Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1852-10-19
LETrER ERonI pa. FAULKNER.

To The Editor Of The Winchester Virginian.
S1R: In the reply made by Joseph Tidball
Esq, to my speech delivered in your Court.
House on Monday, the 4th instant, he stated
that Alexander K. Boleler, the Wing Eeclor
had said in a public discussion with Mr. Tucker
in your town, presume on the first Monday in
September, that he had originally not intended
to have cast his vote for me for seat in Con-
gress, not regarding me whig enough for
him; but that he had changed that determination
in consequence Of a letter addressed by me to u
gentleman in ShepheTdstOwn, upon the faith of
which leuer he had given me his vote"
Al this point stopped Mr.. Tidball, who very
cOnrteonsly gave way for explanation. re-
marked that | regretted that Mr. Boleler was not
then present, and was suret there would be found
to be some mistake $50 the statement ascribed
| to him. That Mr.. hOteleE had not RdVeFted to
| any such fact in his discussion with me on the
! I'D Monday of September at Martinsbutgs aud
/ that the only aiIusion which he hadmade ia that
1 discussion to his vote for me, was, ttlt he had
/ cast his vote for me not rs =, Whis but Is an
| Union man. I stated that | had written but Oaa
! letter TO ShePherdstown duriAg INy canvass for
! Congress, and that was in reply to one address
ed TO me by John M. Jewett, Esq., an ardent
Wing and friend to the protective policy, and
who informed me that there was q rumOr eur.
rent in his place. s' that was so thorough free
trader in my sentiments TO be opposed to the
collection of any revenue from imposts. said
that had no distinct recollection 1T the contents
of my reply-the letter was written in great
haste, and had preserved no copy-bHt was
sure it would be found to contain no opinion
which had not for years, publicly and private
ly, maintained on the Tariff question aud main
tained to the present hour"
Here the subject dropped upon that point be-
tween Mr.. Tldball and myself.
This is the first and only specific allegation
which has ever reached my ears, charging or im-
plying that my present position differs in any
spect whatever, in point OF principle from that
assumed by me in the canvass of 1851. And l
was gratitied to find that the implication was
based upon evidence Of character to admit of !
the most satisfactory solution before the public.
Had it rested upon oral testimOny-upOn the |
statements of heated aud excited partisans-we |
have evidence enough before us in the Presiden- |
tiat canvass Of the intirmiIy of the human mem
ory and OF the little reliance to be placed upon
such certificates and affidavits. But being based
upon a letter alleged to have been written to me
during the canvass, the production of that letter,
if in existence, must at once subslHntiaIS or re.
pei the charge.
accordingly, Immediately upon my return
from Winchester, addressed note to MIR. Jewett,
him to furnish the copy of the let
ter, if he had deemed it worthy of preservation.
He promptly complied with my request, although
| did not receive il until this morning in conse.
quenCe Of my absence at the Morgan Superior
Court.
| herewith enclose TO you Mr.. Jewett's letter
10 me OF the 18th of October, / 853, and my letter
Of the 2lst of August, 1851. | have, with the
view to avoid the necessity of making any com
nents upon my letter, in addition to the original
which will appear in Italics, placed
in small capitals those portions of my letter to
which especially ask the attention of the public.
SHEPHERDsrowN, Oct. Z, 1852.
MY Dear Sir: Yours of the 5th inst, reached
me to-day. and hasten TO comply with your re-
quest, having kept your letter very carefully
Annexed you have an exact copy, underscored
under the same words you yourself underscored
when writing to me.
/ remain, very respectfully,
Your friend and obedent servant.
JOHN NJ. JEWETT.
Hon. C. J. FAULKNER, Marlinsburg, Va.