The Somerset herald and farmers' and mechanics' register. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 183?-1852, 1847-10-05
TO THE PUBLIC.

"Somerse, Weekly Visitor a resolution
purporsing 10 have been adopted at De-
sOcraiic Counsy meeting, with some re-
marks under the editorial head of that pa
per, eolh designed, as appeared from their
import, 10 inju:c me in the estimation OF
NV fellow citizens, before whom am a
candidate for the Office Of County Trea-
sarer. Though not aware that had pro-
volsod by my conduct, either toward the
persons composing the meeting or any
one connected with the 'Tisitor," such
Fra!uitons attacks upon nv character,
felt disposed 10 suffer them 10 pass unno-
iced, believing as ! did that ,liey had been
made under high political excitement, and
that npon sober reelection ibe person from
whom they had emsnated would see the
impropriesv Of his conduct. A kind
friend, who is well acquainted with the
circumstances under which | availed ny
self Of The Bankrupt law, put forth, with
oHi rcqucsl from me. statement OF facts.
10 pre-cnt misrepresentation on the sub
jec,, and here had supposed the matter
would rest. Not so, however. The as
ssEii has since been renewed through ihe
Visitor" and in manner more coward
~ even Than when FIRST made.
Under these circumstances | have fels
II due 10 the public as well as my own
character, 10 procure such evidence as
wzs nearest al hand and which might
place the matter in d true light. The an
uoxed certificates were therefore hastily
obtained aud are now submitted 10 the
judgment Of the public. Sundry others
OF like import might have been added,
had time permitted or anything more been
deemed necessary.
am now considerably advanced in
years, and this is the first time IN my life
that have felt myself called upon 10 ap-
pear before the public in vindication Of
my character; and had been as well
known throughout this county IS am
where | have spent the greater portion Of
my life, or even as | am known here in
the Borough OF Somerset, | should not
have troubled myself about the natter
Bu. being personally stranger 10 many
of the citizens of the county. and my
good name being the only legacy have
10 leave to my children, | felt that | would
be doing Injustice 10 them were 10 suf-
fer il 10 be wresled from me.
The emolumenis Of the ofiice for which
/ am candidate, however desirable. are
nothing, compared TO my reputation,
which my assailan,s have endeavored to
sacrifice. The good opinion of my fel-
low citizens has ever been dear TO me;
and amidst all my difficulties and misfor-
times it has been source of proud con-
ISOLATION 10 me 10 know that have enjoy
ed il in no limited degree. claim not 10
be exempt from the frailiies common to
human nature, and freely confess that |
have committed errors and indiscTeiions:
but Ibis is the first time in my life that |
know to have been charged, either prI-
vaiely or publicly, with want of moral
honesty, and the impu!aiion has, as the
public may readily suppose, deeply woun
del my feelings and The feelings of my
family and friends.
As regards the inlimation of the s'Visi-
tor that 1 ought to give an exhibit TO the
public of what | had paid to my credi-
tors, have only 10 remark that my pri-
vaie affairs are as sacred as those of any
oIiier individual, and that claim the right
guaranteed TO every freeman of manag-
iEg my own concerns in NY own way.
If it is due from me 10 make such an cx-
hi5i,, then, upon the same principle, eve
rF candidate for office should be called up
on TO publish statement OF all his pro-
perry and Of all his debts and credits; the
:asurdi.y of which is too manifest 10 re-
quire comment. NJ business in this
respect is with my creditors, and not with
the man Of the VISITOR and if the in
ordinate curiosity Of those who are anx-
iOus to know all about my private af-
fairs has been disappointed heretofore. or
is disappointed now. / can pity their NOR
iifcalion, bui cannot crafty their prying
propcnsilies.
With the circumstances under which /
avaiIed myself Of The law in question,
the public are already partly acquainted.