Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-12-28
70 THE EDITOR OF THE E.yo uIRER.

ly to myself al the present moment There occa
SONS, however, IN which feeling must yield to duty
Such IS the situation in which have been placed by
the Unexpected and gratuitous manner in which 1t has
pleased the Representative from Norfolk Borough &c
dag my name and conduct before the public in con
nexion with recent appointment, in which | GER
,ainly had no concern, and for which was not can
ddate. | must, therefore, ask the publication oil
this note, with the enclosed letter from Commodore
Hull TO which allusion made in your article Of
Friday 1t was written, rs you will perceive, immedi.
ately on his return 10 the u s. in the Summer of 4
and addressed to me in London As it my inten
ton, at a suitable period, to make public this letter
Having permission TO do so, do not know that
lit occasion for that purpose will present itself Than the
present. With this view, now transmit the letter Of
the Commodore, which you will be 80 obligng rs to
publish in your next paper. fiatter myself that it
will place my conduct in its true light before the pub
lie, and show with what propriety and justice, it has
been made subjec, for accusation and reproach.
II may not be unimportant also, that the publ
cation Of the letter should be accompanied with brief
reference to the circumstances under which felt
justified, in interpcsing in the matter. In the first
place | will remark, that no who was not in
England, during the Spring of Al, be able, justly
appreciate the actual state of things, which then
sted speak advisedly when say, land appeal to
cyery American who was then in London, TO confirm or
deny the statemen that the relations OF the two coan.
tries that PERIOD of the most critical and doubt.
fol character In the midst OF the deepest national ex.
element which pervaded the whole kingdom and the
was 10 be seen, convince the scepca that
ous as both Governments were for peace, war; nowith
standing, might be the result Indeed decided was
my opinion, upon the subject, that expressed more
than once my views TO our Government and did he
state 10 state that the question of peace war,
deemed so equvccal By most of those best informed
mon the subject that thought the Government should
be prepared fur any event that might arise. more
over knew full WELL that war did ensue, II would be
sudden and that our squadron in the Mediterranean,
| he 4
those seas might in oil probability, be sacrificed. The
truth is that the that then passing and
crowding upon another, and marking each sue
ceednr day, with some fresh preparation, both of q
military and naval character were such, as TO i'm
press upon the minds of many of the most cool and
rejecting men (both American and Engllsh)
ylc,on that rupture between the two countries was
far from being improbable. The Press, TOO, of the
whole Kingdom, Ia potent engine IN every thing con
nscted with National concerns) was daily filled with
articles of most begerent and revolving character,
we'll calculated to keep up the agitation and excite
ment in the public mind, and give 1t no time to cool
Under such state Of things, who is it that serious.
ly believes that | should have discharged my duty,
even as American citizen, much less the Repre-
sentative Of my country (f | had failed TO apprise
Commodore Hull OF the state Of things in London,
and enabled him 10 decide upon the course, which
It might be proper fur him to take with his Squad
ron: Did not tic bare possibility of war, leave
me without an alternative Besdes-what would
,
the midst of all that going under my own
eye, and in the face of my communications to The
Government, could have hesialrd for moment, as
to the course which it proper to take: Who is
there that doubts, that If had remained silent and
passive, and war had unfortunately taken place, and
Squadron been cut off, should not only have in
CURED the deepest responsibility but justly meried the
od'um of my whole county: None will venture TO
affirm.
That i, would have been more agreeable to me
personally TO have been spared the necessity oi
taking any step in relation 10 matter of this sort
whic at all times from it's nature must tie of delca
cy and embarrassment none, probably, will doubt; but
between feeling and duty there was but to
pursue, and that | did not hesitate TO take. | am
therefore, yet learn that did perform high and
responsible duty This is my answer, and this the only
xplanation which shall, probably ever deem it pro
per to give.
One word more, and shall have done, l hope
forever, with the subject. In relation TO the course
which the representative from Norfolk has chosen
TO take, with regard TO this matter, certainly have
no plant TO make. If he can reconcile it TO his
own feelings and sense of proprety and Justice be II
So am content. The public will doubtless give il the
weight which it merits. In the course, however, of
public life very Short have gained experience
enough TO learn, that Party, at BEST but bloody idol
and that TO man, whatever his character or services
may have been, ever hope TO escape lis violence
and strife but yet, in behalf of all that is sacred and
dear TO private lfe must protest against the right OF
any man. his representative character 10 drag before
the public the character and conduct Of those who
no. in public stations even for Party purposes, and
make halls of legislation mere arenas for political
and party strife. a. SIEVENsoN.
December &c, 1912
! TCoMMopoRr HrIL's LETTER TO Mn STEvESsos.l
L. S. Ship Ohio,
HARBoR OF BosTos, July %, lS41.
Sir: Since my return to the United States from
the Mediterranean, have been panied and mortified 10
find that your lete. to me Of the 9Th OF March last
has been made public, by official report made to the
Senate by the Secretary of the Navy, and that has
been referred TO- the leading of the return Of
the U. S.. Friga,e Brandywine, from her station. II
due tu you, we'll as to myself, that full expoh
ton of the pursued on the receipt Of your
letter, should be made. The which has been
taken by others, you have no doubt seen, and rus
you will understand my position.
Your letter, and from J. Hare Powell, Esq, or
the subect-were received by me at Mahon, or
the 23d of March The information conveyed together
with the tone assumed by the French papers, led me
to believe there could be little doubt OF the result
the exciting questions pending between Great Britain
and the United States. ! without instructions u
govern me in Of rupture and felt myself place.
in rtry critical situation The first move might bt
Important and before taking it, deemed it proper Il
cali Council Of the Officers holding commands o
vessels in The Squadron. The Council met on The
Gath Of March, at which there were present beside
5 myself, Captain Bolton of the Brandywine, Captain
E. A. F. Layallette of the Ohio, Commander Voorhees,
oi the SiooP'ot ar, rleoie; ano my secretary, ~"
John Eheridge. The object of the meeting was made
known my views were expressed, and your letter
and that Of Mr.. Powels, read, and the officer
present were requested to make known their sent
, ments. Minutes Of the proceedings noted at the
J, time by my direction. This council confidential
I and do not think the officers of my own ship wer
acquainted with the views expressed, or with the re
snlt of the meeting. Captain Bolton requested to b
furnished with copy of the minutes; his request va
e complied with; not officially, however, but intende
II memorandum; such only was the record taken
only extract of which furnished by me, to III
y Navy Department.
e On the day after the meeting of the Council, DIRE,
up The orders under which the Squadron was to move
in which one word said in relation TO your let,e
neither reference made to the Council of Officers, bu
they directed the Commanders of vesses as follows
"Tha you proceed to sea, and make the best OF you