The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-07-28
JNo. BELL
WAsnINaroN, July "a, 1910
our obi scrvan,


WAsHNdroN, July "a, 1910.
Dear Sir-I have received your letter Of the 10Th
instant enclosing the invitation of the Wing Central
Committee Of Washington county Tennessee, re
qucsting me to meet the Hon Felix Grundy face to
face, in fair and open discussion, on the subject Of
national politics. before the citizens Of your county
fear shall not be able to reach Jonesborough in
time 10 meet Mr. Grundy, as the resolution proposes.
learn that he left this city day two before the
adjournment; while on my part, having devoted the
last four five months, may say, exclusively to the
business of the Committee which IT was the plea
sure of the Speaker TO place me The duty OF an
swering great number of communications from my
friends al distance calling for important IN
formation, and others requesting my attention 70 va
rious matters Of private business in the Executive De
partments postponed until the close of the session
and it will be impossible to set out on my journey
home before the Both inst As soon, however, as
make the distance between this city and the East
Tennessee boundary, with my family, | shall be at
the service Of my friends, and OF the people whose
cause they advocate, in any way | can be useful 10
them
If Mr.. Grundy arrange his visit to Jones'
borough allow reach that point at the same
time shall be happy. If he cannot do SO, and
my Wing friends think proper to arrange meeting
for free discussion between myself and any other
less distinguished champion Of the Administration
shall not decline il Nor shall want either leisure
or inclination to give my attendance wherever both
sides ofthe great questions of the day be discuss
ed in the hearing Of the people without distinction Of
party. While this is the true republican mode of con-
Quoting public discussions it is the best, by far, of
4 eli he truth Is at no UTno heat
Of preventing the intrusion Of incorporate and
violent passions into the canvass
If j, would not be thought presumputous in me,
would propose to Mr.. Grundy, or Gov Polk, to
both, arrange the public meetings they expect 10
attend between this and November next wherever
it may be practicable, in such manner that can be
present; while my part viii endeayor 10 consult
their convenience and engagements 50 as admit the
attendance Of one or both of them at any meeting
may be requested to address At the same time will
pledge myself on my part TO avoid every topic of dis
cussion strictly public and national in its nature
and bearing
The machine Of Government is sought 10 be wrest-
ed from its natural and legitimate functions and turned
to private This is the great struggle in all
free countries. Invention is always on the rack for
the means of appropriatng the benefits of a common
government to the exclusive enjoy ment oil the ofcla
incumbents and their tavori,e followers When this
is the effort on the part Of the rulers whoever they
may be- the interests Of the great body Of the people
are no longer thought of
The crisis is a fearful one have witnessed its APP
proach for years The country expects every true
man to do his whole duty This is new task TO
me. have devoted myself to this cause with zeal
which has not slackencd either in victory under
defeat for many long years | never paused in the
battle because our legons supposed to out
Der our adyersarcs | have been often the watch
when others slept their posts rejoice to find that
a higher estimate is now placed upon that priceless
virtue in a republic, eternal rigildnce"
The appeal is to No feelings but those
of patriotism love of justice, and equal rights, need
be invoked, as vet. Though the day may come, when
a scene Of injury and oppesson--of Indignation for
a country's institutions dishonored and overthrown,
may call forth deeper passions, and awaken different
energies That time, ] hope, may not come but if
it should shall be ready to do my duty then well
as am, sir
Very respectfully,
Your obdt servt
JNo. BELL.
SAMUEL GREER ESQ,