The New Hampshire Gazette

True Spunk.

The following communication is copied from the Baltimore Republican with a copy of the proscription circular of Mr Webster, Secretary of State, issued against the Office holders. We would like to see the same spirit of independence in every office holder in the country.

I, Mr Editor, as you know, am an officer of the General Government, and who I am, Mr Webster may ascertain by enquiring of you; and, in full view of the consequences, I dare to say, that the above circular is the most flagrant violation of my rights as an American citizen; that it is a bold and impudent assumption of power, worthy only of those who have got into the Administration of the Government by fraud and corruption; that I believe it to be a deliberate scheme of Mr Webster and his associates in the Administration, to convert the whole body of office holders in the United States, (and they have estimated them at 100,000,) into passive instruments of the Executive will, and to secure the vote of every man of them in their support: for none but such as are willing to be such instruments will consent to hold office on the terms of this circular. If there were some impartial tribunal erected to decide what constitute "free and proper expression and maintenance of his opinions respecting public men or public measures" by an office holder, there might be some show of right in this proclamation. But it would be only a show, and I should, for one, resist it at all hazard—holding it, as I do, as a daring and high handed attempt to abridge the "freedom of speech," secured to me, and to every citizen, office holder or not, by the Constitution.

But enacted as this law is, by one man—its infractions to be pronounced by the man that enacted it—and its penalties to be enforced by the same man, constitutes a despotism that I cannot find language with which to express the indignation with which I scorn and defy it.

In less than sixty days, Mr Editor, a Congressional election will take place in Maryland; this order has gone forth to the office holders to be silent; and a significant hint to the office seekers to be active, has been given in the announcement to them, by the authority of Secretary Ewing, that the appointments in Maryland will not be made till after the election. Now, sir, I tell Secretary Ewing, and him of Hartford too, that I shall exercise, in regard to that election, to the full extent, my right to the free and proper expression and maintenance of my opinions respecting public men and public measures, without considering whether it may be regarded by them "as cause of removal." I shall not go so far as Captain Stockton of the United States Navy, did, during the late Presidential canvass; but I shall do all that I think "proper." I shall keep my eye, too, on those who have been promised to be appointed to offices "after the election," The Webster Circular, if there be any honesty in it, must apply to such. And now, Mr Webster, if there be treason in this, make the most of it. There is no libel in it, I am sure; and the sedition law not yet being revived, the worst you can do is to turn me out.