I rec'd a letter from Abel some time since and ought to have answered it but the expense of Postage, the necessity of economy, the scarcity of money these hard times, and the deficiency of news of importance has induced me to defer it—but I would recommend a reperusal of my former ones as containing the true sentiments and wishes of his affectionate Brother. To one suggestion in his however, I shall insert a reply in this. He informs me that Doct. Luther Newcomb stated when at Lebanon, that he believed I had become a Federal. I should be glad to know by what authority he made the assertion or what was his malice, if it was, to slander my person and defame my character he could not have missed his object—So far am I from deserving that despicable appellation and so different is the impression among the people and on the mind, even of my Preceptor (who is the fastest Fed that I ever knew, though a man of superior talents) that am counted a Republican and under the daily threatening of being turned out of door for cherishing a true Republican principle, the legitimate sentiment of every real American hereditarily bestow'd and carefully cultivated by an anxious Father whose precepts and instructions have made an indeliable impression on the heart of his son who is farther from ever having the infamous name of Federal justly applied to his character or associated with his name than the North is from the South, who feels the glowing influence of that noble sentiment of Liberty and Independence which the Veteran Fathers of our Country fought, bled and died to obtain! Which influence, elevates the soul of every true American as much above the factious Spirit prevalent in our country, as Zenith is above Nadir or as Virtue is above vice—[1]
- ↑ Written in left margin: Yes, Dear Sir, erase and let every impression be obliterated from every mind, of my ever being made a convert to the present system of Federalism! Sooner might they remove the everlasting Hills, than to bribe my integrity, waver my faith, shake my belief or divert my course from the Position of Republicanism while reason holds her empire over the province of my intellects.
