Lynchburg daily Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1852-1861, 1856-04-03
Mr. Donclson.

Mr. Donclson.
The systematic ridicule and detract'on, when
the Democratic press are practicng towards Ma
ior Donclson. Is a very low grade OF political
warfare. Il requires but little talent to invent
a sneer, and it may be easily INDUCED towards
one person as another. Whatever democratic
journals may permit themselves to say now Of
Major Donelson. the fact Is certain that until
he connected himself with the American move
ment he held honored rank aud welded high in
Huenoe in that party. II he is the insignificant
character they seek to make him appear. what
sort of party was that which 80 trusted and hon.
ored himl He was the associate. the counsellor
and the chosen agent Of the very first men of
the Democratic party, when that party was dig
nifed by the adherence Of men to whom its pres
ent lenders pigmies to giants. We take
from the Nashville Banner the subjoined letter of
Mr.. Calhoun. when he was Secretary Of State,
rendering aud pressing upon Mr.. Donelson tho
appointment of charge d'afIaires TO Texas. when
the delicate and highly important negotiation
for annexing that Republic was going on. He
was then called from private life,in preference to
all others. rs "best calculated to bring to sue
oessful decision the great question Of annexa-
ton, now them pending before the two ooun-
tries" But to the letter:
EXTRACT.
STATE DEPARTMENT, 10th Sept. l544.
My DEAR SIR--1he state of things in Texas
i. such as 20 require that the place lCharge d.
Affaires.) should be filled without delay andsto
select him. who under NIL circumstances may be
thought best calculated to bring to a successful
decision the great question OF annexation, now
pending before the two countries. After full
deliberations you have been selected AS that indi
yidual, and do trust. my dear sir, that you will
not decline the appointment. however great may
be the personal sacrifice Of accepting. The great
question must be decided in tho next three or
four months, and whether 1t shall be favorably
or not, may depend on him who shall fill the mis-
sion now rendered to you. | need not Tell you
how much depends on its decision for wenl or
woe to our country, and perhaps tho whole con.
tinent. II is sufficient to say, that viewed in al
its consequences, il is one of the very first mag
nitade, aud chat it gives an Importance to tho
mi ssion, at this Zine, that raises it to the level
with the highest in the gift Of the Government
Assuming, therefore, that you will not decline
the appointment, unless some insuperable Difficult
ty should interpose, and in order TO avoid delay,
n commission is herewith transmitted. without
III. formality OF waiting your acceptance, with
nll the necessary papers.
Signed JOllN \. CALt1oDN.
Maj. j. DoNEI.soN.
The result,as tho Banner remarks showed That
tho confidence thus reposed in Major Donelson's
discretion, talents and eminent fitness for the
high aud responsible position assigned him
without solicitation. dreot or Indirect on his
part was not misplaced. After he had fulfilled
the duties Of his mission, President Polk convey
ed to him. through his Acting Secretary of State
his just appreciation of 'the services" Maj. ID.
had rendered his country ''in tho delicate nego
tiations entrusted to him. and the confidence
entertained by President Polk in his prudence,
discretion and abty"--the letter closing with
his assurance to Maj. d.. that the publication of
his official correspondence would give him "a
most enviabe reputation for the highest quality
81 statesman and diplomatist."
In view of such facts of history as the forego-
ng. wo submit to the arbitrament of public opin-
on the question whether the Democratic papers
which are sedulously endeavoring to beiinie
MAJOR Donelson are not in fact beiittiing them
eires, while the object of their decrial is shown to
20 far beyond its reach 7"