The Yazoo Democrat., 1851-07-23
DR.. NJ. DEAvENPoRT,


Dear Sir have just received your note
Of to-day's date. in which you ask me to
state my recollec.i3n of the language used
by Gen. Foote' at Athens, in the discussion
between himselfand Mr.. Phelan, in which
he is said to have denounced Col. Jefferson
Davis as ''cut-throat. !"
The impossibiny Of ''stating" the pre-
tise language employ ed. by persons eBga
ged in an exciting aud interesting debate,
must be obvious to you. | will, no Sever
take pleasure in complying with Yupr re-
quest, believing as you justly remark. that
jnstice all parties demands it. My Ie~
collection of the question in controversy, is
To the following effect:
While Mr.. Phelan was discussing the
merits of the amendment offei ed by C1I.
Davis to the New Mexico bill, he COM
plained that Gen. Foote did not follow tn
lead Of Col Davis. who had epresented US
as faithfully in the civil councils Of the
country as he had defended Us gallan;ly in
the field!
In reply te this, Cen. F. remarked, in
substance, that he had not been sent TO the
Senate of the United States TO follow tie
lead Of any one-ihat he cou'd rad for
himself, and think for himself, and that he
ehOuld act for himself, andhod himself re-
spDnsibe TO his constituents for his acts,
but that he would follow the lead of no on. |
He said further, that it had been atieinp,
ted to bring Col. Davis military reputation
fo bear upon him. He said he honored
Col. Davis for his bravery and military
skill-that he would follow the lead of the
Colonel upon the battle -fieIu with great
cheeTfuiness--thaI he would not detract
from Col. Daviss military reputation. or
pluck a laurel e., m his brow, Lut that
for h.msel; he had no military reputation
10 rely upon-ihat he had no gunpowder
popularity" no reputation for cutting
lhroats."
have not attempted to give all ef the ex
act language employed by Gen. Foute,
but | am confident that the above is, in
substance, what he did say.
l must be permitted 10 state; las Justice
/ am sure to all parties, is all that you de-
sire) that Gan. Foote did not intend the de-
nunciation Of Col. D., attributed to him
but on the contrary, had Cob. d. been pres
ent, he would have received tho language,
coupled Nth the MANNER as a compliment
rather than as denunciation. | will add
that ! do not believe that dozen Of Gsner-
al F's audience would have heard the con
clusiOn Of his speech, If he had made the
charge attributed to him, against Col. DI-
Wis. Co. Davis had personal and polili-
cal friends in the audience, yet I think no
Cne leit-and | think Judge Gholson did not
refer TO it the night Afterwards in his debate
with General F., although he was at All
ems and heard Gen. F's speech.
/ have the pleasure TO bes
Very Respectfully.
s. &: BLANTON. i
To Hon ri. S. FooTE.
Not from the post;on which now hold,
but the pt0minetit place you have and
should maifttain, speak forth:
! have but barely time to put my narne
to the list which records you as having used
the words in substance; employed in the
Democrat week before last This much I
said before: this much repeat. ] will
allow no man to cnarge an nEsrnh upon
me. II ne ventures upon such territory, he
must abide the cohsequences-sufEer The
result:
put my name to list, which records
JOu rs saying. in substance, in connection
with Jeff Davis. that YOU had no resnect ~
cut-throqts- Your explana,ion Of what YOU
intended 70 say must. and will take.
a. 10 hat