Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-07-02

& MEssRs, PHicE a. FALL--Such frcquen
al)usion having been made 70 The matte
\ Of "Mr. Thompson's Commission ID th'
public newspapers and otherwise, that
! have felt iimy duty 10 make statement 0
the facts in regard 10 il, SO far as they ar,
within my knowledge. On the twentietl
Of February last, received the resigna
ton Of The Hon. r. J. Walker, bearin,
; date lltho Of the same month On the dal
! following, executed commission fol
The Hon. J Thompson, to fill tho unexpir
ed term Of Mr.. Walker In the United
States Senate, or to serve until he shoult
be superseded by legislative election
This commission, together with q letter Il
Mr.. Walker, and one 10 Mr.. Thomson,
enclosed in a sealed package, addressc
"Hon. r. J. Walker, Washington City,
and placed in the hands Of Dr. Tate, Of
Columbus, Miss, who was going directly
to Washington, with instructions to deliv.
err il TO Mr.. Walker on his arrival. Dr.
Tate has already informed the country,
that he delivered the package to MIR.
Walker, on the 9Th Of March. In my
letter to Mr.. Walker, said what | then
thought and still think, was true, that a
majority Of the citizens Of this state, would
prefer to have him remain in the Senate
that his long services; his experience,
talents, and high standing, gave him ad-
yaniages which new Senator could not
have. II, upon further consideration, he
should change his purpose Of retiring from
the Senate, (which hoped he would do,)
he would destroy the enclosed commission
or return 4 10 me. With view Of Civ
ing TO Mr.. Walker, all The time for reflec-
ton and consideration, which circumstan-
ces would permit, informed him that his
rendered resignation had not been ABso-
LurELY accepted, and he would have the
privilege of Withdrawing it any time up
to the tenth of March, when it was to take
effect, and when Mr.. Thompson's com
mission would authorize him 10 enter the
Senate. The country will find in these
facts, one Of my reasons for Withholding
for few days, public announcement Of
Mr.. Walkers resignation and Of Mr..
Thompson's appointment. believed at
the time that had The power 10 do all
which | did do, and still think SO. 9th.
ers am aware, have expressed doubts
about it. II | was wrong can only say
il was my head and not my heart that
erred. The motive, and the only motive
which | had, was 10 secure what con.
ceived to be the invaluable servises of
Mr.. Walker; if this could not be done, 10
have his place in the Senate promptly
filed. II is due to Mr.. Walker to cay,
that ! pursued this course Of my own will,
and that it was in no way suggested by
him.
I'm my letter to Mr.. Thompson, | in.
formed him, that having rendered him the
appointment, without solicitation on his
part, and without knowing whether he
would accept il, felt it due TO him, that
he should be permitted to take his own pc. |
sition before The country, before any pub
lie announcement was made that the ap-
pointment had been offered to him. This
is the next and only remaining reason which
induced me not TO speak of these matters
as soon as they transpired. These letters
~ere priuate, and not a part Of the official
correspondence, and no copies ,rere retained
The question has been propounded,
why was the appointment made in such
haste2 II was made under an impression,
induced partly BY my own knowledge of
affairs at Washington, and partly BY the
representations Of MIR. Walker, that an
would exist, at the executive {
session Of the Senate, requiring the pre-
sence Of Mr.. Walkers successor. This {
anticipated emergency, ! am non aware !
nd not arise, but it was not possible for
ne to forsec that it would not, at the time
he appointment was made.
II has been asked, why overlooked all {
he then Senatorial aspirants and selected
| man, not then candidate2 | did so, $
because felt il duty not to interfere in
controversy between friends, 10 whom
vas under equal political obligations. | IL
lpponted Mr.. Thompson, because he was
llready in Washington; because the coun-
ry had three times expressed its conf
|ence IN him, by three times electing him
o Congress; because he was not then !
;andidate for the Senate; and because !
having served with him in Congress, and 7
'een with him In times Of trial and diff
;ulty, knew he possessed talents; that
10 was q sound democrat, and an honest 2
nan. Such Is a plain statement Of what p
have done 10 the premises, and such The z
motives which influenced me; all Of which I,
submitted to the country, with 4 con- \
ciousness on my part, that have acted 9
rom the best motives, and with the fullest
that just men will not cen P
ure me. p
Why the commission was not delivered v
9 MI, Thompson, il question which 2
Ar. Walker can answer for himself. n
IN nLthnri.cd "a 81, IL ,rlI " y \; III