Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-07

ways plain from The context; in some instances
it embraces the personnel of the Mission, and
in others it is manifestly used to designate the
place where the business of the Mission is trans
acted.
In the llth paragraph Of my note, for ex-
ample, where that word occurs, do refer to
Mr.. Buchanan" when | speak of the circum
stances that preceded and prompted my letter
to Col. Greene private letter not intended
for publcation-written to vindicate the Legd-
ton from the aspersions which you had sane
misapprehensions that might find their way
into the American press"
In the 18th paragraph / also refer to Mr..
Mr.. Buchanan" when abiding to your instru-
mentality in compromising the " Legation" by
means of your connection with the newspaper
reports Of the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES extensively
circulated by yourself and which, as you have
admitted, misrepresented his speech; and that,
besides, described him as having been one of
the company among whom, as was maliciously
stated, there were Americans who refused to
rise when the President of the United States
was proposed.
You also ask, in reference to the individual
alluded to in the thirteenth paragraph of my
note as one of those disinclined to rise when
the loyal toast was given, Sam i right in pre-
Stunning you meant Mr. Buchanan" You are
not right in making any such presumption. /
referred to o gentleman who sat in front of
you, at the foot Of the table at which occu-
pied seat, and whom, as / was informed by
two Of your guests, now in London, you pricked
up with fork, or some other sharp instru-
ment, while the band was playing "God save
the Queen" The name of the gentleman am
unable to give you, in compliance with your
request; but this is the less important, as the
amusing incident was observed by several of
the company, and it is difficult to suppose you
have forgotten the occurrence.
You also put the following question to me:
whether the letter you have sent me has been
read to or by him Mr.. Buchanan) and received
his sanction?" To this inquiry SO entirely
inadmissible, presume you scarcely ventured
to anticipate an answer. Indeed, it is not
easy to characterize this extraordinary inter
rogatory as it deserves without comments that
conflict with my desire to treat you with all
possible respect. If there was no other OBJ
lection to the question than that it is wholly
irrelevant to the issue between us, that one
would be conclusive. You are responsible to
me alone for what you have said Of me.
You now wish to know whether show my
private correspondence to Mr.. Buchanan, and
what he thinks of it. Certainly his advice in a
controversy ofthis sort is, above all Others that
which would naturally be the first to seek.
But it is something quite novel, believe, for a
gentleman to be called upon to disclose the
names and opinions Of those to whose iudg-
ment he may appeal in the confidence of off
cial or private relations. Suppose, in return,
| were to ask you to favor me with the names
and views of the conclaye- English and Amer
ican-to whose counsels you submitted your
letter to the Boston Post? You might Justly
deem such demand impertinent, and no less
improper than consider your supposition that
my note to you needed the sanction Of any
body. In questions involving my personal
honor act for myself
Can you fail to see that your inquiry eyinces
an excessive degree of solicitude for what
should only concern Mr. Buchanan and myself?
/ presume that when Mr. Buchanan desires
you to be informed of his opinion of my course
in this matter he viii take occasion to put
you in possession of his views. Surely you
must be able to comprehend that it is. not for
me to assume to be the organ of his sentiments
in regard to a controversy / happen to have
with you.
Perhaps, however, your desire is to involve
Mr.. Buchanan in this dispute. must thank
you for your generosity in endeavoring to pro-
vide me with SO great an ally. But, while /
would avoid both the impoliteness and the in
discretion of undertaking an antagonist, ven
ture to suggest for your consideration whether
you had not better settle this difficulty with
me alone, rather than embarrass your case by
constraining Mr.. Buchanan also to enter the
lists against you.
l am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient
servant, ID. f. SICKLES.
To GEORGE PEABoDY, Esq, Club Chambers.
LONDON, October l6, 1854.