Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1849-07-06
MrLwAUKFE. June Tth. 1919.


FRIEND HYER:-N our letter of this date.
informing me that you shave received seve-
raj communications, for publication, calling in
question my course during the last session of
Congress, upon the question of slavery" was
received this evening. ! thank you for the
motive which prompted it; for even this is
more generous treatment than | have received
from others connected with the press of this
State.
In answer to your inquiry | have TO say,
that ''puhlic statement will be made by my
self upon the subject of nv course on the
California question. But not until it suits my
own convenience and inclination to make it.
The Legislature assaulted, accused, convicted,
and las they thought) executed me, in my ab-
sence, behind my back. and upon false
charge. giving me no opportunity to defend
mvself-to plead or offer my evidence. The
felon would have been entitled to a trial-to
be heard by himself and witnesses. But not
so have | been treated. Nothing would sat
isfy the aspirants In the Legislature, but
.'bill of attainder'' against me hurried through
in my absence, and without any notice on my
part | have nothing more to fear from their
baseness, or to hope from their justice or mag
nanimity. They neither could nor can GO far
ther, either in their own disgrace, or in inius-
tice to me.
They first stab me in the back, and then
ask me to turn and defend my self. Had the
request been made before the treacherous and
cowardly thrust was given, | should have at
once complied with il, as matter of duty, as
well as Of pleasure. But not so now. Until
the insult is withdrawn, | shall consult my
own feelings and honor, and those of the
friends who stand by me, as TO the time. place,
and manner. when. where and how ! shall re-
ply to the indignity.
The People of Wisconsin, and especially
the masses of the Democratic party, viii one
day see and learn that they have been shame
fully imposed upon by band of place seek
ers, in regard to my effort to extend over Call
tornia some kind of law, BY which it might
be saved to our government, its people p1otec-
ted and that prevented, which is always Sc
riously threatened-the establishment of a
government on the Pacific coast, independent
of and hostile to that of the United States
They will also learn that this imposition has
been mainly practced by men who never
could, or never tried to see any other mlrt IN
principle or measure, than that which con-
stituted it hobby on which to produce ex-
citement for the promotion of their own sell
fish and corrupt ends. And who to accom-
plish which. would sacrifice every other in
terest. how dear So-ever to our country and
people.
In reference TO the communications which
have been sent TO You for publication-you
say: Us they rgTiecf some somewhat on Your
(my) course, | (you) shall feel under o5iga-
tions to give them publicity. unless / (you)
are requested to delay further, that you %
may be heard before the people,
had become aware of the fact, that COM
munications REFLECTED somewhat on my course
constituted sufficient reason with some edi-
tors. for giving them publicity. But I had
not before learned that such was the case
with you. admit your candor, however. in
thus frankly giving the reason why you shah
pablish the communication mentioned. Or Is
MAY be that you did not mean to be so under
stood' But be that as 1t may, I have no re-