The primitive Republican. (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-1852, 1852-03-11

check it by the executive veto. Though Il
writing to a democrat, I did not doubt he D
would receive with satisfaction this assurance,
and | would not have correspondent with any
man to whom | could not attribute such SUI @
periority Of patriotism over partizanship.- f
The only political information in the letter {
was that to which have referred, and the
sentence containing it was read at public t
meeting. Speculation as to the character
Of the letter followed, and my nearest rela-
tive called for the letter, and published it in
the Mississippan. Nothing could be more
unfounded than his assertion as to the con-
struction placed upon it by those who read
it, which, as it was published, means every
body who chose. 1t removed any distrust
which such SANDER as he now promulgates
had created in the minds of the democratic
friends. The motive which he ascribes to
me to institute comparison with himself, is
worthy of him; but in attributing it to me,
he basely, UNANIMOUSLY lies
He says that was reported to have made
speech in Natchez, on my way home from
Mexico, in which | openly denounced Mr..
Polk for the withdrawal of certain regiments
from Gen. Taylor, in Mexico; and that at a
dinner given to Mr. Crittenden, l complain
ed most vehemcntly of that act, leaving it,
doubtful with those who heard me whether
intended to cast censure on Mr.. Polk or
Gen. Scott.
felt deeply on account of the withdrawal
of those regiments. 1t subjected the army
of the Rio Grande to imminent danger of
destruction, and our country's flag to the
critical condition from which it was so Won
E derously rescued by the skill of Gen. Taylor,
and the valor of his troops. 1t caused many
sons of Mississippi to bleed and die upon the
field of battle, and many families and friends
vet mourn the gallant dead | felt deeply,
, and may have spoken strongly; but never
censured Mr.. Polk for it. l am sure ofthis,
because, when in Mexico, wrote to my late
colleague of the House of Representatives,
; (Stephen Adams,) and as a friend of Mr..
Polk, asked him to call for the correspond
ence and orders which preceded the departure
of Gen. Scott for the seat of war convinc-
: ed that, if all the facts were known, the
: President would be relieved from the cen.
; sure which many in the army then attached
= to him. Mr.. Adams had no opportunity to
= make the call through the House of Repre-
e sentatives he therefore visited the President
i with my letter; and, by authority, made ;
. coafden}ial communication to me, which
= renders it impossible that should ever have
> censured Mr. Polk for the act.
: | recollect after my return from Mexico
! I was Informed by Mr.. G. j. .Searles of Ger
= tain misrepresentation against myself thel
= in circulation; among them was one whicl
e implied hostility to Mr.. Polk, for total
" different reason from that now given b
:. Gov. Foote replied, and with my letter
: sent correspondence between Mr.. Polk an
= myself. which showed his kind appreciation
! of me, and my thankfulness for it Thes
- letters were published in the Vicksburg Ser
Il tinel of the 9th October, 1847 and if CO.
-. Foote had seen and believed such a report
49,, 49,, nv Natchez speech as he now exhumes, thes
~ letters should have removed the impression
ON But these facts could probably find no apr
~ rriate place either in his store room or MAJ
- ufactory of reports concerning me. and h
~ researches into the old files of wing new
~; papers might not aid his memory in such
hat case.
zen He stated in his seat in the Senate, aft
I had ceased to be member of it, that
had been selected as one of the two milit
l,
,nJ civil war; that had been nominated as t
~, ~, head of proposed Southern confcderac,
.a ~ and marked out for military and civil honor
- in hundreds of toasts drunk at public NEE
III ings, which meetings he must have intendc
~ by the connection in which he introduc
e them, to characterize as disunion meeting
10 replied in the mode which was open to me,
-, asked rherc, lchen, GadIy 1rhon, those thin
y, had been done I called for specific pro
e. because l discrcdited his statement, and a
~ because it would enable 'me to obtain t
H.. most conclusive evidence that it was withc
i 80 any understanding with, or good reason
@.' suppose the proposition would be accep
I.;- BILE to me, if indeed l had been thus sele
nlS ed, or nominated" To this call for pro
W. w. Gov. Foote answers, thus: "The gentlen
Ian n demands proof, and proof he shall have
80 his hearts content"
NV Terrific was the warning to surrender,
With not quite equalled by the vigor of the sci
the First he brings forward the letter of 4
cred Pickens, which, in the United States Sena
life he had announced he had put into his SCI
his book and read every day as part of each
and some one hundred speeches Taking
ave fact as stated by him, it must be suppo
Ions he was so familiar with its contents, that
.hev could only mistake them with criminal
at tent. In the United States Senate, in
nate debate from which have heretofore publ
with ed an extract, he is reported to have said
ner- his last and modified form of expression, t
able Mr.. Pickens in that letter "did design
Gen Quitman and Col. Davisas the selec
-. leaders of the South in the contest of al
had then expected by certain persons in So
cars D',s Carolina" 81 say that in my opinion
J, =" - civil war was confidently expected in my
= tb - State" To sustain that specific ASSERT
. e he now produces the following, which
gorv says is found towards the conclusion of
.otty Picken's letter
.lect- mississippi, with such men as Quitr
the and Davis to lead her to the breach, can
chal- any thing she dare to maintain her RICH
IF it Yes my beloved Mississippi-thongh
IS Of ceivcd by him whom you trusted-stune
eter- the adder you have warmed in your Dos
)aUis weakened by the traitor who hangs Ike
peate incubus upon you-you can, with or viii
enee. "Quitman and Davis" doany thing you
q no to maintain your rights; and you dare
the any thing which is necessary to main
d tol them. Would any true son of Mississ
If to have taken exception to such complin
aries paid to his mother Would any ho
IA mind have found IN that. an indication