65
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1826
TO ANDREW J ACKSON 1
Washington 13th Dec. 1826. Dear Genl. On confering with Judge White 2 Major Eaton,3 · & some other especial friends of yours, and perceiving that the Statement given to you does not precisely accord with the detailed Statement of Dr. Wallace,1 I have thought it best not to hand your letter 5 to Mr. Southard 0 but for the present to refer it back to you with a copy of the written statement of Dr. Wallace. Your friends are of the opinion that the better course, is for you to make no application yourself, but to permit it to come through some other channel. In conformity with this suggestion, I had prepared in my own name, a letter to the Secretary, a copy of which I inclose you as the better course. I shou'd prefer that it may meet your approbation, for the application to be made to Mr. Southard; thro' me acting, as· I shall state, at your instance, or otherwise as you may prefer- It is now a desirable matter with all your friends, to keep you out of collision, as to things said and done; and for whatever action may be thought necessary, for it to proceed thro some friend. Political matters move on as promisingly as the most sanguine can desire! I trust Sir that you will not for one moment suppose that my course has been dictated by an eye, to your political advance- ment, and that while I wou'd promote that, that I wou'd not suffer your character , as a man, and Patriot to rest under impu- tations of dishonor! for permit me to assure [you] that no hope of earthly elevation for you, or myself cou'd induce me, to forget for one moment the personal relations in which I have the pleas- ing satisfaction, and the honor to consider myself in relation to you. If you shou'd write directly thro me to Mr. Southard, I pray you, to let it be in the mildest, calmest tone of expression-The very fact of his conduct and statement, will most effectually damn him, and those united with him. Eaton's letter in answer to Roberts,7 and General Adairs 8 letter to Mr. Pope, 0 have a most happy effect, and whilst the administration are on their back they wou'd be glad that some thing wou'd occur to divert for a spell, the public eye from them. I will most promptly obey any directions which you may give me on this subject but trust it will meet your views for me to make the demand of Mr. Southard.
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