Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-07-24

be shown 10 Gen. Jackson. and they have
been followed up by his tools ever since.
Il should be recollected, too, that they
were commenced in a secret and unmsn-
~ way, even before was removed from
Office, and before had any knowledge
that it was intended todismiss me. Why
Should be singled out iof their assauisl
could not have been permitted to re-
tire to private lie as all other dismissed
officers have been, without this attempt 10
blacken my character Was il because
they were afraid that the uncerlmonious
and offensive manner in which II was in
tended TO despatch me might be disappro-
we'd Of by my democratic friends, (some OF
whom had contributed much TO the cleo
ton of the President and II was there
fore deemed necessary to foreslslI, If not
to silence them
But | have no intention of defending
myself against the assertions Of Mr.. Sam.
uel Lsughlin, or any other tool of Mr..
Polk--that is unnecessary where ! am
known. There is one view to be taken
of this letter, however, that must make it
extremely offensive -dlsgustingly So 10
every real friend and admirer Of Gen.
Jackson:-t is the low estimate which is
placed upon his understanding. These
modern friends of the Genera now in pos
session Of the Government, must have had
high opinion, indeed, of his sense to
think him incapable of understanding and
correctly approaching the character of a
man with whom, TO use his own words,
chs relations of friendship were Of the
greatest intimacy and confidence" for
more than 80 years.
Now, doubt whether the General had
an enemy in the world, no matter how
bitter, or prejudiced, who thought so
meanly of his capacity as must the writer
and getter up Of that letter But they
wish it TO be understood, notwlth-
standing, that they were his particular
friends, ever ready and more able than
any and all other persons, even including
the late Editor Of the Globe, Francis p.
Blair, TO defend his fame and character
against the assaults of his enemies. They
would have also have the world to be.
leve that they were willing and anxious
TO have grati6ed his every wish, and, in
all matters, 20 be governed by his opln-
ions and advice This may have been
so, but | doubt it, and think the public
will doubt it, after reading the extract
! from one OF the Generals letters to me
which enclose you herewith for publica-
ton. am particularly DESTROYS that my
friends of the Democratic party shall
know what a depoted friend James X.
Polk was to that wise and patriotic man
in what respect and generation he held
| his sage councils, and how anxious he
crafty his wishes and smoothe his des-
cen, to the grave, into which it was well
known he was rapidly snkirg, as some
return for having elevated him to the
highest station IN the gift of great and
free people! | beg, therefore, that they
will read this extract from his letter, eve.
ry word Of which IS in his own hand wri-
ting, and Judge for themselves the exten,
OF his friendship for the General. From
his own words, it seems that his course
had "pered him sorely." Yes well do |
know he was mortified and sorely vexed;
and have other letters which show how
greatly he mus: have been disappointed
IN his expectations.
make no apology for publishing the
enclosed extract from the Generals let
ter. AS my friendship for him has been
doubted, want the public to understand
how far those who doubt it have a right
themselves to be considered his friends.
Besides, the people expect, and are enti-
tied to see, every line the General ever
wrote on public affairs, and sooner OF la
ter, they will be gratifed by their publ
cation. have several hundreds of his
letters, running back to the time Of the
last war with England, written in the fire.
est and most unreserved manner, and there
is not one of them that would not do cred
it both to his head and his heart-not a
line that does not breathe the sentiments
Of pure, ardent, and sincere patriot.
am, sir, with much respect,
Your obe6en, servant,
July 4th, I645. w. B. LEWIS.