The daily Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1855, 1855-09-03
Letter from David Olmsted.

We present below a letter from the Hon
DAVID OLMsrED, in answer to one addressed
to him by friend in this city 1t will be
read with pride and pleasure and it con-
stitutes just answer to the falseboods
which have been so industriously circulated
against him:
WINONA, August p, 1855.
MY DEAR SIR:-I have received your favor of
the 10th instant, calling attention to certain state
ments in the Saint Paul Democrat, questioning the
consistency Of my former political course and accus
ing me of having been instrumental in the defeat Of
Lewis Cass," &c. 1t has been my settled intention
not to notice any of the alschoods regarding myself
contained in that sheet, believe the character of
ITS present management is too well known to permit
its statements to be credited by any except those who
have natural aversion to truth.
Since, however, you have thought it worth calling
my attention to the matter, will state in few
words how far could have been instrumental in the
defeat OF General Cass. In the first place, will re.
mark that since was fourteen years of age have
never resided in State during Presidential CAM
lieve, was candidate for the Presidency. and
consequently it is not probable that had done much
to his prejudice During the canvass of 1885, which
resulted in his defeat, resided within the present
limits of the Territ ory of Minnesota Our Territory
was then unorganzed, and was destitute either of a
government or name, and on the very day on which
General Cass received the nomination of the Balti
more Convention, was encamped on Wabashaw
Prairie, where the present town of Wnona is stuat-
ed, and within few hundred yards of where now
write. During the summer l was absent from the
Territory but once, when made hurried visit to
Washington private business, and was absent but
eighteen days from the time that embarked at Wa
bashaw Prairie until landed on my return at Louis
Roberts Log Warehouse in St. Paul. At the time
OF the election and for several months previous re-
sided one hundred and fit, miles from any Post or
fee. At one time l was more than week without
seeing the face of a white man, and it was only on
the first day of January, ls49 that heard the result
of the election Of the preceding fall.
When l add that during the tendency of the Pres
idential canvass, never wrote received politi-
cal letter from any Of the States, you can form your
own conclusions as 10 how far was "instrumentaP'
in the result When also add that the present edi-
tor of the Democrat, well as Mr.. Rice, was per-
sonaly aware Of most of the facts above stated, it
may perhaps confirm your previously expressed opn-
ion concerning his veracity.
With regard to the charge that before the defeat of
General Cass, l &c cut asunder all obligations, and
joined the Abolition tribe can only ask the prv-
lege of having pointed out to the time or the &C.
casion when such an event transpred. My opinions,
in regard to the fundamental principles of the Demo-
cratic party, have never been changed, and my sent
ments with regard to slavery and slavery extension
have never been concealed from my fellow citizens
l have always regarded slavery as great moral and
political evil, and the States where it un-
fortunately exists. have always been satisfied of
the folly and wrong OF Abolition interference with
the institution in States where it is guaranteed by the
Constitution But have ever been opposed to the
extension Of the free territory, injurious
to the best interests of the country and opposed
the true spirit of Democratic government. If these
sentiments constitute an Abotionist, then have
hitherto deserved the name, and shall never seek to
evade it. If to adhere the sentiments Of Jefferson
and Jackson is treason to the country and to the
party, which in their day manifested some sort of re-
spcct for their principles, then unworthy of
fdence.
The statements that was once Whig-that l
have been a Wing candidate for Congress-and that
l was supporter of the last Wing National and
Territorial Administratons-are simply as false as
they malicious, and the old residents of the Ter
ritory will be amused well disguised with this
attempt on the part Of my detractors TO exchange
their anecedents for mine.
In conclusion, will say that have no further dis
position to notice the alsehoods of the Democrat
the clique of which it is the organ. Its character is
now SO we'll understood that its statements can have
effect to pre- udice me with the intelligent and cam
did portion Of the community, whose respect alone
hope to enjoy.
am, respectfully, your obedient servant.
DAV. OLMSTED.