Pawtucket Herald, And Independent Inquirer

MR. ADAMS LETTER

The following letter of Mr. Adams has created much excitement more especially in the City of New-York. Noah insists upon it that it was got up for electioneering purposes, to obtain the good will of the antis; but all the decent Editors regard it in its true light, viz. as the expression of opinion of a man of principle and of understanding; of one who is not to be turned from the paths of rectitude by the fear of losing popularity, nor to be deterred from giving his judgment upon an important subject, by the idle clamors of the profligate. He expresses his belief that our unfortunate fellow citizen, Morgan, has been sent by violent means to that bourne from which no traveller returns; and sanctions the present spirit of inquiry into the mysteries of a wide extended conspiracy against the rights of the uninitiated, as a deep and solemn feeling founded on the purest principles of virtue, and regard to human rights. "With Adams for our leader, we will proceed in the investigation we have undertaken," fearlessly, and as we trust, triumphantly."

Washington, 19th April, 1828.

Oliver Hartwell, Esq. Canandaigua, N. Y.

Sir—In answer to your inquiry in your letter of the 31st ult. I state that I am not, never was, and never shall be a Free Mason. I give you this answer, in the spirit of friendly return to the kindness with which you have made the inquiry. But unwilling to contribute in any manner to that excitement produced by the mysterious abduction and too probable murder of William Morgan, I request you not to give publicity to this letter.

The deep and solemn feeling which pervades the community on this occasion, is founded on the purest principle of human virtue and of human rights. In the just and lawful pursuit of a signal vindication of the laws of nature and of the land, violated in his person, which has been undertaken, and is yet in progress, with the authority and co-operation of your Legislature, I hope and trust 'that the fellow citizens of the sufferer will temper with the spirit of justice, the reparation of her wrongs, and in the infliction of every penalty, carefully abstain from visiting upon the innocent the misdeeds of the guilty.'

I am with respect, your fellow-citizen.

J. Q. ADAMS.