Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-05-24
To the Hon. M. Van Buren,.


Gentlemen: ! have the pleasure to acknowledge the
receipt Of your letter of the 9th instant and to return
my respectful and grateful Acknowledgements to the
Democ ratio citizens oil Nashville and its neIghborhood,
for the cordial, we'll earnest expression CT their
appreciation Of my character and services generally,
but more especially of my official conduct during the
most important, and certainly not the least difficult,
period of my political life, which you have communl-
Gated to me in their behalf
Coming from any portion of my fellow-ctzens equal.
y entitled to my respect and regard such testimonials
could not fail Of being very grateful to my feelings;
but will not attempt to conceal from you in how great
degree that qualification is increased by the consider
alton that they have been offered by the immediate
neighbors and associates of llustrous friend, with
whose political opinions and public acts by far the most
important of mine have been closely interviewer,
and who above all other men, has had the best means
of judging Of the motives by which have been acu-
ated
In the course Of my journey, rendered thus far
douby gratifying by the uniform kindness ] have
every where received from my fellow citizens, have
deemed II most appropriate TO the circumstances under
which it is made, the position occupy, and the OBJ
ects for which it was undertaken, it certainly is
congenia to my feelings to abstain from all dis
cussion Of political questions. cannot ! Think de-
ceive myself in believing that, far regards my
self, no additional declarations be necessary TO
enable my counrymen fully to comprehend the prin-
cples by which my pnbllc conduct has been invariably
governed, and the objects have ubored TO accom-
psh.-To communicate these freely TO the people
has been with me never failing purpose and,
| allow myself TO hope, it is one which has been
successfully attained with all who disposed
10 Judge me fairly. That being done, ! am, as
have always been, perfectly content 10 leave the
final decision of public opinion in the hands of those
who never fail, in the end, TO render Just and de-
csive verdict; and will content myself with the SIM
assurance, that the great principles thus proclaim
ed and acted upon by are unchanged and unchange
Mo- cnCf hncn in hand fho of
the Federal Government has subsequently been placed
and the consequences that have followed, are before
the same great tribunal 10 whose decision prefer they
should be submitted, without any comments Of mine;
ANXIOUS only, that the great benefits and blessings
literally promised from the desired change may be
fully realized by my fellow-ctzens. In the course ]
have thus far pursued, it is my desire 10 continue to
the end of my journey.
1t cannot however, trust, be considered departure
from the line have thus marked out for myself should
embrace this occasion TO pay passing tribute of just
ce as well as of affection, to the lusrious citizen,
now enjoying the epose of well spent life in the bo.
of your fertile and beautiful State To him
than 10 any other man living, owing the successful
progress and ultimate re.estabshment of those great
principles by WHICH my administration Of the Govern
me directed and adherence to which has
from you such unqualified appreciation. To his inte-
gritty, mness and perseverance, joined to civil
rage equal to that he has often displayed in the field
Of battle, more than 10 any living, will the people
of the IT, S. be indebted for the final overthrow of false,
and the permanent reestablshment of true principles
Of liberty based the durable foundation Of the Con-
stitution My efforts while in the Executive chair
were in great measure, directed maintain the i'm.
portant positions he occupied on his retirement from
public life; and the result is known to the world.
reciprocate, most cordially and sincerely gentle.
men, your congratulations the concurring results in
every quarter of the Union clearly indicating that
the late struggle, though apparently successful the
part Of the opponents of principles appears only
have paved the way for their speedy and enduring r-
umph The people of the U. 8. are as patriotic and
decided in their action, they sagaeous in obser
walton; and the great mass Of all parties aim only at
the general good. The pride of opinion and the force
of prejudice can do much but it ia impossible they
long continue to blind them the mischefs of those
political errors originating in false principles, now
clearly demonstrated in the consequences they have
produced. Experience and reason those safe and
erring guides, now steadily performing their des-
tined work in producing quiet revolution noseess in
its steps, but swift in its progress-unaccompaned by
any other excitement than the warmth of conviction and
the force Of truth.
Next to the benefits which must always and nsvita