The Illinois free trader and LaSalle County commercial advertiser. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1841-1843, 1842-07-22
CONCENTRATIONS.
AIsOse Woodruff, Esq.

MesSrs. Eaitors--I have just read a
communication signed by Alison Wood
ruff, pretending to be an answer to the re-
port of committee who, he says, were
not appointed by any portion of respecta-
BILE citizens nor responsible to any one,
but by faction ora set of factions Of in
divduals, and thai their appointment orr
gina,ed with one or two who were actua-
ted by selfish and malicious motives, that
it is one of the most glazing attempts at
fraud aud falsehood that the people of ibis
county have ever seen or heard Of, and
that it could have originated with no other
individuals nor emanated from any other
source. AS one of the committee, am
free to acknowledge that the different sub
iects did not receive that attention which
their Importance perhaps demanded, and
that there may have mistakes occurred. but
not with the intention of injuring any one
The committee were appointed a, mass
meeting of the most respectable citizens
of this county Of all classes and, perhaps,
the largest meeting that ever was conven-
ed at Ottawa, and not by a disappointed
set of Office seekers. as is asserted in that
communication, nor do recolect Of see
ing worthless man nor a disappointed
Office seeker, except Mr.. Alison Woodruff
there, and believe that, at his instance,
was added to the committee, much
against my will, as all will recoiect that
were present, and therefore, whatever I'M
proper views may individually have en-
tertained or whatever improper course
may have taken, whether in making mis-
takes or being correct in duty, is entirely
chargcable to his improper interference IL
meeting, called and conducted by homes
men and such meetings are formidable tc
rogues only. would not have noticed
any thing this lamb of innocence has said
were his object not solely to draw tht
public eye from the main object the peo
pie have in view in appointing this com
mittee The committee have not yet clos
ed their labors. and vii, meet some day
hence, when they will be happy to correc
any mistakes that have occurred and vii
prosecute the further investigation Of tn
subject for which they were appointed
Much as regret to have any thing TO d.
with men of Woodrulf's stamp, must
nevertheless, notice few points that h
has adverled to, and first, he has given
garbed statement of the facts in relailo
to the court house and jail, which are, i
many respects, wholly untrue, but
which the committee will attend whe
they meet and place them in their tru
light. The next subject is the cour, hous
fence. This, he admits, is reported co
rec,ly, but comes cut with statement
several mechanics (who are all men
worth and vcraci,y) who state that in the
opinion, the fence could not be built for
less sum, considering the funds, Tan
they might have said, the management,
know that these men worked by the d.
and that their wages were very low
good mechanics. They we're paid ST.!
per day, which is no more than th,
should have received in gold or slvt
Now, if good mechanics were employ
at no higher rate for county orders til
they would have received in good none
the conclusion is irresistible with me, Il
sixty panels Of such fence should be bu