The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-02-15

canlegslator; and Americanism, which looks for
such conduct in their Legislators, can under
stand and honor. But know of no such Amer
icanism as that which seeks to dictate to, and
trammel, a representative. i spurn IT.
In what / say, Mr.. Speaker, do not wish
TO be understood as denouncing all who belong
to this Order. If did SO, l should denounce
myself; and certainly a man should respect
himself. l know very many good citizens
some Of the very best-who are attached to
that organization and it was under the infu-
ence of some of these, my warm personal
friends, that, in an unguarded moment, l con-
nected myself with the Order. But, as an atone
ment, here, in this Capitol and before the
free Representatives of free people, and IN the
sight of Heaven, under the American flag that
now proudly waves over us, and in the pres
ence of the great Washington, whose memory /
revere, before whose portrait / now stand, say
that, in doing so, / did dishonorable act, of
which most heartily repent, and ask the coun-
try to forgive me; and l here, before Heaven
and my countrymen, declare myself absolved
from all connection with and allegiance to the
fraternity
/ have, Mr.. Speaker, written a reply to these
would be keepers of my conscience. 1t is as
follows
ASSEMBLY CHAMBER, Feb. 8, 1855.
Brother americans: Your favor of the 10th
ultimo, by the hands of my esteemed friend,
Br. Van Arsdale, has been received, and its
contents carefully noted. You say there, in a
preamble and resolution passed in your Chap
ter on the 10th, that
Whereas the defeat of VIM. H. Seward
will be a triumph of the American party over
Romanism and fanaticism /; be it
Resolued, That this Chapter does urge Br.
a.<,1 a. IA. nd TO IN
against the reelection of Vim. n. Seward to
the United States Senate"
You will remember that have been only
once in your Chapter, and that was on the night
of joining the Order; am therefore, not en-
tirely acquainted with your designs. Isupposed
your main object was to carry out the great
American principle of Jefferson, that all men
were created with certain inalienable rights,
among them was life, liberty, and the pursuit
of happiness. / consider MIR. Seward the en-
5odiment of this great American idea. The
shareholders at the South consider him so, and
on this account alone they desire his political
humiliation. / cannot consent to this, much
less to be urged to assist and take part in the
horrid sacrifice.
When your Order, by formal vote, sent
by the hand of special messenger, requires a
brother to do such deed, all have to say is,
l was mistaken in your designs, and wish to
withdraw my name as a member of the Order.
In doing SO, l hope the personal friendship and
good feeling that exists between us may con-
tinue, for l can see no reason why political op-
ponents may not be personal friends.
remain yours, very respectfully,
CHAs. C. LEIGH.
To Aessrs. F. c. Wagner, C. B. Haze
ley, George n. WarOlell, Committee of
Jasper Chapter, No. 80, o. q. A.
Mr.. May obtained the floor He said he
should not have said a word on this question,
but for communication he had just received
from home. 1t was well known that he was
sent here without shackles on-that he was not
in any wise trammelled-but that he was re-
garded as an independent Wing, and was elect
ed as such. As such he should discharge his
duties here, and without regard to dictation
from home. The communication to which he
referred was in these words
ALMOND, Feb. l, 1855.
DEAR SIR: At the last meeting of our Or
der there was passed unanimous vote, request
ing you to vote and use your influence against
the reelection of VIM. III. Seward for United
States Senator. Our Council now controls the
vote of the town. We, the undersigned, were
appointed committee to inform you of the &C
ton Of our Council. Fraternally,
ISAAC RAwsON.
W. B. GARDNER.
JAS. ". BLACK.