The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-08-22
GENERAL. NJATTOCKS.


JUDGE MATIOCK'S LETTER.
The leader will see that one man has dared TO rive
his views in relation to questions propounded two
weeks ago. He has not scorned to tell promptly and
fearlessly, whit his Of action will be- in sup
posed case of emergency, ard for this surely honor
him. II is characteristic Of John Mattocks-I was
aware, and was when penned the questions, shat
during the pending Of an election, candidates were
placed in delicate position to answering questions
on which there existed difference of opinion among
their friends. Nevertheless, ms deemed all tho cleo
tons this year would have bearing on tho Presiden-
tal election next ycnrI thought proper breach the
subject, that the frecmen of this State might act I'M
| dcrstardingy.
MIR. Ninttocks has answered in so full md frank
manner ns TO merit the praise of his political en-
cmics, and in such way to show respect to my
self and abohonists generally. For this he has my
sincere thanks.
The Judge asks TO pass II mercrul sentence
upon him, should think him entertaining erroneous
opinions on this subject. will say them rs in sub.
stance at the outset, have doubt at all that he is
resolved 10 do Just what he thinks will be best for the
interests Of the country. have maintained "a
vorabe opinion Of his upright straight forward prin-
cipes, since first became acquainted with him,
through the public press. And what he has here nd
vanced has rather strengthened than weakened thnt
! opinion.
| But must close, by asking tho readers to weigh
well tho reasoning of Mr. Mattocks, and then take
such course you shall judge duty dictates. Tint
he would discharge the duties of Governor il cleo
ted, with ability and fidelity, doubt is entertained
The following is the Judges letter:
PEAcuAM, JULY %, ls43.
| MIR ilolcomb Sr:-I have this day received your
! paper, the Voice Of Freedom of the 9th inst, in
which there is n letter from you, quoting remark
from the N. Y. Tribune, which, after giving the names
of persons nominated by the Vermont Wing State
Convention, says, can these gentlemen are unDcper
ing Incorporating friends o. Henry Clay" And
IN your letter. among other things you say, "Dut how
is it, Mcssrs. Matiocks, Eaton and SpaIding?" and
| again. What say you gentlemen ARE you willing and
will you give me your views Immediately in writing
| that they may published in the Voice.
These are fair questions, and fairly put; md the
fear that my views may not be satisfactory to my
! brethren the Abolitionsts, is no reason why they
should not be frankly answered. for every freeman
shoul vote understandingly.
! say, then, that as to my being an "unuarering,
incorporating friend Of Henry Clay" it is not So
! am not and never have been, in any manner or
| form, committed TO him, TO any other candidate
for the Presidency; but have tho't and often, that il
was yet too early to select candidate and that il
ought TO be put of to the latest practicable period and
then decided with great consideration in the view of
| tho then state Of public opinion. But this is not
full answer; for understand from your whole letter
| (Which is too long for me to quote at lengthy tina,
you in substance also enquire twill you in any event
vote for Henry Clay, stakeholder, for President of
the United States?" Answer, will; and as YOU make
! mo a witness against myself, you will allow me TO
give some Of the why's altho your letter does
not call for my reasons, but seems to assume that
my guilt or innocence depends entirely upon my ad-
mission or denial ofthe opinions charged upon me-
Yet as you are an intelligent and candid man, and
moreover, as understand. good Wing, can not
but hope that when in your editorial chair, you come
to judge my case, il you can not acquit me, you will
make some allowance for erroneous opinions, if YOU
think them honestly held, and freely confessed;
and that the sentence may be passed upon me in
mercy.
Being an Aboitionst, and also Whig should
greatly prefer candidate for President that is ortho
dox upon both tfese cardinal points; and if such
one can be agreed upon, with any hope Of success,
my life being spared, will most certainly vote for
him.
Bot if none such can be agreed upon, and Mr. Clay
should be nominated Ivy Wing National Convention,
with far prospect of his election; if he has tho uni
ted support ofhe Wings, and moral certainty that
some Democratic RI prefer calling gentlemen by the
name that most agreeable to theml candidate would
be elected if Mr. Clay not; then, indeed should
vote for Mr. Clay, for every vote given in that emer.
gency for Third Party candidate would lessen the
chance of the Wing candidate land increase the chance
of his opponents and if all the Whig abotiopsts in
the free States should do So then would be seen the
anomaly ola large and respectable number of con-
scientious Wings throwing away their votes upon
third candidate, knowing that thereby they aid
ing to elect Loco President. But you may say that
the Anti-savery cause is paramount all other pub
lie questions and that all minor considerations should
yield to that question Granted; then in the name of
humanity do no act that will tend to throw the gov
ernmen of the U. States, into the hands of the Loco
party, who, you know, by their votes given in Con-
eress upon the Gag Rule, and other kindred ques-
tons, and all the leading men, believe, who have
been talked of for dent Inv