Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-03

4 knew nothlng OF capt Kelly until saw him in pri
and know nothing of him since except that he owes
that liberty which enables him to abuse to my own
generous nature which prompted to select him. out
great many Others as one of few for whom special
ly invoked Executive clemency. But, again:
3d. 1t has been said that was negligent in the dis
charge of my duty to Mr.. John S. Thrasher who has
lately been sent TO Spain On this point may barely say
that did all in my power to have Mr. Thrashers case
presented in the way he desired it, the several
ncatons addressed to the Captain General his behalf
will abundanty show and to which need only refer at
this time.
Whether he right in his construction Of our treaty
with Spain not is not for say nor whether he
rightfully wrongfully condemned But whether
my conduct towards him unfortunate countryman
claiming the rights of American citizen in foreign
land was kind unknd perhaps best be judged of
by the estimation he placed il in the following letter
Moro CASTLE, HAVANA, NOVEMBER 26, 1851.
DEAR SIR: About to be embarked for Spain to fill a
most nquitous sentence have to thank YOU which do
most sincerely not only for your exertions my behalf
which only regret have been unayaling but also
for acts of kindness which have extended
You well aware that do not 60 sadly to my impri-
sonment because not only that perfectly innocent of
the charges against me- but also because do not believe
my countrymen will suffer my unjust sentence be
red out.
Reiterating my thanks to you, remain, your obliged
servant, j. s. THRASHER
A. F. OWEN, Esq, Consul of the U. States of America
Now, Messrs Editors, have done. have only alud-
ed to the prominent charges that have been made
against me- have been enabled to comprehend them
before and since my return.
have neither time inclination to take up the thou
sands of other silly and unfounded ISLANDERS that been
industrously circulated against
have said that did not intend this time or in this
way to call in question the motives objects of those who
oil
observe My only object has been speak in defence of
myself and of my official conduct.
1t is proper that should also state that have not al
uded to the charges above specifically forth in any
way connected with the reasons of my recall | do not
know upon what grounds for what cause have been
recalled do wish to be considered as complaining
of that recall am not the to appeal to the public
account of such grievance, if felt it. But
can say with truth that have very little feeling on that
subect indeed at ALL except in far the fact
itself might corroborate the idea that had rendered myself
unit for such place, by proving that destitute Of
those kinder feelings of which prompt the
generous heart to feel anothers wo and to hide the
fault see, which value than all the emoluments
of all the Offices that all the powers on earth have il in
their power to bestow.
Whatever may be my errors, am sure none who know
me will attribute them to any instruction of the impulses
Is the information OF those who
do not know me that have been induced to make this
exposition.
But wherein, may not be allowed to ask, have erred
IN any respect in this matter? May put the ques-
on in all confidence. those who have done me no
greater injustice than simply to say that they do not
approve Of my conduct wherein do they not approve
of it? What act do they find fault with What deed of
omission or commission do they complain of? Did do
any thing wrong? Or did leave undone any thing which
ought to have DONE and which in my power to do
Is there any higher standard of duty than his If So
what is it?
My greatest error, perhaps, has been that which a
friend had the kindness the other day point out to me
and requires friend sometimes bring our real errors
to our notice Mr. Owen" said he, 'syou have done
every thing which you ought have DONE except
care Of yourself If such shall be the general opinion of
my countrymen shall be satisfied.
Respectfully, your obedent servant,
A. +. OWEN