Indiana State sentinel. (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-03-16
David crocke,,-an Original letter.

|
Everybody, young and old, has heard of
DAVID CRocKETT, aud some Of his printed say
inss and maxims matters of everyday refen
ence. The son OF parents Who after their arrival
/ from Ireland. made tine Valley oftY Fginia their
! first resting place in the New World, DAvY was
born to them soon after they had moved from
that region and made the then-wilderuess of the
western district of Tennessee their permanent
home When the future member of Congress
first the light of day, and until he approached
| the age of manhood, 1.-THE schOOlmaster" was not
abroad. or. at all events, abroad but seldom, in
that portion OF goodly land; and whatever
education the rising generation acquired was Of
spontaneous growth. and such a youth. so in
clined, might pick up between the hours Of labor
! from a few of the most simple elementary works.
The Colonel understood. practically. the labor of
pursuing knowledge under difficulties. and often
lamented in after years. the fact that his pbonO
graphic method ofspelling became ton chronic With
him ever to be effectuay cured and eradicaied
from the :, stem. He, however, thought like man,
even though he spelled bike child. win be
evident from the annexed copy of letter. in bis
own proper hand writing. which we reproduce
/ for the information of OR readers with the per
mission of the gentleman TO whom il Is ad-
dressed.
!. CRocKETT, about the time of the date of the
letter. bad quarreled with his friend and negh6Or
Old Hickory, ard the hiug at ''despOss" was
doubtless leveled at the old Roman. Had be
/
Laws of his country tramped.nnder foot. and the
higher law of. weak mans viii substituted IN
their stead. CkOcKETT would have doubtless de-
nounced the trsSgreSsors in still deeper tones of
indignation, while lamentiug the degeneracy Of
us free Americans of Gelt or Saxon descent
for our tame submission 80 the invaders Of our
inalienable rights.
The letter, which follows. is characteristic Of
the writer, and its principles quite applicable
to the present times:
WAsHISGroN CRY, Jan. 3, 1884.
JoHY DowLINe. ESQ --De0T Sir: The very
/ polite note OF the committee the nart OF the
Columbia Typographical Society, inviting me to
partake of their anniversary supper on to inorrow
evening. has been duly received; and finding that
my engagements will not permit me 20 DO myself
I alike the DOnOr ana the pleasure OF Joining
friends in that celebration, | meet the remaining
request OF the committee in apprising you,
their Chairman of that fact. | sincerely regret
my inability to attend, hut, engaged as am, in
the preparation Of work essential TO proper
understanding of the true history of nv life,
which has been made up of vicissitudes seldom
meeting in the character of any one man. l have
thought il most grndant 10 exclude myself for
the time being from seems of mirth and hilisrity,
that in my engagements my memory may have
fair shake. and that with my work | may-just
ego ahead"
Nv best thanks for the politeness Of the com
mittee ale rendered, vet know they quite an
inadequate return. My apology will. trust,
prove satisfactory; and ne cannot attend ] send
you sentiment: The Art Of Prinfing-May il
flourish in liberty. without being stained by the
righteousness OF the press; may IL 60 forth the
handmaid of universal freedom Of thought and
concience; its triumphs multiplying Gil public
virtue shall prednminate. and despots. whether
under the name ct King President, be mace to
tremble."
! | pray YOU tender my best respects TO the
meeting. and accept my warmest wishes for yonr
health and hapDinss
am, sir, your most obd't, lf
Very humble serv't.
DAVID CROCKETT.
JOHN DowLINe. Esq,
Chi of Com. of Arrangements ol the Colum-
bia Typ Society.