WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1831-1832
210
I was induced, by my respect for this body, not to look upon him as a private individual who had wronged me, but as a member of this House. I therefore addressed to him a note. It was my privilege to do so. However humble I may be, and however blasted in the estimation of some gentlemen, it was still my priv- ilege, in common with the humblest citizen that treads American soil, to address an inquiry to the honorable member. I asked of him, respectfully, and in language to which none can object, whether that publication was his, and under what circumstances it had been made. Sir, he did not deign to reply; but, proceeding on his own assumption that I was a man of "blasted reputation," he would not condescend, nor even stoop from the lofty height of his official dignity, to notice me, a mere private -individual. The terms in which he couched his refusal were of the most insulting character. He declared that I had no right, after all that he had said, to make even a request for explanation. This was assuming higher ground than that of his privilege. It is the right of all- of the lowest and the humblest-to request an explanation where they are personally concerned. But this was denied me. That universal right of petition which is guarantied by the constitution to all the people of the United States, on which right my applica- tion was based. This common, this sacred, this wise, indefeasible privilege was refused to an American citizen. What indignation would such a refusal excite in every manly bosom? It was, in substance, saying to me, although I have injured you without provocation, and in the most public manner, you have no right to inquire any thing about it, and I shall continue to do the same thing till your reputation is completely degraded and sunk. Of the nature of the accusation, and the manner in which he sustained it, I need not remind this honorable court. My accuser declared, in reply to the first interrogatory put to him, that it had not been his object to impute a fraud. On afterthought, however, he changed his position, and avowed his belief that I was a guilty man. Still relentless, still r·esolved to sacrifice his vic- tim, he bore down upon him with all the weight of his official station. Although the individual had withdrawn himself from civilized society, still he must be pursued, and hunted, and blasted! With what? With truth? With fact? No. With surmises-with suspicions-with hearsays, and affidavits. But did these proofs, such as they were, exist at the time his accusation was made? Not at all. He made the charge on a mere vague rumor; but, as a means of inflicting a more deadly stab, he gave in the names
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