reasons for loving our system of government; no one | it has afforded, aided by some very fortunate circumcan wish that it should be put to new trials-but every stances in Europe and South America. good man will rejoice that its provisions and princi- But wherefore should commerce be "protected" ples are found adequate to every emergency that occurs. and manufactures be left to do as well as they can? The latter is by far the greater interest-its product Since the preceding article was in type, I was is much larger than the amount of our foreign trade; alarmed by what seemed a cry for "relief," in a very why any distinction, unless in favor of the quantity of respectable Tennessee paper, the Knoxville Enquirer; labor required? I say labor-because, let the sophist but, looking over the article, was happy to meet with turn and twist the case as he may, there is no other the words "Legislative interference cannot avail any means of obtaining wealth than through its profits. thing"--and, that there is "a way of escape without the Gold, the most commonly accepted representative of aid of bank accommodations," which is by an increas- property, is only to be had by digging. The best deed attention to the cultivation of the soil and increas-vised schemes that ever were formed, will not bring ed industry, in every respect, such as raising cotton it out of the earth; and, unless labor be profitable, and grain, rearing stock, &c. This is the true princi- there will not be diggings of gold, except as we buy ple on which the people should every where seek "re-lottery tickets, in the hope of drawing the "big prize." lief" and, as diminutions in price follow the su-It is labor that pays all-supports all-the bar, the perabundance of production, the spare labor should pulpit, the government, and the sovereignty. be appropriated to household and other manufactures, many of which may be profitably carried on by every well-regulated family. And, whatever may be the wants of particular sections of the United States, it is very certain that the union was never more prosperous than now. The growers of grain, a peculiar people, are not doing so well as we could wish them, but they will soon do better; because the domestic consumers of their products are rapidly multiplying, as well as becoming more and more able to give liberal prices for the good things of this life. The mechanics and manufacturers are fully employed, and capital circulates freely by means of their earnings. those gentlemen in support of the protection of comI should like to hear "an argument" from one of merce and against the protection of manufactures! It would have some resemblance to one that I once met with beginning with, "a thing is and is not;" for, what applies to one must apply to the other. But if those who are in favor of the former, will take the trouble to turn to the debates of congress in 1789 and 1790, they will find that the arguments then used against commerce are just exactly those which they would now use against manufactures. Nay, they may about "taxing the many for the benefit of a few," meet with all the cant phrases and petty sayings, &c. &c. And how long has it been orthodox, in certain parts of our country, to protect commerce, increase the navy, and erect fortifications? I say, protect every interest which American labor and capital is capable of grasping. Each should be the same in the estimation of every friend of his country. But a surrender of prejudices is at hand, and we shall not be much longer jostled with discordant opinions, as to the encouragement of national industry and support of internal improvement. government of Buenos Ayres, prohibiting the importation of American flour, was adopted at the instigation of the British merchants. It further states that WHY AND WHEREFORE. The elections in Virginia are about to take place, and some of the candidates for seats in congress and in the state legislature, are spreading their opinions on "matters and things" before the clectors, to obtain their suffrages. One of these, a candidate for congress, says, "he is warmly the friend of the gradual increase of the navy" and of "fortifications"--that he is for affording protection to our commerce, but "considers the tariff measure as Since I began to write this little article I met with not a bit better than a pick-pocket scheme," &c. the following extract of a letter from Buenos Ayres. This method of speaking of the tariff is too fashion-It will severely bother the friends of commerce and able in the south. Is it believed that the friends of the enemies of manufactures, to tell us what we that measure wish to "pick the pockets" of any other ought to do in this affair, supposing the matter to be class of their fellow citizens? It has been unques-fairly representedtionably demonstrated, that three fifths, if not two The letter intimates that the law, passed by the thirds, of the white people of the United States-the great body of the tax-payers, were, and are, in favor of it: is it decorous that they should be spoken of after this manner? What possible good can result "The English have not been content with this, they from it-ought the undoubted majority to yield to have had a meeting, and drew up resolutions in due the minority, in. a matter in which the general welfare form to adopt some effectual measure to put down the is concerned? And besides, what is it-who knows, American domestic brown cotton goods which from except perhaps the cotton planter, from some small the quantity of cotton requisite to manufacture them, rise in the price of "bagging," (which will be only the English goods of the same description cannot temporary), that the tariff has been altered-who come in competition with ours; the plan they have feels any additional burthen imposed upon him? No marked out to pursue, is, to influence the government one but rejoicing millions, I was going to say, know to lay on a heavy duty which would be equal to a proand feel the good effects that have resulted from the hibition, under pretence, that their manufactures in mere determination-manifested by the constituted au- the back country stand in need of protection. The thorities of the nation, to protect the manufactures finer cotton goods they can afford to bring here of the country; and, in truth, the late modification of cheaper than we can. If they succeed in having this the tariff amounts to little more than the establish- law passed, our commerce will be completely ruined ment of a principle: it has not done any thing towards in this quarter-the principal part of the American building up those monopolies, &c. &c. that were so cargoes have consisted latterly of flour and those unmuch talked about and so terribly feared-and the bleached cottons. There were imported into this broad fact exists, that our country, at this time, is ge- city the year past about 3000 bales of American sheetnerally more truly prosperous than ever it was. La-ings and shirtings, containing about 1,490-000 yards, bor is in demand, and the free productive persons of which generally sells from 18 3-4 a 25 cents per yard. the republic-the musket-bearers of the land and the There has been imported in the same length of time, bone and sinew of every community, have employ- about 80,000 bbls. flour." ment, and are doing well. And, I have no hesitation in saying, this fortunate state of things was mainly brought about by what is so politely called a "pickpocket scheme," through the various business that COTTON. The great trade which the emancipation of Mexico and South America has opened for British and other manufactures of cotton, together with the mightly increased consumption of the material years since there was so much bustle and business in the United States, (which is now equal to more in the United States as there is at this time. Labor than one-fourth of the whole quantity raised), has given is in great demand, and almost every branch of inmuch additional value to the article, notwithstanding dustry appears to be doing well. If this state of things that the product has been increased in our own continues for two or three years, the industry of the country and its cultivation been pretty extensive in people will protect itself, aided as it will be by roads and Egypt--but, perhaps, the accession to the general canals. stock from the latter, has not more than equalled the diminution of the quantity exported from Brazil, on GOLD. The mines of North Carolina begin to ataccount of the unsettled state of things in that empire. tract much attention. Professor Olmsted, of the uniThat this has added much to the prosperity of our versity of North Carolina, has lately visited the councountry, in furnishing means to pay for articles im-try in which they are located, and given a full account ported, is willingly admitted-and the time now is, of them. They are spread over a space of not less when the cotton planters of the southern, and the than 1,000 square miles. The gold is generally found manufacturers of the eastern, middle and western in small grains. The people in the neighborhood use states, are all doing reasonably well-without any it as a common currency; carrying it in goose quills, clashing of interests, as it was feared would follow and passing it by weight, as in old times, at 90 or 91 the late measures adopted for some slight encourage- cents per penny-weight. The value of the whole ment of domestic industry, as applied to the pro- quantity found, is not stated; but the diggers, geneduction of bread stuffs and meats, in aiding the rally, do not make more than 60 cents per day by manufacturers and mechanics, who consume them, their labor; still many are engaged in the business by by a tariff bottomed on the principle of protecting the hope of finding some large masses of the precious the latter, though its operation has not been inju metal, for pieces, weighing from 400 to 600 penny riously felt by any. But the time must and will ar- weights are sometimes met with, and one was found, rive, when the home-demand for cotton shall be the that, in its crude state, weighed 28 lbs. avoirdupoise. great regulator, (if it is not so even now), of the The bed of the mineral "is a thin stratum of gravel price of the article abroad-as being that only which enclosed in a dense mud, usually of a pale blue, but can be relied on-the imports being checked by a sometimes of a yellow color." The land is very poor, heavy rate of duty, when it shall happen that Egypt and the people are becoming a distinct race, called and Brazil pour forth the supplies that they are "gold hunters." It appears to be a bad business. capable of furnishing. In our own country, too, the Some of the gold finds its way to New York and amount is on the increase-North Carolina already other places, as remittances. We shall lay by this yields a large quantity, and in Virginia, it seems scientific account of the mines, &c. and publish it as that an extensive cultivation may soon be expected. soon as convenient. Many experiments have been made as to the field production of the commodity, and the result is said to be, that the crop is the most profitable that can be raised in the counties below tide water in that state. There is a great deal of spare labor and spare lands in this part of Virginia, and the probability is, that, in two or three years, the article, "Virginia cotton," may as commonly be found in our prices current as "Upland" or "Louisiana." Well-we hope that "there is room enough for us all;" and there certainly is, if we will only strive to accommodate one another as we should. The "Carolinian," of the 29th ult. says-A poor old man, who had been digging at Barringer's [mine] for sometime, with little success, came, the other day, upon a solid mass of the precious metal, in the fissure of a rock, which proved to be worth about one thousand dollars. But digging for gold is not, in any country that we have heard of, the best and surest way of making money. The same quantity of labor bestowed on almost any other business will yield a greater profit. TURNPIKE TOLLS. It was stated in the British house THE DELAWARE AND CHESAPEAKE CANAL. This work is proceeding rapidly. Six hundred persons were BRITISH GOODS. There has been a great and sud-kept at work all the past winter, their number is now den rise in the price of British goods in the United doubled; and many more are wanted immediately. States, caused by the immense supplies that have The execution so far, is highly spoken of, and in 1827, been sent off or ordered for Mexico and S. America.it is said that the whole canal will be finished. A corresponding rise in the value of domestic manufactures will also take place, and we hope that this will be attributed to the demand, and not to the "pick-of commons, on the 17th Feb. that the annual revenue, pocket tariff scheme." And, besides, as cotton has derived from the turnpike tolls in the vicinity of Lonadvanced 8 or 10 cents per lb. very happily for the don, amounted to a million and a half pounds sterling. planters and the public, it would seem that the There are ten of the gates which yield 240,000!. goods made out of it should be advanced a little. Cottons, woollens and hardware are now from 15 to 20 per cent. higher than they were six weeks ago; and it is a fact, that British agents in the United States have called upon their customers, with requests that they would order as few goods, at present, as they could conveniently do with. The matters just stated will do many times more for our manufactories than the tariff accomplished; and we hope that it will lead to the perfect establishment of all the old works, and cause the erection of many new ones. It is several THE LATE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. Letter to the editors of the National Intelligencer, dated Lexington, Ken. March 21, 1825. Gentlemen: At different times, before Mr. Clay left this place for Washington, last fall, I had conversations with him on the subject of the choice of a president by the house of representatives. In all of them, he expressed himself as having, long before, decided in favor of Mr. Adams, in case the contest should lie between that gentleman and general Jackson. My last interview with him was, I think, the *The public is always interested in the advanced day before his departure, when he was still more exvalue of any staple commodity, unless caused by aplicit, as it was then certain that the election would domestic scarcity. The remark applies to manu-be transferred to that tribunal, and highly probable factured articles as well as agricultural. But the that he would not be among the number returned. subject is one about which I shall speak more at large hereafter. It is absolutely necessary, that it should be fully comprehended-and public attention cannot be too often drawn to it. In the course of this conversation, I took occasion to express my sentiments with respect to the delicate and difficult circumstances under which he would be placed-on which he remarked, that I could not more fully apprehend them than he did himself, but that that they may understand it. And, further, we obnothing should deter him from the duty of giving his serve, that though many toasts, at political dinners, vote, and that no state of things could arise, that suppers, &c. deprecating his course, have been given, would justify him in prefering general Jackson to there seems to be no want of similar expressions of Mr. Adams, or induce him to support the former.approbation at others: and, at Paterson, N. Ja dinSo decisive, indeed, were his declarations on this ner was given in honor of him, Nicholas Smith, esq. subject, that, had he voted otherwise than he did, I president, and Andrew Parson, esq. vice presidentshould have been compelled to regard him as deserv-at which the following resolutions were passed and ing that species of censure which has been cast upon toast drank, with other resolutions and toasts not nehim for consistently adhering to an early and de-cessary to be repeated on the present occasionliberate resolution. "In consideration of the conspicuous part the hon. When the suggestion of a sinister vote on his part Henry Clay has taken in the important interests of first reached us, I felt disposed to offer, without de- these United States, the adoption of which has led on to Jay, the testimony which no citizen is at liberty to the unexampled prosperity they now enjoy; the most withhold, when he believes another to be unjustly prominent features of which are, the able manner in accused of a criminal offence; but, presuming that which he recommended and advocated the acknowthe result of the inquiry instituted in the house of re-ledgment by our government of the independence of presentatives would prevent a reiteration of the im- the South American states; and the bold, dignified putations cast upon him, I thought it unnecessary to stand he took in the adoption of an American system obtrude my humble testimony upon the public. Find- for internal improvement, of encouraging and proing this, however, not to be the case, and regarding moting roads, canals and domestic manufactures: the character of the nation, as well as that of two And whereas, the consummation of these great obdistinguished individuals, to be involved in the un-jects, as far as they have been adopted, have proved to the ceasing repetition of charges which have been kept world the correctness of his judgment: And whereas, alive and disseminated merely by repetition, I con- disappointed and unchastened ambition has reared sider it my duty to oppose, to their further diffusion, his hydra head, and, with slanderous tongue, has the statements which I have made, and, without hesi- attempted to imprint a foul stain upon his political tation, shall leave it with the impartial and intellireputation: gent people of the United States to appreciate my motives, and the value of the evidence which I have, spontaneously, offered to their consideration. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAN. DRAKE, M. D. WASHINGTON, February 22d, 1825. The birth-day of Washington, is the fit time for a tribute of respect to him, whose glorious achievements place him next to the father of our country. On this day, I present to general Jackson, a ring of the hero's hair, of the color it was when he led our soldiers to victory-it was made in this city and of American gold. Wear it in remembrance of him who was first in the hearts of his country, and of her who gives it to you, with her best wishes for your health and happi(Signed) ness. To general Jackson. ELIZA W. CUSTIS. acquisition of his talents to the cabinet, as the surest Resolved, That we hail the auspicious event of the presage of a successful administration. After which, the following toast was drunk: By the president. Henry Clay, an unblemished patriot, an unrivalled orator, and a liberal and enlightened statesman; a friend to man, without distinction of color or country; the benevolent defender of the red man of the forest, and the sable son of Africa, the champion of South American independence; the fearless advocate of suffering Greece. May his present station prove a prelude to the highest honor in the gift of the republic. GEN. LAFAYETTE. The itenerary of the nation's guest, from Washington, which he left on the 24th Feb. to the 3d of June, when he is to be at Boston, has been published, shewing his days' travel, stoppages, &c. The time is 99 days-the travel, by land, 2,655 WASHINGTON CITY, Feb. 22, 1825. miles, and, by water, 2,610-together 5,255. The exAly dear madam: By the hands of our mutual friend, treme point south, is Savannah-south west, New Orgen. Lafayette, I have had the extreme satisfaction of leans; west, St. Louis; north and east, Boston-passing receiving a ring containing the hair of general WASH- through or touching the states of Virginia, North-CaINGTON, which you have done me the honor to pre-rolina, South-Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, sent. Believe me, I shall retain, and wear it, with the greatest pleasure. I will wear it in remembrance of your kind opinions expressed towards me, and of the illustrious and revered man, the recollection of whose virtues and disinterested patriotism, none can ever be unmindful of. Could the present you tender me, be at all increased in value, it would be by the consideration, that its presentation has been through one, who devoted himself in early life to the service of our happy country, and who was the friend and associate of our beloved Washington. I pray you to accept my kind wishes for your health and prosperity in life. With great respect and regard, I am your most obedient servant, (Signed) Mrs. E. W. Custis. ANDREW JACKSON. Mississippi, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. What a journey! LAFAYETTE performed two grateful and solemn duties at Savannah. He laid the corner stones of the monuments which are about to be erected to the memory of generals GREEN and PULASKI. Particulars hereafter. The arrival of the veteran LAFAYETTE in the United States seems to have warmed the hearts of the people in the most distant regions of the "new world." A letter from Buenos Ayres says "I have just received newspapers from the United States, informing me of the magnificent reception of general Lafayette. I have never read newspapers with such exquisite delight as these, and I firmly believe there never was so interesting and glorious an event in the civilized world, in which all classes of people partiMR. CLAY. Much has been said against the pro-cipated in the general joy, as on this occasion. ceedings of this distinguished gentleman, in regard to There is an association of ideas, connected with this his conduct in the late presidential election. His own event, that produces in my soul emotions I cannot exstatement of facts and vindication is before the na-press, and fill my heart with such grateful recollection. It has been, or will be, read by all the reading tions, as I cannot forget but with my existence. people of the country, and requires no commentary That ten millions of souls, actuated by pure sonti ments of gratitude and friendship, should, with one MR. RANDOLPH. We understand, (says the Rich- GENERAL JACKSON was received at Brownsville, Pa. by the people, en masse, and by the military, amidst the ringing of bells and discharges of artillery. when it was divided, and the county of Isle-of-Wight, in which col. Parker resided, being separated from it, Mr. Newton was elected to represent the Norfolk district. A change of representatives, it is true, thus took place, but it was not made by the election of the people. Mr. Newton has represented it ever since. [Herald. New York during the year 1824, was 4,341-of which PHILADELPHIA-the Alms House. The editor of the COL. ROGER JONES, lately appointed adjutant gene- House, states that the present number of its inmates Sentinel, who is one of the managers of the Alms ral of the army of the United States, was, for several is 1,096-and at no time during the season has reached years past, stationed at Fort Severn, near Annapolis, 1,300. Of these 1,096, between 600 and 650, are old the inhabitants of which city invited him to a public and infirm, insane, blind, cripple or laboring under dinner previous to his departure for the seat of go-acute diseases. In the children's asylum, there are, vernment. On removing the cloth, the following besides, 200 paupers incapable of labor, they being untoast was givendoor pensioners is probably not less than 1,200; and der eight years of age. The whole number of outit may possibly reach 1,600. By gen. Harwood-Our much respected and esteemed guest and fellow-citizen, col. Roger JonesHis intended departure from this city, excites feelings of the deepest regret for our loss, tempered with emotions of joy at his just promotion to office. After this toast was drank, col. Jones rose and addressed the company in the following terms: Gentlemen: I would do great injustice to my own feelings if I were not to attempt, however humble the essay, to return you my sincere thanks for this evidence of that kindness, with which you have been pleased to regard me. It is now more than three years since I have been a sojourner here, during which time the utmost harmony and good fellowship have subsisted between our garrisor and the society of Annapolis. We have indeed been considered, as we really feel ourselves to be, one of the families which compose this friendly and hospitable community. In our happy country, the interest and feelings of the officers of the army are completely identified with those of the people; and it is the perception of this fact, illustrated, I trust, throughout the course of my command, and as a neighbor, together with your very indulgent predilections, to which I am indebted for the kindness and good will which have marked the progress, and now the close of my residence among you. Permit me, gentlemen, to give The hospitable citizens of this ancient metropolis -May the blessings of liberty and emancipation conspire not to deprive them of their colonial privilege of representation.* By capt. T. Franklin-The remaining officers at Fort Severn--Their unexceptionable conduct as subalterns, proves them worthy of being the successors of their worthy colonel. "STEADY HABITS." It appears, from the Richmond Enquirer, that there will be an opposition to the reelection of the late congressional representatives of this state, in eleven of the twenty-two districts, which is rather uncommon-[That is, that so many are opposed.] PENNSYLVANIA. The legislature has finally passed, the people of that state to vote for or against a conand the governor has approved, the bill authorizing vention. and of the professions of the members of the house INDIANA. A statement of the places of the nativity, of representatives, was lately published, of which the following is a summary view: Born in-Massachusetts 2, Connecticut 3, New York 2, Pennsylvania 6, Maryland 1, Virginia 7, North Carolina 10, South Carolina 1, Kentucky 7, Tennessee 1, Ohio 2, Indiane 1, Ireland 1. Of whom, 32 are farmers, 4 attornies, 3 physicians, 2 merchants, 1 innkeeper, and 2 not pursuing any business. What! only one born in Indiana? the learned European may ask: Yes, Indiana was a wilderness a little while ago. boat just launched at New York, for the navigation "THE BOLIVAR." This is the name of a fine steam of the river Magdalena, in Colombia. A little while. since, one would have been thought a madman if he had ventured on the execution of this project, befringement on their rights, and have assuredly knifed cause that the boatmen would have regarded it an inall that were engaged in it! But the state of society has changed-and it is not probable that the boatmen of the Magdalena will interfere in the matter. the mountains of Colombia, Mexico, &c. were among These boatman, and the porters and guides through the most lawless and brutal of mankind; and though generally faithful as to the performance of an engagethe business which they pursued, they otherwise did ment, because that their livelihood depended upon pretty much as they pleased. We recollect to have read that one of the viceroys of Mexico was compelled to abandon a project of making a good road in a certain mountainous district, because, on account of the narrowness and difficulty of the pass, a large It is a singular fact that the people of Norfolk dis-number of persons earned a living by the transportatrict have never changed their representative since the establishment of the federal government. Colonel Joshua Parker represented the district from 1789 to 1801, *Alluding to the effort of the late legislature, to take away the two delegates from Annapolis. tion of goods on their own backs, like beasts of bur-then. They would not admit of an interference in their business! FOREIGN NEWS. The arrival of one of the packete at New York furnishes London dates to 6th March. dient, I have the honor to be, respectfully, your most obe- In the house of commons on the 1st March, a bill was offered by sie Francis Burdett, founded on the petition of the catholics for emancipation. After a very long debate, the vote stood, for the motion 247, against it, 234, majority 13. Mr. Canning addressed Washington, 30th March, 1825. the house while sick, and leaning the whole time upon SIR: Your letter, under date of the 28th inst. was a stick. The tone of his voice was so feeble that his handed to me yesterday. After referring to an adremarks were not heard distinctly in the gallery. He dress of mine to my late constituents, published in the remained ill on the 3rd, in consequence of his exer-National Journal of Monday, and from which you tions in the house. quote certain passages, you observe, "the imputation The "budget" for the year had been introduced- which your phraseology would seem to covey is, that on which occasion the chancellor of the exchequer the letter which appeared in the Columbian Obsercongratulated the house on the prosperity of the finan-ver, and acknowledged by Mr. Kremer, was not writces and of the country. There is to be an actual increase in the British army of 15,828 men-including 5,860 for India. There was a great demand for cotton at Liverpool --40,000 bales were sold during the week ending 28th February. Bowed, at from 10 to 134d.; Orleans, 12 to 15d.; Tennessee, 104 to 131d.; Sea Island, 214d. to 2s. 6d.; Brazilian, 121 to 144 d; Colombian, 104 to 11d; Peruvian, 14d.; West India, 104d.; Egyptian 12} to 15d.; Bourbon, 144d.; Bengal, 74 to 8d. per lb. The Servians have been checked in an attempt that they made to throw off the Turkish yoke. The Sultan is making mighty preparations for opening the next campaign against the Greeks. The army destined for this purpose is to consist of 50,000 men. A violent epidemic has shewn itself at Napoli de Romanja and caused many deaths. A great number of persons had abandoned the place. Messrs. Eaton and Clay. The Washington papers contain the following letters, published at the request of Mr. Eaton, "explanatory of the meaning that should attach to particular expressions contained in Mr. Clay's address to his constituents:" Washington, 28th March, 1825. SIR: In the National Journal of this morning, over your signature, I find my name introduced with the following remarks: "A few days after the publication of my card, another card, under Mr. Kremer's name, was published in the Intelligencer. The night before, as I was voluntarily informed, Mr. Eaton, a senator from Tennessee, and the biographer of general Jackson, was closetted for some time with him. I pretend'not to know the object of Mr. Eaton's visit to him. I state the fact as it was communicated to me, and leave you to judge. Mr. Kremer's card is composed with some care, and no little art; and he is made to avow in it, though somewhat equivocally, that he is the author of the letter to the editor of the Columbian Observer. To Mr. Crowninshield, a member from Massachusetts, formerly secretary of the navy, he declared he was not the author of that letter." ten by him, but was, in fact, written by me; and that by me he was made to avow himself, though "somewhat equivocally," the author. Your language and meaning are somewhat equivocal too; but as, by fair interpretation, they appear to warrant this construction, I present myself before you, to require you distinctly to state, whether or not any such meaning was by you designed to be conveyed." In the part of my address to which you refer, having stated a particular fact respecting you, I observe, "I state the fact as it was communicated to me, and leave you to judge." I cannot, therefore, admit your right to call on me for my inferences from a fact which I have submitted to my constituents, leaving them to draw their own conclusions. But, in the spirit of frankness, which has ever guided me, I have no hesitation in stating that, in regard to the letter in the Columbian Observer, I have not formed, and therefore did not intend to intimate, any opinion of the person who was its real author. I was satisfied to take Mr. Kremer's declaration, that he was not the author of the letter, as made to the late secretary of the navy. In the same spirit of frankness, however, it is proper for me to add, that I did believe, from your nocturnal interview with Mr. K. referred to in my address, that you prepared or advised the publication of his card in the guarded terms in which it is expressed. I should be happy, by a disavowal on your pat of the fact of that interview, or of its supposed object, to be able to declare, as, in the event of such disavowal I would take pleasure in declaring, that I have been mistaken in supposing that you had any agency in the composition or publication of that card. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, II. CLAY. The hon. John H. Eaton. Washington, March 31, 1825. SIR: Your letter, in answer to mine, was receiv at 4 o'clock yesterday; from the delay, I was disper to think you had concluded not to reply. On reading your communication to your late stituents, I had understood you as intending to co vey the idea, not "by inference from a fact, but The imputation which your phraseology would most by actual averment, that the letter published in seem to convey, is, that the letter which appeared in the Columbian Observer was written by me; and that, the Columbian Observer, and acknowledged by Mr. to escape or avoid responsibility, by me, Mr. KreKremer, was not written by him, but was, in fact, mer was made to acknowledge himself its author: written by me; and that by me he was made to avow your reply to my letter disavows this, and states that himself, "though somewhat equivocally," the author. "you have not formed, and therefore did not intend Your language and meaning are somewhat equivocal to intimate, any opinion of the person who was its 100; but as, by fair interpretation, they appear to war-real author, being satisfied to take Mr. Kremer's derant this construction, I present myself before you, claration that he was not the author of the letter, as to require you distinctly to state, whether or not any made to the late secretary of the navy." such meaning was by you designed to be conveyed. If this be the idea intended to be communicated, I will not persuade myself but that at least you are possessed of facts and circumstances to fix against me the opprobrious charge of writing a letter, which, as the inference must be, I was not merely afraid to acknowledge, but which, through finesse, arrangement, and closet management, I had caused to be avowed by one, who was innocent of producing it. Having nothing to do with this controversy, furthe, than as I considered the introduction of my name in tended personally and directly to affect myself, might omit any notice of the concluding part of your remark, as derived from Mr. Crowninshield, late secretary of the navy. In justice, however, to ar absent individual, with whom my name has been associated, I shall not forhear the opinion that Mr. Kremer never did use the language imputed to him. It |