The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-08-05
From the New York Herald.
Letter from Daniel E. Sickles.

New YoRK, July 70, 1s59.-Through
the course of sad events, which during the
last few months have brought so much af-
Fiction upon my family have been silent.
No amount Of Misrepresentation affecting
myself only could induce me now to omen
my lips; nor could ! deem it worth while
under any circumstances to notice what
has been or can be said in journals never
regarded as the sources or opponents Of
public opinion, for in these it is too often
obvious tAat only unworthy motives prompt
the most vindictive assaults upon the pri-
vate life of citizens holding public stations.
But the editorial comments in the Herald
ofyesterday, although censorious (of which
/ do not complain, whilst Tread them with
regret,) differ SO widely in tone and tenn
per from the mass of nonsense and calumny
which has lately been written concerning
recent event in my domestic relations,
that [ cannot allow mistake, into which
YOU have been led by Inaccurate inforna-
ton, to pass without such correction as
will relieve others from any share of the
reproaches which it is the pleasure of the
multitude at this momeut to heap upon
ME and mine.
Referring to the forgiveness which my
sense of duty and my feelings impelled me
to extend to an erring and repentant wife,
you observe, in the course of your temper
ate and dignitied article, that, at is said,
however, that the last phase of the affair
was brought about through the advice of
bis lawyer" This is entirely erroneous.
[ did not exchange a word with one of my
counsel upon the subject, nor with any
one else. My reconciliation with my wife
was my own act, done without consulta-
ton with any relative, connection, friend
or adviser. Whatever blame if any be
longs to the step, should fall alone upon
me. | am prepared to defend what [ have
done before the only tribunals I recognise
as having the slightest claim to jurisdic
ton over the subject-my own conscience
and the bar Of Heaven. | am not aware
of any statute, or code Of morals, which
makes it infamous to forgive woman;
nor is it usual to make our domestic life a
subject of consultation with friends, no
iiictIICi NOW HCdl VI tcdI W 10. 4AliN' L
cannot allow even all the world combined
to dictate to me the reputation ofmy wife,
when think it right to forgive her, and
restore her to my confidence and protec-
ton.
If ever failed to comprehend the utter
ly desolate position of an offending though
penitent woman-the hopeless future with
all its dark possibilities Of danger, to which
she is doomed when prescribed as an out
cest can now see plainly enough, in the
almost universal howl of denunciation with
which she is followed to my Threshold,
the misery and perils from which have
rescued the mother Of my child. And al
though it is very hard for me to incur the
blame of friends and the reproaches Of
many wise and good people, l shall strive
to prove to all who feel any interest in me,
that if [ am the first man who has vcntur-
ed to say to the world an erring wife and
mother may be forgiven and redeemed,
that in spite Of all the obstacles in my path
the good results of this example shall en-
the recommendations of the just.
There are many who think that an act
Of duty, proceeding solely from affections
which can only be comprehended in the
heart Of a husband and father, is to be
fatal to my professional, political, and So
cial standing. IF this be so, then SO be it.
Political station, professional success, So
cial recognition, are not the only prizes of
ambition; and | have seen enough of the
world in which | have moved, and read
enough of the lives of others, to teach me
that, if one be patient and resolutc, in the
man himself who indicates the place he
will occupy, and so long as [ do nothing
worse than reunite my family under the
roof where they may find shelter from con-
tumely and persecution, do not fear the
noisy but lieeting voice of popular clamor.
The multitude accept their first impressions
from few; but in the end men think for
themselves, and if know the human heart,
and sometimes ! think that in q career of
mingled sunshine and storm, have sound
ed nearly all its depths-then | may re-
assure those who look with reluctant fore
holdings upon my future to be of good
cheer, for | will not cease to vindicate a
just claim the respect of my fellows; while
to those motely groups, here and there,
who look upon my misfortunes only as
weapons to be employed for my destruction,
to those | say, once for all, if man make
good use of his enemies they will be as
seryiceable to him as his friends.
In conclusion, let me ask only one favor
Of those who, from whatever motive, may
deem it necessary or agreeable to comment
in public or private upon this sad history;
and that is, to aim all their arrows at my
breast, and for the sake of my innocent
child to spare her yet youthful mother,
while she seeks in sorrow and contrit:on
the mercy and the pardon of Him to whom
sooner or later, we must all appeal.
Very respectfully,
Your most obedient servant,
DANIEL T.. SICKLES.
Ds~s ~