Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-12-08
Aip WEBSTER


The Boston Courier of Tuesday contained the fol-
loving article. AS political scrap, it is Of Importance
and belonging it does 10 the history of the times IL
is not necessary commend it TO the perusal Of our
friends, TO secure to it ready and prompt perusa
Mr. WrDsTER's OPINIONS THREE MoNTus AGo.-In
August last, john r. Heay, Esq, of this city, men,
Der Of the wing State Central Committee, wrote to
Mr. Webster, asking his opinion upon the expediency
Of making nomination of President at the Wing Con.
venon then soon 10 be held in Boston.
In answer 10 this inquiry, Mr.. Webster wrote two
letters These letters having been by several of
his friends, they have suggested 10 him the propriety
Of publishing them, Notwithstanding they were writ.
ten as private et,ers for the purpose OF showing that
opinions expressed by him at Faneul Hall, on The
Both of September had been previously communicated
in frank and friendly spirit 10 The leading Wings Of
Tie State.
He has consented 10 the publication Of one Of these
letters and deems that 10 be sufficient for the purpose
in,cnded-at least for the present
We give the letter below. The words haiictSed by
US are UNDERSIGNED in the original.
PRIVATE ASp CONFIDENTIAL.
Washington, .4ue. "a, 1912
Dear Sir:-My advice TO the Wings Of Massachu.
sets, (Which fear they are not likely to have great
espec, or) would be- by mans to commit the State,
at This moment, to any body. Events OF magnitude
are constantly unfolding Next year at this time will
be quite season, and nothing appears TO me 10 be ne
cessary but 10 make strong rally for the Slate
Government Such is Mr.. Clay g present POSITION that
no one can fail 10 see the awkwardness of pushing hun
al the present moment. Such proceeding can DO him
good, and fear would be TO give the State 10
the Loco Focos 1t is not to be disguised, that these
premature nominations have not helped the wing
cause in States which elections have baen held, such
os North Carolina, Indiana, Illinois, &c. My own
opinion is, that equally had effects would follow the
same policy if adopted in Massachusetts. write this
in confidence but you may show 1t 10 one or two oil the
Committee. never had q stronger opinion upon any
political question
pray YOU preserve this letter as ] keep no copy.
DANIEL WEBSTER.
John P. Heay, Esq
1t is somewhat singular that confidential letter,
written in the month OF August, should be brought
forward in The month Of November. II is not difficult
10 guess the causes that led TO this production OF MIR
Websers epistle, at this exact junc,ure. The design
was EXCEPTIONALLY good one and The object had IN
view probably will be accomplished.
The letter is now the property OF the public, and will
give rise beyond all doubt, TO criticism and speculation
1t must forever put end to all political association
between Mr.. Webster and Mr.. Clay. There is now
"a great" and impossible gulf between them, be.
yond which neither can pass.
Deeming the letter an important item in The political
history Of the times and worthy of record as mat
Ter of reference. transfer il 10 the columns Of the
Standard-N y. Standard.
WE ASK ron JusrIcE-NoTHlxG MoRE.-The Rich.
mond Enquirer having copied the III considered letter
recently published to the world by Mr.. Benton, we
wouio respectfully call Tue uten'oh y, '"e CIVIL VI
tina, paper the fact that have solemnly, delbe-
rately, and IN authority, asseverated that MT Bldoe
was never consulted, directly or indirectly, by the
President, or any of his Cabinet the subject of the
Exchequor, any other sub ect connected with the
Administration. This, we admit, is in direct contra
dc,ion to the assertion Of Mr. Benton contained in the
letter alluded TO- But submit it to the editor OF The
Enquirer whether he is not bound IN honor TO give Our
stateme nor rather the statement the President and
Cabinet-in answer to Mr. Benton: Let both sides be
heard and then let the People decide the question OF
Observation-Disclosures.