The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-07-27
LETTER FROM HON. DAN. E. sIcKLEs.
New York, July 10.

New York, July 10.
The Herald of to-day contains letter
to the editor from Hon. Daniel E. Sick
les, in which he corrects a statement made
in that paper yesterday regarding the re-
cent event in his domestic relations. The
reconciliation, he says, "was my own act,
without consultation with any relative,
connection, friend, or adviser. Whatever
blame, if any, belongs to the step, should
fall'upon me. am prepared to defend
what i have done, before the only tribu-
nal | recognize as having the slightest
claim to jurisdiction over the subject
my own conscience and the bar of Heay-
en-. 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 subject of con-
sultation with friends, no matter how near
and dear TO us; and / can not allow, even
all the world combined, to dictate TO me
the reputation of my wife, when think
il right to forgive her, and to restore her
to my confidence and protection. If l
even failed TO comprehend the utter des-
titute position of an offending though pen
itent woman, the hopeless future with all
its dark possibilities Of danger to which
she is doomed, when prescribed as an out
cast, can now see plainly enough, in the
almost universal howl of denunciation
with which she is followed TO my thresh-
hold, the misery and perils from which l
have rescued 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, still strive
to prove TO all who feel any interest in me
that am the first man who has ventured
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 entitle it TO the imitation of the gen
erous and the concentrations of the Just.
There are many who think that an act of
duty, proceeding solely from affections
which can only be comprehended in the
path of 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 so long rs do nothing
worse than TO re-unite my family under
the roof where they may find shelter from
contumely and persecution, do not fear
the noisy but flcctipg voice of popular
clamor The multitude accept the first
impression from few, but in the'end men
think for themselves; and if / know the
human heart-and sometimes think that
in career of mingled sunshine and storm,
have sounded nearly all its depths-I
may assure those who look with reluctant
foreboding upon my future, to be of good
cheer, for | will not cease TO vindicate q
just claim to the respect of my fellows;
while TO those motley groups here and
there, who look upon my misfortune only
as means to be employed for my des-
truction, to those | say, once for all-if a
man make good use of his enemies they
will be as serviceablc TO him as friends.
In conclusion, let me ask only one favor
Of those who, from whatever motive, may
deem it necessary or agreeable to com
ment in public or private upon this histo-
ry, and that is, to aim all their arrows at
my breast, and for the sake of my inno-
cent child to spare her youthful moth
er, while sho seeks in sorrow and contn.
ton the mercy and The pardon Of Him to
whom, sooner or later, we must all appeal.