The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-06-18


arnay, On yisit 70 Philaa .lpbis. bad been
res,ently married and rendered t. BIN my resig-
nation as bis aid-de-camp, but he declined re-
eeiying it ; saying, he could very well dispense
with my services on his journey. 1t was during
this trip that he obtaiued the promise OF General
Washington to give me a civil appointment, as
had expressed my determination to leave the
array. This promise, the President repeated to
my brother, Carter B. Harrison, then in Coz :
gress, with some very kind remarks upon my
conduct in the arny When General Washing
t,a left the Presidency, have reason to believe
shss he obtained promise from MIR. Adams to
flAnl 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. In 1879, was
selected BY the Republican party, the Terrific
rial Legislature to be their candidate for the APP
pointment of delegate to Congress. Between MIR.
Arthur st. Clair, Jr,, 0he son of Gov. st. Clair)
the Federal candidate and myself, the votes were
divided precisely the two parties stood in the
Legislature, with the exception of one Republic
can who was induced by his regard for the Gov
ernor to ote for his son. The vote was ii to
TO- not one of the nine Federalists voting for me.
Before left Cincinnati, the Republican mem
bers made promise not to suffer my known
opposition TO the measures of the Administration
to interfere with the attainment of the great OBJ
philadelphia. | was received by Mr. Adams in
the most a1ttering manner. At his dinner par
ties, where was often guest, he seemed TO taEe
great pleasure in speaking of my fathers servI-
ces iii the Revolutionary Congress, relating many
anecdotes to shew his devotion to the cause, AID
the effect which his pleasantries produced in
cheering them in the gloom, which the OCCASION
ally unpromisng state of their affairs often pro-
duced. | had conversation with Mr.. Adams
on politics, farther than to explain to him my
views in relation to the change in the system OF
selling the Public Lands, which was glad to
find he approved As soon as the law was pass
ed for the division of the North Western Terri
tory, was informed that it was the intention of
Mr. Adams to nominate me to the Government
of Indiana. | hcsitated not a moment to declare
that would not accept it, although very much
pressedto do so by several leading Federal MEM
bers OF Congress. | was not long i'll discovering
the motives of these gentlemen, There had been
Some meetings Of the people OF the Territory, in
which resolutions he'd been adopted recommend
ing me to the President for the Government OF
the Territory, North WESTERN Instead of Gov
st. Clair
These resolutions, with correspondent address,
es, had been forwarded to the President and Sc
nate. Now it SO happened that two distinguish
ed Senators had fixed their eyes upon the same
office. One of them, who had been most urgent
for me to go to Indiana, had large possessions in
the North Westam Territory, which was proba-
bly, one reason for his wishing to go there. But
the main object was to secure the Territory to the
Federal party, when it should become State,
which it was known would soon be the ease
To carry out this plan, it was necessary to get
me out of the WY. The appointment was press
ed upon me, notwithstanding my refusal to take
it. At length, my relaticus and friends, the
Messrs. Nicholas, Wilson, Cary of the Senate,
and John of the House, prevailed me to ac
cept it. They pointed out the advantages to my
self, and assured me that there was no doubt OF
MIR. Jeferson's election in the ensuing Novem-
Der, and that would be continued Governor of
Indiana, and some Republican succeed Governor
st. Clair in the North Western Territory.
/ therefore accepted the appointment, with
determination, as Indiana had no voice in the
choice of the President, that would take no part
in the contest.
| have thus given you full account of my
connection with The Presidency of MIR. Adams 1
will conclude by saying that Mr. Jefferson lost
no time after his Inauguration, to assure me of
his favor and his confidence and think there is
Sufficient evidence that retained both to the end
of his administration
In answer to the enquiry why used the word
abolition in designating society OF which
was member i'll Richmond, i'll the year 1871, |
instead Of the word 'shumane,' which is known
to be the one by which the society was really |
distinguished? All that can say upon thu subject,
is, that if did really term it abolition socie-
ty, a fact which can hardly believe, (for have
not oeen aole TO see the paper containing my ou-
dress to the people of the District in 1929 it
must have been from forgetfulness, which might |
easily happen after lapse of q years. AT any
rate, the word abolition was not understood to
mean in 1922, what it now means. There can
be doubt that the society of which Mr.. Tarl-
ton Peasants was member, and which in his
publication in the Richmond Wing, he calls the
ssHumane Society of Richmond," (and by tbs
title Judge Catch, who gave me the certificate
in 1922; also designated it,, was the same OF
which L was member. Mr.. peasants was
member in 1897, | in 1884, MIR. Robert Pleas
ants was the President at the former period, as
he was when I was admitted.
do not wish what | have said above, to be
published, but have no objection that the facts
should be stated, and reference made TO me as
having furnished them
have written to friend in Congress, Mr..
Joseph Williams, ofTennesee, showing the con-
nection which existed between the Hamilton
county Corresponding Committee and myself,
and authorised him to make it public.
was about to make some further obserya-
tions, when was interrupted by party of gen
tlemen, from Louisville, and must conclude BY
assuring YOU that am, Very truly, yours,
w. II. HARRISON.