Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-09-01

From the Voice Of Freedom.
JUDGE MATTOCK'S LETTER.
The reader will see that one man has dar-
ed to give his views in relation to questions
propounded two weeks ago He has not
scorned to tell promptly and fearlessly, what
his course of action will be, in a supposed
case of emergency, and for this surely hon
or him. 1t is characteristic of John Mat
tocks. was aware. and was when penn
ed the questions, that during the pending of
an election, candidates were placed in DEL
icate position as to answering questions on
which there existed difference of opinion
among their friends. Nevertheless, as
deemed all the elections this year would
have bearing on the Presidential election
next year, | thought it proper to breach the
subject, so that the freemen Of this State
might act accordingly.
Mr.. Mattocks has answered in so full and
| frank a manner as to merit the praise even
Of his political enemies, and in such way
as TO show respect to myself and abolition
lists generally. For this he has my sincere
thanks.
The Judge asks me to pass merciful
sentence upon him, should | think him en-
PERTAINING erroneous opinions on this sub
ject. will say then, as in substance at the
outset, | have no doubt at all that he is re-
solved to do Just what he thinks will be best
for the interests of the country. ! have ev-
er maintained favorable opinion Of his up
right, straight forward principles, since /
first became acquainted with him, through
the public press And what he has here
advanced, has rather strengthened than
weakened that opinion.
But must close, by asking the readers
to weigh well the reasoning of Mr.. Mat
tocks, and then take such a course as you
shall Judge duty dictates. That he would
discharge the duties of Governor, if elected,
with ability and fidelity, no doubt is enter
tanned. The following is the Judges letter
PEAoHAM, July 30, l643.
Mr.. Holcomb, Sir Il have this day re-
ceved your paper, the Voice of Freedom,
of the 9th inst, in which there is a letter
from you, quoting a remark from the N. "
Tribune, which, after giving the names Of
persons nominated by the Vermont Wing
State Convention, says, "All these gentle.
men are unwacering, incorporating friends
of Henry Clay" And in your letter,
among other things you say, "But how is it,
Messrs. Mattocks, Eaton and Spalding ~
and again, "What say you gentlemen, are
you willing, and will you give me your
views Immediately, in writing, that they
may be published in the Voice?"
These are fair questions, and fairly put
and the fear that my views may not be sat
isiactory to my brethren the abolitionits, i!
no reason why they should not be frankly
answered, for every freeman should vote un
derstandingy.
/ say, then, that as to my being an "un
yavering, uncOmprOmising friend of Henry
Clay" it is not so. am not and neve
have been, in any manner or form, commit
ted to him, nor to any other candidate fo
the Presidency; but have tho't and often
, that it was yet too early to select candidat,
and that it ought to be put off to the la
test practicable period, and then decided
with great consideration in view of the theI
state of public opinion. But this is not
full answer; for l understand from you
whole letter (Which is too long for me t,
, quote at lengthy that you in substanc,
also enquire will you in any event vot
for Henry Clay a STAKEHOLDER, for Presiden
! of the United States?" Answer, | will :
and as you make me a witness against my
self, you will allow me to give some reason
! why altho your letter does not call for m
reasons, but seems to assume that my gull
or innocence depends entirely upon my ad
mission or denial of the opinions charge
f upon me- Yet as you are an intelligen
and candid man, and moreover, as | under
! stand, good Wing, / can not but hop
g that when in your editorial chair, you com
: to Judge my case, if you can not acquit me
: you will make some allowance for erroneou
S opinions, if you think them honestly held
: and freely confessed and that the sentenc
I may be passed upon me in mercy.
. Being an Abolitionist, and also Wing,
a should greatly prefer candidate for Pres
dent that is orthodox nnon both these card