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Letter to Editor
November 6, 1832
Constitutional Whig
Richmond, Virginia
What is this article about?
Extracts from John Randolph's 1808 speech against General Wilkinson, expressing distrust of military ambition, and his 1822 address opposing General Jackson's potential election to the presidency due to his military background.
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RANDOLPHIANA!
Extract from Mr. Randolph's speech in the House of Representatives, against General Wilkinson, in 1808.-
"I own a natural jealousy of military men-it grows out of love of country; it is strengthened and kept alive by the multitude of examples in history, ancient and modern, of the fall of empires and the revolution of states-the misery and wretchedness brought upon the human race by the ambition and pride of military men. I never expect to hear of, much less see, another Washington in character. As an officer of peace or war, his like never will be again. I am willing to give every man a just and reasonable reward for his public services, both in pay and gratitude; but the military man is so rarely satisfied with any thing less than direct worship, that I am of opinion-I always was of opinion—we could not be too watchful of the springing ambition of a military commander."
Extract from Mr. Randolph's address to the people of Charlotte, in 1822.
"The election of General Jackson to the presidency, is not to be dreaded, as it can, in no event, possibly occur-the people of the United States have not yet become so corrupted, as to choose a man of military talents to govern the national councils, in opposition to Mr. Crawford, or indeed of any other good man in the country."
Extract from Mr. Randolph's speech in the House of Representatives, against General Wilkinson, in 1808.-
"I own a natural jealousy of military men-it grows out of love of country; it is strengthened and kept alive by the multitude of examples in history, ancient and modern, of the fall of empires and the revolution of states-the misery and wretchedness brought upon the human race by the ambition and pride of military men. I never expect to hear of, much less see, another Washington in character. As an officer of peace or war, his like never will be again. I am willing to give every man a just and reasonable reward for his public services, both in pay and gratitude; but the military man is so rarely satisfied with any thing less than direct worship, that I am of opinion-I always was of opinion—we could not be too watchful of the springing ambition of a military commander."
Extract from Mr. Randolph's address to the people of Charlotte, in 1822.
"The election of General Jackson to the presidency, is not to be dreaded, as it can, in no event, possibly occur-the people of the United States have not yet become so corrupted, as to choose a man of military talents to govern the national councils, in opposition to Mr. Crawford, or indeed of any other good man in the country."
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical
Informative
Political
What themes does it cover?
Politics
Military War
What keywords are associated?
Military Ambition
John Randolph
General Wilkinson
General Jackson
Presidency Election
Washington Character
Letter to Editor Details
Main Argument
mr. randolph expresses deep suspicion of military men's ambitions, citing historical precedents and praising washington as an exception, and asserts that the people will not elect general jackson over more suitable civilian candidates like mr. crawford.
Notable Details
References To Historical Falls Of Empires Due To Military Ambition
Praise For George Washington As Unique
Opposition To Military Talents In National Governance