The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1859-07-27
A Letter from Sickles.

NEW 1oRk, July ~. |
The Herald of to-day contains letter
to the editor from Hon. Daniel E. Sickles,
in which he corrects statement made
in that paper yesterday, regarding the
recent evert 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 have done before the
only tribunals recognize as having the
slightest claim to jurisdiction over the
subjece, my own conscience and the bar of
heaven.
II 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 lives subject of con-
sultation with friends, no matter how
near and dear to us, aud can not allow
even oil the world combined to dictate
to me the repudiation of my wife, when l
think it right to restore her to my conf.
dence and protection, if lever failed to
comprehend the utter desolate position
of an offending, though penitent woman
the hapless future with all its dark pos
: sibilties of danger to which she is doom.
ed when prescribed as an outcast.
Il can now see plainly enough, in the
almost universal howl of denunciation
with which she is followed to my thres-
, hold, the misery and peril from which I
have rescued the mother of my child. and
although it is very sad for me to incur the
blame of friends and the reproaches oi
many wise and good people, l shall strive
to prove to all who feel any interest 10
me, that if am the FIRST man who hat
ventured to say to the world an errine
wife and mother may be forgiven and re.
deemed, that in spite of all the obstacles
in my path, the good results of this ex'
Q ample shall entitle it to the imitation ol
! the generous and the commendation o.
the just. -ta s:lt 5-Fsl
"There are many who think an act o.
duty. proceeding solely from affections
9 which can only be comprehended in the
heart of husband and father, is to be
fatal to my professional, political and
social standing. If it be SO, SO be it.
"Political station, professional success
\ social recognition, are not the only prizes
J. of ambition. and, so long as I do nothing
d worse than to re-unite my family under
z the roof where they may find shelter from
: contumely and persecution, I do not fea
e the noisy but aeeting voice of popula
;. clamor. 1a4 e
"The multitude accept their 6rst i'm
- pressions from few, but in the end mel
think for themselves and if knew tn
=, human heart, and sometimes think tha
in career of mingled sunshine and storm
:, 1 have sounded nearly oil its depths, thel
- 1 may assure those who look with reluc
- tant forebodings upon nay future. to be o
!. good cheer. for will not cease to vindi
cate just claim to the respect of my fel
, lows. 7' Ho2 99 t2 s'hl
:, "While to those motley groops her
"a and there who look upon my misfortune
n only as weapons to be employed for N
10 destruction-to those say, once for al
10 if @ man make a good use of his enemie
: they will be as serviceable to him as b
y friends. 3f3Ja 7sa
: "Iu conclusion, let me ask only one Il
vor of those who, from whatever motiv
may deem it necessary or agreeable
y. comment in public or private upon tn
sad history, and that is to aim oil the
as arrows at my breast, and for the sake
ce my innocent child, to spare her yet yout
n. full mother, while she seeks in sorrow al
.ls contrition the mercy and pardon
he Him to whom, sooner or later, we mu
all appeal" s'a.aa