Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-04-27
MAJOR Borlonfs Statement.
FEBRUARY 8, 1852.

FEBRUARY 8, 1852.
From the time the Census bill was first before
the Senate, Mr.. Kennedy the superintendent, lat
first, believe, Secretary of the Board, habit
ually, nnd almost invariably, upon meeting me,
no matter where or when (often sending for me
at my scat in the Senate to come and see him in
the lobby, would commence conversation with
me about the Census. At first listened to him
respectfully and patiently, hoping ] might derive
some useful information from him on that subject
soon discovered, however, that it was not infor-
nation he sought to communicate; but that his
purpose was to press upon my attention some
very extensive and peculiar scheme he had in view
for making large book of statistics, &c. Having
my own views of the matters to be embraced in
the Census returns, the general form for pubGca-
ton, &C., already formed, was unwilling to have
my time occupied in listening to the speculations
of other persons to whom ] was under no obliga-
ton, either from official position or personal rela
tons, to give my attention. This communicated
to Mr.. Kennedy, without the effect, however, of
checking his intrusions upon me. AT first was
mild and respectful in my manner Of declining to
converse with him. AT length, finding such u
manner unavaiing TO relieve me of what had
grown to be serious annoyance, used the next
occasion of its iniction to speak plainly and pos
itively, perhaps somewhat sharply to him-desir-
ing him to abstain in future, else ! should con-
slider the intrusion as intended to be offensive. Still
he persisted in forcing his views upon me when
he met me, and this he seemed often seeking OPP
portunities 10 do but being ayerse to speaking
or acting harsbly towards any one, while it was
practicable to avoid it, /, on more occasions than
one, put myself to Inconvenience to avoid meet
ing him, when lie was about the Capitol, where,
indeed, he seemed to spend most of his time. Yet,
occasionally he would contrive to meet me, and as
certainly TO fasten himself upon me for converse
ton. l need not say to any one who is not a
loafer, how troublesome and harassing such bore
had become TO me. No sense of respect, either
for himself or me- seemed to restrain him. Dur
ing this session Ihad succeeded in avoiding him,
except in some two or three instances until Thurs
Of last week he again accosted me- on the
same subject, in the Senate Chamber soon after
the adjournment The circumstances were these:
was sitting with Mr.. Pearce, Of Maryland, at
his desk, and, together with him and Mr.. Tow
ers, was engaged in making some estimates Of
printing. While thus engaged, Mr.. Kennedy
approached me from behind, placed his hand
Familiarity, and, as l thought, rudely on my
shoulder, and commenced commentary upon
the remarks had short time before delivered
in the Senate. / turned to him-remoying my
shoulder from his hand-and said that desired
no conversation with him on that subject and
then resumed my occupation with Mr. Pearce.
Kennedy remarked, in substance: "Pou do moi
understand the subject sn, and wish 10 explain i
10 you" Turning to him again, | replied: ~
desire no conversation NTH you on this or any othe,
subject You haze frequently forced your Uie'es upon
me, although 4 have requested you not 10 do so
When desire your adUice, tciH apply for IT," He
then said, in tone of voice, and with manner
ms offensive as he seemed capable Of using "You
are like Others Who most need ddvice, but least
tctttng 70 receiDe il but shall take the liberty o.
gipng atoyou whenever think proper" For this
dealt him blow in the face with my fist