The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-10-11

To the Editor Of the Union:
The communication of General William Gibbs Mcneil
in the National lnelgencer of this morning deserves
brief reply.
1t is unnecessary for to state the particular reasons
why did not choose, at this time, to have personal
controversy with that gentleman. 1t is not because
have any fear of him, the responsibility" to which
he so heroically alludes On the contrary he would
have found in who has the courage to treat his
bullying language with the contempt which it deserves
and at the time would be brave enough to do him
exact ustceo retrac what should appear untrue in point
of fact in the article to which he takes exception and TO
insist upon and maintain what was true, at all hazards
will, however, acknowledge that do hold in
tempt the mode OF settling quarels to which he audes
mode in which an honest and injured man is
likely to lose his life the dishonest and the wrong
doer But under circumstances which make it the duty
of men to peril limb fe should indeed be ashamed
if could not exhibit much true courage and rmness
as Gen. Mcneil
Yet, as before remarked hold to the obligation of
telling the truth, and doing justice TO all men. And if
the article in the Union TO which Gen. Mcneil objects,
and which he denounces libel, does not contain the
truth, would have been honoraby retracted But do
not understand yet that it is not true It stated first that
General Mcneil was commander- chief OF the Algeune
forces of Rhode Island, their contest with the suffrage
party. Is not that true! | understand his communica-
ton the ntelgencer TO admit IT. 1t further stated that
in my belief he received his title OF general from his
command and services that occasion Is not that true
tits stated by writer in the Boston Post, that before that
time he only an major OF the army OF the United
States and that ne received ms commission OF general
Island 1t further stated that the suffrage party were put
down through his instrumentaity commander of the
Algerine troops, and that of President Tyler who i'm
properly inerfered with the forces OF the United States
on that occasion Is not that true3
| believe all these statements TO be true; if they are
not, will take the first opportunity to them and
to do Gen Mcneil justice. But if they true, he has
not the power, either by threats, by intimidation by
any mode of attack which he may choose, to compel me
TO retract them
made some illusions to the honors which he won in
the Rhode Island Does he take exception to that
Does he not regard his services that occasion hon
orabe On the contrary, he says expressly that, under
like circumstances he would covet the RESPONSE
bility and, of course, the same honors if they are
such.
Now for the very fact that he allowed himself under
circumstances 10 become the commander of the AL
gerne forces against the suffrage party would oppose
his appointment any Office under democratic admins
ation The democracy of Rhode Island will oppose it.
Have not the right TO do iii And have the democrats
of Rhode Island right to do it Are the public acts of
Gen. McNeilf above comment censure? He must 90
to Agiers itself to find such immunity For one in de-
fance of his attempts at intimidation il there is any dan.
ger of his appointment, will enter my humble protest in
person to the President and he will then have an oppor.
unity to have my name, and will find in me one who
dares to question his public acts, and to censure them it,
in my OPINION they deserve it. With his private charac-
ter, have nothing to do.
RHODE ISLAND.