OCR Interpretation


Delaware journal. [volume] (Wilmington [Del.]) 1827-1832, September 09, 1828, Image 2

Image and text provided by University of Delaware Library, Newark, DE

Persistent link: https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83025530/1828-09-09/ed-1/seq-2/

What is OCR?


Thumbnail for

Ï
a
-
ie, «till i.smv memory now serves, of the Rnptrst
i,i nession. He broke open the commissary stores,
knocked out the heads of the floor barrels, taking
what tie wanted, and destroying what he pleased—
proceeded to the. hake house, and set it on fire, and
marched off in open defiance of the Colonel, leaving
the garrison without provisions, and so weakened
by desertion that it would have lallen a sacrifice to
the Indians."
The reader will be surprised to learn that these
charged urged against the unfortunate Harris, by
General Jackson, are a tissue of untruths. A refer
ence' to the official docaments, published by Con
gress during the lust session, will show that this
friendless and martyred clergyman was not even
charged with " breaking open the store houses," or
" knocking out the heads of the flour barrels,"
" setting fire to the bake bouse," or "taking or des
There was ho witness indeed
or
troyihg" any thiug.
that even insinuated that he was guilty ol any, the
least, of these offences."
General Jackson seems to have been conscious
that the charges preferred against this worthy man,
was insufficient to deprive him of life, and therefore
fabricated others. The citizens of the United States
will reflect on the vindictive temper of a comman
der, who nut content with illegally depriving his
fellow man of life, but even after the lapse of 15
years pursues him after death, by collecting ground
less charges for the purpose of tarnishing his mem
ory, ami thus adding, if possible, to the heavy afflic
tions of his bereaved wife and children.
111. General Jackson again states that "the ring
leaders, Harris at their head, after some time were
apprehended, and brought to Mobile in irons, after
1 had left there for New Orleans, and had charged
Gen. Winchester with the command of that section
ot the country."
It is not true that "the ringleaders" were " ap
prehended and brought back to Mobile in Irons." It
is proved by the official documents that a majority
of them voluntarily returned andsurrendered them
selves to their former officers.
It is also proved that Gen. Winchester was not
left in command at Mobile, but Colonel Arbuckle.
The order for the Courtis dated November 21st
1817. signed by Adjutant General Butler. On the
20th of November, 1814, General Jackson wrote
to the. Secretary at War, from Mobile, that he would
leave that part for New Orleans on the 22d bist.
He adds, " It is with regret I do this hr jure the
arrival of General Winchester. &c." He further
states that he would leave Limn. Col. Arbuckle to
command until the arrival of General Winchester.
It appears then satisfactorily established, on G«m.
Jackson's own authority that General Winchester
or
viz.
"
to
ed
Jackson's own authority
yens not as was stated in the famous letter to which
wc have referred, "left in command of that section
ol the country."
IV. This lettdr further remarks, that " They
(militia men) were tried by a court martial, and
condemned to die —-free were shot, and the balance
pardoned."
A reference to the documents of congress will
show that six inililia men were shot and not one
pardoned who had been condemned to die. Where
blood was not demanded by the sentence otthe court
pardon was in some instances extended. Where,
ho-.vever, the sentence was death, Gen. Jackson did
not pardon any one—his heart is impenetrable to
the feelings of commisseration or sympathy.—So
accustomed was he to scenes of "blood and carnage,"
and so little did he value the life of a fellow citizen
ami soldier, that he did not even think it ot sufficient
imoortanoe to charge In* memory with the number
of those of his fellow soldiers whom he cruelly and
illegally caused to be executed. '
V. He continues, " The others who had desert
ed before they had reached home, became alarm
ed at their situation, returned before Harris and his
party were arrested, joined me anil were forgiven;
were with me when l marched for Pensacola in 101 1
followed me then to New Orleans, where they re
pained their former good character by their valorous
and soldierly conduct, and were honourably dis
charged."
Now in General Jackson's official statement of
his force previously to taking Pensacola, no part of
Colonel Pipkins regiment is mentioned. 'I bis officer
states-indeed that his men were in garrison in forts,
in the Creek nation, anil makes no allusion to his be
ing at Pensacola.— The battle of New Orleans was
fought on the 8th of January, three weeks after the
expiration of the six months service of the regi
ment. Col. Pipkin remarks, when speaking ol this
identical transaction, that his men returned to Ten
nessee on the 21st and 2'2d of December, and were
then discharged.
The documents to which we have referred, prove
that the sentence of " half shooting. Sic. tic." was
ordered to be excuted by Gen. Jackson, ou the 2'2d
of January, 1815, which was two weeks after the j
battle of New Orleans.
It plainly appears then that either the General's
own official record is false, or not one ot the men
were with him at New Orleans, whom he alleges
were forgiven, and then "regained their good char
m
aetpr."
VI. General Jackson, with a view to promote
his own election to the Presidency resorted to the
mean experiment of slandering his opponents.
Such were his motives to fabricate he vile charge
of " bargain and sale." He founds this charge on I
a statement which, lie alleges was made to him bv 1
Mr. Buchanan of Pennsylvania. He states that he
informed by "this distinguished member of
Congress that the friends of Mr. Clay stated that the
■West did not wish to separate from the West, and
if I would say, or authorise any of my confidential
friends to sav, that incase I was elected President,
Mr. Adams should not be continued Secretary of
State, that bv a complete union of his friends they
would put an end to the Presidential contest in an
jjQyr."
Mr. Buchanan, the General's own witness, de
nies that he ever made thes.tatement imputed to him.
Mr. B. " trusts that he is as incapable of becoming
the messenger on such an occasion, as General Jack
son is of receiving such message"—that " he was
nut the political friend of Mr. Clav"—" that he had
on authority," " nor never did make such proposi
éions." MV. B. further adds that " the supposition
never once entered my mind that he believed me to
be the agent of Mr, Clay,-or of his friends, or that
was
v. . • , r .
Ï intended to propose to him terms of any UiihI from
them, or that he could suppose me capable ot ex
pressing the opinion that it wan right to fightsuch.n
triguers with their own weapons.
VII. In General Jackson's address to the public
of the 18th of July, 1827, hesta.es m mitigation «
his conduct as a slanderer that he only meutmued
thesubjectoftergam andsaleathis own res .
He remarks that the origin the o n
matter was at my house and fires, e,
a freeman may be permute, p P
pics without having ascribed to him "improper de
"Tiere the General evidently wished to convey the
impression that he had neve/before, or in anv other
sUuation,"spoken of the charge of bargain and cor
situation, spuaen on hJ/.nnimv" of this chaise
ÄS
1827 ami as isVtated by Mr. Beverly, in the pres
eure lif sevMViréhiians^' Notwithstanding this sol
TZ defoal Ï ™ positive proof that* General
WUnn in in this despicable slander two
hlforè and not then at his 'fireside' atone, but
- . nu alw i toum Imak
PU " M/ Hamef I-trae aVi-hlv respectable median
of this citv certifies' that he descended the Ohio
♦he Steam boat General Neville, in company with
General Jackson in the month of March, 1825, and
lhat he then declared that if ho (General Jackson)
had made the same promises and offers to Mr. Clay
that Mr Adams had done, he would then in that
case have been in the presidential chair."
Mr. Win. Crasdill, a respectable merchant of this
citvand travelling companion of Mr. Large, gives a
certificate to the same effect.
Wm. Sample Isaac Bennet, the Reverend A.
Wylie John Keel Cuthbert T. Jones and J. N.
Warine all certify that General Jackson uttered
similar slanders at Mr. Chambers' tavern in West
Alexandria P.i • at Brownville 5 at Bunland's in
Wasbington Pa?, and at Washington Hall Tavorn
Bow Unir Green. *
Here then is the strongest testimony that General
Jackson meanly calumniated a high minded political
rival, and afterwards resorted to the still greater
meanness to deny that he had done so.
VII. Previously to the election of General Jack
son in 1823, to the Unheil State* Senate, Major
Abram Murnliv. in a letter dated Sept. 20th. 1823,
stated to him that it was the wish of his friends in
the Tennessee legislature, that lie should be the can
didate for the office of U. S. Senator. The Gene
vears
tc
in
plv, with his usual affectation of delicacy
and regard for the public will, replies Sept. 21, 1823,
that -irappointed 1 could not decline."
After his election, he was addressed by the spea
ker of the Tennessee legislature, in terms of such
„ross flattery, that none bui a man of weak intellect,
or blunted sensibility, could have tolerated it.
" In reply to this address, General Jackson ap
propriété» tn himself the phrase of Mr. Lowndes,
viz. : that it does not become him "to seek or decline
office"—regrets (of course) his present appointment;
" yet inasmuch as the legislature, without any knowl
ed„e or undemanding on my part, have called me
to the situation, it was impossible to withhold my as
8en Here is another broad untruth. He was appris
ed of the intention of Ids friends, who constituted a
aiority of the Tennessee legislature, by Major
The General savs in his letter to this gen
mg.
All this shuffling anil misrepresentation
tended to deceive the friends of Colonel Williams,
that he was the unwilling instrument ol his (Col.
Williams') defeat,
I will close thi paper with a single, remark. Let
the citizens of the L lilted Sates remember that Gen
Jackson is the author of the chief slanders which
have bei n so industriously circulated against
Messrs. Adams and Clay. Prom the evidence here
adduced, it is hoped a proper valuation may be pla
ced on the General's testimony,
rai in re
m
Murphy.
tletnan, that "if elected I could not decline," and
yet afterwards had the boldness to declare that he
was "elected without his knowledge or understand

was in
THOM AS MIFFLIN.
j the honour and interest of the State
known that when Mr. Rodney was proposed as
Speaker of the House ol Representatives of the
United States, and wanted only a very few votes to
make him the successful candidate, his colleague,
" whose ambition could not bear another near the
throne," instead of throwing his weight into the
scale, did every thing in his power to defeat him.
Not content with voting against him, he became a
candidate himself without the smallest hope or pos
sibility of success ; because he knew that the votes
I thus substracteil from Mr. Rodney would certainly
1 insure liis defeat. I do not attribute this to any per
sonal hostility. No one could have such feeling.
Mr. Rodney was too amiable to have a personal ene
my, but the opposition arose from that selfish feeling
which has governed every act of Mr. M'Lane'» life,
His ambition could not stoop to witness a colleague
more elevated than himself. He had long hugged
of himself in the pride of being the greatest man in ike
State ; and many know that his brother has rung
an this through all its changes, and has even "done
battle," because others would not acknowledge it.
The speaker's is justly deemed one of the most
honourable appointments in the country. He pre
sides oyer the representatives of the nation, and hts
power in the appointment of committees is vast,
Anotherthen, regarding the honour of the little State
which he represented, with the ordinary feelings of
our nature, would have rejoiced at the opportunity
of aiding a colleague, to attain so high a station. It
to would have been honourable to a State so small
I as ours that one of her citizens amply qualified to
Communications.
For the Delaware Journal.
IOHS M'1ANS.
of
on
The late lamented Mr. Rodney was justly belov
ed by all who knew him. His mild anti gentle man
ner, his unassuming deportment, and the suavity
anil gentleness of his temper, with his known integ
rity ami disinterestedness of character, had made
him a general favourite. From such a man it
would seem impossible that any one could have with
held any kindness or favour in his power, especially
when such kindness or favour might be coupled with
Yet it is well
. I » „11 •». dir.'ilil Iv-vo «tiir.nl litis c >i
d'srr g ' n eyed jealousy" mastered
fun P • ,■ our 'ii,mi-eseiitalive and Mr. '
a! thethe erlee ngs of ou, Hep, «ei.Ulive, ,
0< 11 n i., r dUrr„ard of the credit and in- '
Ano Je. smgdar
forest ) r . )rL . se „,
He Uvounl a stranger in Washing
an d without a friend there. Although at this
time a nolitical opponent of Mr. M'Lane, he has
always heretofore supported that gentleman at his
various elections. Mr. M'Lane was his predecessor,
years in the House of Repre
sentatives, he must have become quite familiar with
the older members of the house ; and I presume he
must have been well acquainted with Mr. Stevenson
the present Speaker, for they served many sessions
together, and^hey are now uf the same political cast.
Mr. Johns on his arrival at Washington, being a
member of the same bar, and the successor of Mr.
M'Lane, had a right to expect from that gent e,nan,
that he should be introduced by him, and made known
to the different members of the House, and more es
pecially to the Speaker. Every one who is acquainted
with Mr. Johns knows the excellence of his moral
character, his respectable standing in his profession,
and the generalinforination which his assiduity and
talents have enabled him to collect. There was no
thing then about him which would have disparaged
any commendations which Mr. M'Lane might have
chosen to bestow on him. Instead ot meeting with
the kindness which he had a right to expect, and
which common courtesy demanded, what was the
measure of civility dealt out to him ? An utter
stranger to the Speaker both in character and per*
son, the sole Representative of a State, a state al
ways well represented in talent, therefore every
presumption in hts favour, it cannot be imagined the
Speaker of his own mere will would have left the
State unrepresented on all the Standing committee«,
Such a thing I am inclined to believe has never be
* ore happened, and I hope never will again,
What could have led to this singular occurrence r
As a gentleman report speaks well ol Mr. Steven
As a gentleman report speaks well ol Mr. Steven
son. I 0 whom would he naturally apply for îrifor- e(
nation as to the character and talents ol Mr. Johns? a
Unaided by any friendly advice, going upon proba
bilities, and judging rom the past, would he not
have supposed Mr. Johns tit to be placed on any ot
'he standing committees ? And having a due regarc w
f (,r ft' e rights of an independent State, am for the
feelings of its citizens, an nase jy le sinis er am
bit,on of others, wha must have been his course ?
Certainly not that w nc l was pursue . •imp ing
^ the immediate conduct of the Gazette on }
the. anuuncia ion o u ommi i es, ant w in can 0
doubt the real author of the attempted degradation
of our worthy representative ? Read the language
" that servile press. I he object of its attack upon
Mr. Johns is to lessen Inin in the estimation of his
constituents, and thus prevent h,s re-election ; but
if I know any thing of the people of Delaware here
has been another egregious blunder. Indeed it »
not ,n human nature to look on with indifference at
an attempt to break down and oppress an excellent
and high principled young man unjustly. The par
tv purpose to be thus subserved cannot be accom
Pitied. There is too much good sense and good
deling in the public, and a reaction must be the
consequence. Disappointment must always follow
on the heels of such unhallowed purpose: and in
stead nf diminishing Mr. Johns in the estimation of
his fellow citizens, their best sympathies will be en
listed in his favour ; and the blow which was de
signed to prostrate him will recuil on the head of
him who aimed il. TTMOLEON.
* This has been a frequent subject of eulogium to Mr
Randolph, the Colleague of Mr. Stevenson; and if we are to
trust to the accuracy of hts printed speeches he has declar
ed that the Slate has uniformly been better represented
than any State in the Union.
Fon the Delaware Journal.
On this day, l measured a finely flavoured Peach,
from Col. S. B. Davis' Orchard, about a mile from
this Borough, which was 9 7-8 inches in circumfer
ence ; and saw a number of others, from the same
Orchard nearly as large.
Wilmington, Del. Sept. 3d 1828,
W.
;0-0<
r»vaut\)j \\ Vmi WvmäveCU
—That any person, or persons, press or presses
that has misrepresented any matter, ought to cor
rect it as soon as the truth is ascertained, with ap
propriate explanations—And that all who deviate
from the pure principles of virtue and rectitude
ousjht to be looked upon by the people as repro
bates to the general weal, and unsafe depositories of
the sacred constitutional powers of our Republican
Government. In accordance with these principles
we look with awful forebodings to the mis-statements
hts in the Jackson papers in this State and elsewhere,
tending to mislead the public mind, on many or all
important, and some unimportant subjects—in our
of own State, we instance their swelling the number of
persons attending their meetings to two or three
It times the reality, and lessening those of the Admin
istration in the same or greater ratio from truth, &c.
to —Deliberately stating thro' their papers and at |
"
(its
of
Si
of
At a large and respectable meetin„of the friends
of the Administration, convened at Dutton's Tavern,
on the Gtli of .Sept. 1828, Col. Thomas Robinson
was called to the Chair, and William M'Caulley
appointed Secretary. The house not being suffi
ciently large to accommodate the meeting, it ad
journed to the comfortable shaded yard—When a
committee of five persons were appointed to pre
pare business for the meeting ; and the following
preamble and resolutions were, together with other
business, reported and unanimously adopted—
Whereas :—The members ®t this meeting exer
cising the privilege of freemen as guaranteed by the
Constitution ofthis Stateand the U. States, have as
sembled together, peaceably and dispassionately to
examine the pretensions ot the candidates for the
presidency, anil the manner and means of each par
ty to promote the election of their favorite candi
date.—We hold these truths to be sacred and essen
tial to the durability of Republican institutions, foun
ded as they are and of course ought to be in public
opinion ;—That virtue and morality should never
he violated to promote party purposes—'That troth
should lie the basis of all statements on either side
tin"''' meetings that the Administration is the
extravagant of any othe,,when public ...
' prove the nunual expenses of Mr. Adams's Ado.ini"
, t0 hnve > |m than for 20 ear8 "
' Charghigthe Adnnmstnition with losing the W. In<li
Trad* when they Icon, that that matter was , .
Jointed by Congress an,I not the President-ami h e
fact of that Trade being greater last year, than for
several former years, shews their no'ise to be only
for effect, where people do not understand the true
slate of the case.—Charging and reiterating, bur
gain and corruption against Messrs. Adams and Clay
when the testimonies of dozens of the môst *
pectable witnesses, (among them the good Lafoy.
elle) have proved them innocent, and without this,
their upright and patriotic lives and great public
services forbid the idea in honorable and virtuous
„dnds.-That Gen Jackson should descend to
charge bis rival with corruption, because be was
disappointed, is beneath the character of a Fresi
dential Candidate in our opinion, or any other hon
orable man, after congratulating Mr. Adamson his
success.—That we cannot view the life and char
acter of Andrew Jackson n? drawn l>y eminent
" over their signatures" who know him well,
fit example for our children—it being a series of
great,mean,and tyrannical actions on the race-comse.
ilt the cock-pit, on the duet ground, m public office,
trading in human flesh. &ic. ike.—We view the
jorily of Jackson's supporters as hostile to the
•« American System," and of course to the Farmer,
Mechanic, Laborer, and Manufacturer, who are
flourishing from its benefits, and think it fair to pro
dUme \ ie wou |d in case he was elected, take such
men into his cabinet, and be governed by the wish?»
0 f a majority of his supporters.—Mr. Adams and
Ins cabinet have been the firm supporters (notin
sounding noise but in all the :• acts) of the Farmer,
Laborer, Mechanic and Manufacturer, all of whom
are now flourishing ; which of itself is the best evi
( i ence of his wise Administration, as every one feels
its good effects, in his own prosperity, peace, mid
r happiness, and ought to wish its continuance. The
ia
res
men
ns a
ma
Jackson slanders,abort hereditary succession isbas
e( i upon the foulest demagogue principles—shewing
a wwh as usual, to poison the minds of the people
with error, as it is well known that onr Constitu
tion must be altered before there could be such sue
CCS!! ;j on) um ] m0 „ i} iere be a gu/lows for the wretch
w j luever insults the lr.eemen of this Republic with
sllc j, a proposition. But to show to moderate and
unbiased minds (as none others will listen to reason)
the wickedness ot the leaden of the Jackson party
/(j^ | )U ]| I 0 f .,|| parties are honest in intent) it is on
} [|eceg to present the undeniable fact, that one
0 f their leaders Col. Johnson a Senator from Kec
of
of
tucky, alter the election ol' Mr. Adams, anil before
he or his Cabinet had done any art for praise, or
censure, avowed, that " the Administration must be
put down right or wrong, tho ' as pure as the Jingeh
of God "—and another celebrated leader, Gen. Floyd
ot Virginia, avowed that the " Combinations were
nearly completed "—evidently meaning those combi
nations by the Jackson leaders, that were to put
down the Administration " right or wrong." Af
ter the avowal of such unholy principles and mean»
to put down an Administration which had done no
act ofwhich to complain, can any virtuous man in
his sober senses, who values virtue , his liberty, his
wife and children—all he holds dear in this world,
vote for Jackson or his/coders—We answer in be
halfof virtue, morality and the prosperity of our
country— Ab.
Therefore Resolved, That in the opinion of this meeting
the course of policy adopted by ill« present Administra
tion which is in accordance with those of Washington Jef
ferson, Madison and Monroe is calculated to promote the
prosperity and happiness of the country, and that
with alarm the bold attempt that has been avowed to de
nounce and put down those wiio support it whether "right
to
vie
or wrong.
Resolved, That we regard the principle of protection of
"home industry" (in preference to foreign) as one of the
most important questions that can at this time engage
the attention of the people of the U. States—that we are
persuaded the prosperity and happiness
country mainly depend on its success—and therefore we
ought not to support for office in the c« tu .cils of the nation
of protection, or who
ot our common
men who are inimical to the syste
are undecided or equivocating on that vital question.
Resolved, That the course now pm suing by Jackson's
friends in the Southern States—their threats ot rebellion
and civil war—of dissolution of the Unw
riff laws for the protection of the Manufacturer, Farmer &c.
are unconditionally repealed—their great and unreinitted
exertions to elect Gen. Jackson, alias
mer" "a Southern man with southern feelings" to the
Presidency, as a remedy for what they call the rvv* of the
" Amer. can System" are calculated to arouse the honest
indignation of every true friend to his country, of every
party—that we cannot help dreading the success of such
men with Gen. Jackson for their leader, as the precursor of
ruin and desolation to the farming and manufacturing dis
tricts of our country.
tending to
, unless the Ta
' Tenm sat e Fur
ad
a
poor. n . j.
Resolved, That the payment of 38,0j)0,000 do ars
*!*? P" blic del, V alu ' upwards ot 12.Ü0O 0 i o ars 1
m less than 4 years of his Administration, together with
the unexampled peace and prosperity of our country aiul
its citizens, puts the seal of condemnation on the •lacksim
slanders daily circulated, that the Administration is rumm.^
mm« ffiàt he'wMeoing to ruin, he would
laugh at their meddling folly, and perhaps tell them to
preach to some body else, as 'he was doing well enough,
Resolved, That in our opinion, it is necessary for p |,b
tuen to render some attention to their private a ans, ( i
Ue^ffl^mi/off "(whi"'ims'beeii thl cas heretofore'!
am i mai we view with pity and contempt those who ro
| deuvor to impose an the public the belief, tlm'their V ■ t ''
Resolved, That in supporting every measure tending to
cherish and benefit the " American System" the present
Administration lias given the surest pledge, and best proof
(its acts) of its sincerity and devotion to the great cause we
advocate—the prosperity amt happiness of our country—
and that therefore we will cordially support tile re-election
of JOHN ti. A DAMS for Preside r, and Rickard Rush lor
being identified with the " American
Si stein" and the best interests of their country.
Hesolved That we cordially approve of the nomination
of Keii8ey Johns, jr. Esq. as a suitable candidate for Repre
sentative to Congress and will render him our zealous sup
port.
Resolved, That we cordially rejoice in the returning
health of our fellow citizen Henry Clay—in him we.behold
the pure potriot—the bold and fearless advocate of the
cause of civil liberty, in his own and other countries t ie
long tried and able friend to the "American Svstem —
the poor orphan boy who by bis own exertion, talents and
industry, has become the great man—the bright luminary
J b noble monu
Vice President, i
—eclipsing most of his contemporaries—
ment raised from poverty and obscurity to usefulness, y
the institutions of freedom—may his slanderers learn o
imitate his virtuous and useful life (devoted to his couiitiy)
instead of envying him his greatness, because he was born

xml | txt