Year: 1860

We take pleasure in answering the ques- tion as to how part of the original manu- script of Viator letter came into our pos session. It came to us with letter from a gentleman whose word is sufficient guarantee to all who know him. for truth fitness and honor. It was not purloined or surreptitiously obtained from the office of the State Rights Democrat The boy or workman in that office, who envelops and directs packages, took this piece of copy and used it as wrapping paper around the numbers of that paper sent to Fayette- vile. At the post office, when the wrap per was taken off the remarkable writing caught the eye of the person who opened the bundle, and upon reading it, it was found to be an original of one of the pub lished Viator letters. It was public com munication, made patent in print, and if 1t was proper to read it in type, it was no less proper to read it in "copy." Before being sent to us it was examined at Fay etteville, Van Buren, Fort Smith and other places. The handwriting of MT. Hind man is peculiar unique. This manuscript, agreeing, word for word, with Viator let ter is in this singular handwriting. He crossed some words, when reading it over, thereby showing that it was not copy made by Mir. Hindman, but the original (which was set up in type.

 The Old Line Democrat of last week says:

 "Col. Hindman has denied being the author of these letters, and in addition thereto, MT Martin has positively declared that he the author; now on the other hand, we have the declaration of Mir. Woodward that the original letter has been ob- tained from the office of the s. R. Democrat, " and IS in the Handwriting of T. c. Hndman.' In view of this we feel authorized to call upon Mr. Wood ward to submit the copy, if in his possession to competent judges, and let this matter be settled at once. If Col. H. is not, as we verify believe he is not, the author of the Viator' letters, this con. stantly holding him up as such is cruelty ma liciouS."

 Dropping the editorial "we" and speak ing for himself only, Mir. Woodward de- sires to act frankly in this matter. What ever may be the relations between Mr. J ohn. son and Mir. Peek, MT. WIS limited inter- course with the latter has given him the opinion that he is gentleman. Making all allowances for his having heard but one side, that he might naturally be prejudiced, and that, as partisan, he would lean one way, Mir. Peek acts and talks like frank and honorable man. Mir. Woodward says this freely, as he does not share the feeling, so rife in this city, that every man who differs from another in politics, is scoun- drel or a fool. There is no necessity for such belief, or that men who differ in their estimates of certain men and measures should be personal enemies. A man who cannot permit another to entertain an hon. est difference of opinion without hating him, is unfit to be connected with the press. Believing Mir. Peek to be disposed to act fairly and courteously, Mir. w. proposes to put this copy in the hands of Mr. P. himself Laying aside all bias and pre- judices, if any exist, let him examine it thoroughly and state his convictions, not as partisan editor or as a friend of one or an enemy of another, but as a man who is asked for his candid opinion. Should Mir. F.. feel any delicacy in forming and ex- pressing an opinion, heJcan consult others and give the result to his readers.

 As the copy was placed in Mir. Wood wards hands temporarily, and is to be forwarded to another, he stipulates that it shall be returned to him after reasonable time is taken for critical examination,- say forty-eight hours.