The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-03-03
From the ". Y. Sun
Bolts Us. UPSHUR.

we have said very little upon this case, because
considered 1t unworthy Of any serious attention. 1t
appears like an effort the part Of Mr. Bolts to add
something more to the unenviable notoriey which his
= Coffee House letter has given him. Chafed and
mortified by the odium which that exposure drew
upon his head, he seems determined to sgnalize him
self by venting his spleen upon all persons connected
with Mr.. Tyer's administration, and "heading" the
Lieuenants as well as the Captain. tat
He commences his attack upon Judge Upshur the
able and popular SecretoIy of the Navy by charging
him with having advocated dissolution of the Union.
And how does he attempt to fasten this odious charge
upon the distinguished SecretaIy2 Does he adduce
single line that he ever wrote, or single public
speech that he ever made any public private act
that he performed to sustain the accusaton' No,
but on the contrary he dags into his service casual
conversation between several gentlemen on board of
steamboat some seven or eight years ago, during the
notification excitement. This, like other incidental
steamboat talks to have passed almost entirely
from the minds of all who beard it engaged in it,
except John M. Bolts who is able to bring out from
his prolific brain every word and thought as if
it had occurred but yesterday. And his accommo-
dating memory has taken good care to preserve it in
Just such form and shape will best suit his presen
purposes
We do not believe that the public mind would have
been much impressed with this charge, coming from
such source, and founded such proof even if the
Secretary had wholly neglected to reply to it.. He
has, however, chosen to put eXtingusher upon it,
and has done so by the testimony of several witnesses
OF unimpeachable integrity, who present at the
conversation and who, although they do not pretend
to recolect like Mr. Botts all the details of the con-
versation board the steamboat able to recall
the general tenor of it far to state that the re-
marks of Judge Upshur were altogether conditional,
preferring notification to secession, and speaking of
dsunion only preferable to greater evils, which,
under certain circumstances, might into opera
ton Fortunately, therefore, he has been able to ac-
quit himself of charge based upon such unfair and
unreasonable testimony
But there still remains important consideration
connected with this case. Is the precedent to be
tolerated of arraigning public functonaries be-
fore the world for every word that may fall from
their lips in times of high political excitement whilst
travelling in steamboats,, railroad cars, or stages'
Above ALL are they to be held answerable for such
casual remarks seven eight years after they are
made, and that too upon the testimony of witnesses
actuated by such motives and feelings as those of
John M Bolts If so, no public man, however pure
his character consistent his life be safe The
gross improperly of such attacks is strongly exem-
plifed not only in this case but in similar wanton
assault, which all our readers must recolect, upon
the pure and spotless character of Mr.. Benjamin F.
Butler, also founded upon casual steamboat CONVEX
sation, which was half reported and wholly garbed
to suit nefaious purpose. General contempt should
reward the instigators in both cases. We desire to
the opinions acts, and characters of our public
servants thoroughly investigated and truly developed
but we protest against this unfair, unmanly, and de-
testable mode of assang them. 1t is wholly beneath
the dignity of just and high-minded people.