WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1830
18)
a committee of some citizens of Sumner County" made its appear- ance, and met my eye by accident! It purported to be the opinion of "Sundry respectable citizens of Sumner County" - The circumstances under, which it made its appearance, are at least entitled to the merit of peculiarity. When I first saw the production, and perused it, my astonishm€nt at finding your name first, on the list of the committee, was productive of some sur- prise! But upon a moment's reflection, I ceased to regard it in a light, by any mean's prejudicial to myself, or unkind to you! And permit me to assure you sir, that no circumstance, within the scope, of remote probility, can ever diminish the high respect, which I have ever cherished for you, as a Patriot, as soldier, a Gentleman, and an honest man. But notwithstanding thsse feel- ings, and opinions I owe to my friends, my kindred, and to myself, certain obligations - to the performance of which, no personal considerations shall ever, interpose. And the first, of these obligations, is to refute erroneous facts, charged against me,-and I feel equally bound to adhere to the rule, whether they proceed, from a creditable individual, or are the joint act, of "Sundry respectable" individuals! And in accordance to this rule, I pledge myself to refute facts charged against me, as well as to detect insiduous inuendos; which, the publication refer'd to, con- tains! It may be deemed proper, that I should have done so, at an earlier day; but as I was then subject to the imputation, of passion, and feeling; I resolved to await a period, at which, my motives at least, should have the character of reflection, and when I could, with calm propriety, offer a Protest, against the proceedings of a committee, of "Sumner county," who had as- sumed the unprecedent€d right of passing upon my character, and that too, on "suggestions" and information, as idle, as it was ridiculous! · The resolution organizing the committe declared in substance that the object in view, as adverse to the character of any one, but for the purpose of offering respect,- and confidence; where it was due. But how far, the report, and proceedings of the committee accord, with this declaration, I shall take leave to examine! If I am not greatly under misapprehension the second paragraph of the Report, contains, a wanton, and insiduous re- flection, upon my character,-which every principle of right, demands of me, not to let pass in silence, least my acquiescence should be construed into an acknowledgement, of the justice of
Powered by FlippingBook