The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-10-07
From the Hartford Daily Times.
THE STOLEN LETTERS.


We have made it point to look at the book q
stolen letters put forth under the name of Macken-
zie. The more immoral and unprincipled portion
of the whig press have undertaken to excuse and
justify the theft, and the breach Of faith and conf
dence involved but il is only justice to say that the
better portion Of the presses even OF that party,
condemn unqualifedly the proceeding, and all con-
nected herewith. Of course, it is not difficult where
to classify the Courant when there is dishonor dis
grace, per6dy, betrayal Of confidence, and an utter
disregard of propriety and justice involved, which
has a political complexion. That paper FASTENED
to participate in the turptudc and baseness Of Mac
kenzie, without any dsapprobation of the thievery
and guilt.
The letters are the free, friendly and unreserved
communications of friends, covering a period of
twenty years, which were locked up, and to pro-
cure which, locks were broken, and confidence dis
regarded. Among others, Mackenzie boasts that
he found oveeters; letters on business Of the most
private character; and such as were of political
nature or from political men, he hastened TO pub.
lish.
The concentrated hatred Of the mscreant seems
most violent against Benjamin F. Butler, who,
something over quarter Of century ago, he be-
ing at that time young man of twenty-five or
three, was for about year president Of the Wash
ington and Warren Bank. II was county insti-
tuition, very much weakened, and, as was the GUS
tom of those days. was annoyed by frequent runs
from the city banks Mr.. Butler appears to have
sustained himself very well, at period when banks
and banking were less understood than at present
He writes freely, and without reserve, TO man OF
his own age, who had studied with him, and been
for three years an inmate Of his Office.
Mr.. Hoyt, who was the recipient Of these letters
and who was guilty Of neglect in leaving his papers
where fellows like Mackenzie could be tempted "a
plumber them, failed az merchant soon after the
last war. He immediately commenced the study Of
the law in the Office Of Messrs. Van Buren, and But
ler-was an assiduous student, attentive and labo.
rious. His department and good conduct was such
as to obtain the confidence Of the gentlemen with
whom he studied. Some inking of his early lifc--s
disposition speculate, it seems by these letters
led him, like others, to embark in stocks, Georgis
gold-mines, &c.
John Van Buren,, the son Of the President, who
for several years, coming of age, pursued wild
career of speculation, free correspondent Of
Hoyt's. II was in the period of boat and United
States Bank contests that John came upon the stage
The spectators were of course glad to involve him
and he was enticed into stock transactions, and vii
lage-lot speculatons, until he found himself over
whelmed. Those who had lured him on-some o.
them, undoubtedly, in the hope of involving his fa
ther-at length demanded payment. He applied
expected; but, instead ofgettng advances, he
was advised Of his course and its consequences, and
that his best step would be to close forever this
reer, with assurances that in such case he should
be extricated. He adopted il; surrendered to his
creditors all his property, and received advances
from his father of several thousand dollars, which
he paid over to them, and became square with the
world. Faithful to his promise, he abandoned spec.
nlation and took to his books; became a laborious
student; acquired much reputation in his profession
became man of business, and was few month";
since elected attorney general Of the State of New
York.
The wretch Mackenzie has seized the wild, spec
ulating letters of John Van Buren,, when compare
lively boy, and which should have been destroyed
rAr Svod and puhllched ham Eor IN
good or honorable purposei The Courant greedily
copies them, and only out its character in doins
So They are the careless, reckless letters of
thoughtless YOUTH and not of the maturer and think
ing man.
OF course, all the letters of Mr.. Van Buren, to hi,
old student are published--or all which they sup
posed could make difficulty between him and any
other person. These letters, written without cart
thought that he should ever them again, only
elevate the character Of that eminent man. They
do credit to his head and heart. We do not remem
Der TO have seen these letters copied into the columns
Of our gossiping and scandal-lovng neighbor. They
preferred gathering up and gloating over the hasty
scrawls Of thoughtless youth; and those who have
INDUCED in it, would not hesitate to commit any
other crime, they could escape detection provided
they thought they could inj,Te any one from ,rhon
they differ. This, in fact constitutes the great prin
cple of action with the Courant and, in trying tc
carry it out they often injure themselves instead
their opponents. Such will be the fact in this case
So soon morbid curiosity is satisfied, reflection
commences; and the man whom the Courant hal
slandered beyond any others, (unless il be Mr. JEFF
ferson and Gen. Jackson) the wise sagacous states
man, excellent man, and good patriot, Martin Val
Buren,, will be more esteemed, respected, and re
garded from this thievery and their criminal effort
TO injure him.
As for Mackenzie, he is too despicable for com
ment; and his associate scoundrels, who keep out
sight, are no better than himself 1t is not sur
phsing that they Try to save their characters, BY
secreting their names.