The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1859-07-27
LETTER FROM HON. D. g. SlCKLES
New YosK, 10, 1859.
[n Ihz EfLifnr of liz ILurnld

To The Editor of ihs Herald:
Through the course of sad events, which
during the last few months have brought so
much afiliclion upon my family, have been
silent. No amount of Misrepresentation al
iecting myself only could induce me now
TO open my lips; nor could deem it worth
while under mASscums,ances to notice
what has been Of Can, be said in journals
never regarded as the sources or the expo
nents of public opinion, for in these ii is too
often obvious that only unworthy motives
prompt The most vindiclive assaults upon
the private lille of citizens holding public
stations. But the editorial comments in the
Herald OF yesterday, although censorious,
(of which do not mplain, whilst read
them with regreD, differ so widely in tone
and temper from the mass of nonsense and
calumny which has lately been written con-
cerning a recent event in my domestic re-
lations, that cannot allow mistake, in:o
which you have been led by inaccurate in
formation, 10 pass without such correction
as will relieve others from any share of the
reproaches which it is the pleasure of the
multitude at this moment 10 heap upon NE
and mine.
Referring 10 the forgiveness which my
sense of duty and my feelings impelled me
to extend 10 al, sSFing and repen'ant wife,
you observe, in the course OF your temper.
ate and dignihed article. that, ''It is said,
however, that the last phase of the affair
was brought about through the advice OF
his lawyers" This is entirely erroneous.
| did not exchange 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 consultation with
any relative, connection, friend or adviser.
Whatever blame. if any belongs TO the step,
should fall upon me. am prepared to de.
fend what have done before the only tri-
bunals recognize as having the slightest
claim TO jurisdiction over the subject-my
own conscience and the bar of Heaven. ]
am not aware of any statute, or code Of
morals, which makes ii infamous 10 forgive
a woman; nor is it usual TO make our do
mestc life a subject OF consultation with
friends, no matter how near and dear to us.
And cannot allow even all the world com.
bned 10 dictate TO me the reputation Of
my vile, when think it right to forgive
her, and restore her 10 my confidence and
protection.
If | ever failed 10 comprehend the utterly
desolate position of an offending though
penitent won,an--the hopeless future, with
all its dark possibilities of danger, to which
she is doomed when prescribed as an out
cast-l can now see plainly enough, in the
almost universal howl of denunciation with
which she is followed 10 my threshold, the
misery and perils from which have rescu-
ed the mother of my child. And although
it is very sad for me TO incur the blame of
friends and the reproaches of many wise and
good people, shall strive to prove 10 all
who feel any interest in me, that if am
the first man who has ventured 10 say to
the world an erring vile and mother may
be forgiven and redeemed, that in spite of
all obstacles in my path the good results of
this example shall entitle it to the imitation
of the generous and the commentator 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 10 my
professional, political and social standing.
If this be so, then so be it. Political stations
profe ssional success, social 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 9TH
ers, TO teach me that, if one be patient and
resolute, it is the man himself who ind-
Gates the place he will occupy; and so
long as do nothing worse than to re-unite
my family shdsr the roof where they may
find shelter from contumely and persecution,
do not fear the noisy but feeting voice of
popular clamor. the multitude accept
their first impressions from a few but in
the end men think sor themselves, and if
know the human heart-and sometimes
think that in career of mingled sunshine
and storm | have sounded nearly all lis
depths-then | may reassure those who
look with reluctant forebodings upon my
future 10 be ot good cheer, for will not
cease TO vindicaie just claim to the re-
spect of my fellows; while TO those mot.
ley groups, here and there, who look upon
my misfortunes only as weapons TO be en-
ployed for my destruction, to those | say,
once for all, if man make good use of his
enemies they will be as serviceable to him
as his friends.
In conclusion, let me ask only one favor
of those who, from Whatever motive, may
deem it necessary oragreeable to comment
in public or private upon this sad history /;
and that is, 10 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 contrilion
the mercy and the pardon of Him 10 whom,
sooner or later, we must all appeal.
Very respectfully, your most obedient
servant.
DANIEL E. STcKLEs.
The PITTsBURG PosT AND PRESIDENT BUcH-
ANAN.-The Pittsburg Post, the leading Dem.
ocratic oroan i'm Western pennsylvauia has