it part of this ccmmu-
nication. The occasion, out of which it arose.
was embraced with hope of preventing any
doubt, misconstruetion or necessity for further
inquiry respecting my opinion on the subjects to
YOU refer-particularly in those States which
YOU have designated as cherishing policy al
variance with your own. Topreserve our1nva
1uable Constitution, and be prepared to repel the
invasions of foreign foe, by the practice oil eco
nomy, and the cultivation within ourselves, Of
the means of national defence and independence
should be, it seems to me, the leading objects o.
anu system. which aspires to the name of Game
.rican," and of every prudent administration O
our Government
/ trust, sir, that these general views taken il
connection with the letter enclosed, and thu
votes referred to will be received as a sufficient
answer to the enquiries suggested by the resolu
tiens of the Senate. j will further observe tt
your Excellency, that my views of constitutions
power and American policy, were imbibed in nc
small degree, in the times and from the sages o
the Revolution, and that my experience has no
disposed me to forget their lessons; and in con
cluslon, | will repeat that my opinions remain
as they existed in 1928 and "a, uninfluenced by
no hope of personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, and an
sure they will never deprive me Of the proud sa
tisfacticn of having always been a sincere anc
consistent republican.
have the honor to be, very respectfully, you
most obedient servant,
ANDREW JACKSON