The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-06-18
Gen. Hurrison's Reply.


My DEAR SIR When received your letter
of the l4th April, was very unwell with yio-
lent cold in the head, which terminated in inter
mittent neuralgia or sun pain, as it is commonly
called, which was much increased by writing,
that was obliged for some time to do very little
in that way. When recovered, my unanswer-
ed letters had increased to so fearful mass that
| have not vet been able to get through it, even
with the assistance OF my coRsci ence-keeDine
committee. And although have adopted the
method of getting rid Of a large portion of them
by committing them to the flames instead of the
committee, such are the constant interruptions
10 which am subjected by a constant stream Of
visiters, that am able TO make very little pro
gress in lessening my file. You have in the
above my apology for treating you with apparent
neglect which it was impossible that | should
do, as well from your high standing in society
as from the regard feel for you in consequence
of the long and intimate friendship and connec-
ton between our families. But for these reasons
candor induces me to say, that could never
have brought my self to answer the political part
of your letter at all. am convinced that upon
reflection you will yourself think that il was to-
tally unnecessary, for cannot suppose that nv
personal friends and connexions in my native
State could think that Twas less of gentleman or
anhonestman than those ardent politicians farther
South--Stanly, Afford, Legare, Dawson, King,
&c, &c. They take it for granted that could
not suffer my Vincennes speech and others TO
be quoted by my friends TO show my opinions on
the subject Of abotionism if did not hold
those opinions at this time-they have there
fore treated with scorn and contempt the CHARGE
of my being an abolitonst, and truly as
sert that have done and suffered more to sun.
port Southern rights than any other person north
Of Mason and Dixon's line. | have had in
deed, great number Of applications from pdi
vduals (nine- tenths, at least my opponenisl
requiring me to reiterate what | have said ~
written upon the subject Of the q. s Ranl
Abolitionism, &C. have declined to answer
them Of late at all; amongst other reasons he.
cause il was physically impossible that sbonla
do il, and as they all require my opinions in
manuscript, particularly addressed TO the writers
they would not be satisfied with my writing one
letter and sending printed copy to each | was
determined, however, 10 avail myself of the
first favorable opportunity, and referring to the
letters and speeches had made on the subjects
have mentioned, TO endorse them ALL This
have recently done in a letter to a committee
appointed by the Wing members of the Legis
lature OF New York You will probably sre il
published by the time this reaches you.
In relation TO the discussion between Mr. Ran
dolph and myself in the Senate. Of which =
statement Is annexed to the address wbat ho,,ar
evidence could be given, that there i no nos
sibility OF satisfying my political enemies bv
any thing that could write than the rarbled
account which they have given Of thar dscns'
sion7 II the charge made upon mo bv AZ
Randolph is authentic taken from a newsnane,
report, surely, my answer TO him should be con.
sidered so also II is worthy Of remark, too