The Daily Cincinnati Republican, And Commercial Register

"Christian and Neighborly Conduct."

SEVEN years ago and more, JOHN LOCKE, schoolmaster—commonly called Dr. Locke—engaged me to build him a house; for which instead of receiving one half down as agreed upon, he paid me but about a fourth. This was given to me mostly in dribs of five to eight dollars, and in orders upon other people; and obtained only through hard wringing, but with patience and forbearance, on my part. Until 1830 I continued to do jobs for the Doctor. About this time he applied to me to build him another house. I gave him my terms; but past favors, and the fact of his owing me, being matters in his estimation of repulsive merit, this job was handed over to some one else. Nevertheless, I was sought after again, and again engaged to make sash, and perform a variety of other work. I collected materials, and fulfilled my engagements; but with even less supplies of money than on previous work—not sufficient to half pay off my hands. However, through many broken promises, and loss of time, in dunning, I succeeded in obtaining a few small sums, and finished the work. These payments, together with two and a half years' schooling for my daughter, reduced the debt, on the 8th of June, 1833, to $51. For this amount he gave me his due bill payable on demand.

In September following, I needed money badly, to pay some old hands, who were going down the river, and I concluded to try the Doctor once more. Often I was repulsed with a denial of his presence; "Is the Doctor in?" "Yes! walk in and sit down." Having seen him at the window a few minutes previous, as I approached the old familiar haunt, I felt assured of gaining at least an interview. When, lo! after a few minutes absence, the same messenger returned with "The Doctor is not at home!" The debt, however, was at length reduced to $31; but with a considerable loss of patience and shoe leather, and all respect, for these civilities. I instituted a suit for this balance.

Examine the two statements of the same case. I am willing now that the matter should be judged by every "Christian" and every neighbor." But I must ask for the motive in carrying this affair into the public prints. I know that it was for nothing else than to do me a public injury. Noble, generous Christian! Grateful, Forbearing Neighbor!

It is true I might, as the Doctor suggests, refuse to notice his publication of the matter, and forbear making this reply, and run the risk of falling with many others of my faith, under his denunciations. But not only, saith he, is it swerving from the true path, it is also in his own language, taking by the throat;" and to show the impious depravity of my daring to make a final demand of him in a court of justice, he avows that after residing the round number of ten years within our city, the Christians, (Oh perverse men) have actually taken him thrice "by the throat." What! a mere Carpenter—a fellow of the jack plane, square and compass—marked with Christianity, too—to dare to profane, by suit, the unimitable and classical Doct. Locke! Shocking! Look too, how fatal the consequences. The Doctor declares that he must doff his gloves—that he, too, in his turn, must become canine and gnaw the throats of many.—Does he mean that he will be brought to do this for the first time? If he does, I could cite an instance at Augusta, that would probably show him to be worse even than a Christian carpenter! But I regret having been drawn into this controversy.

May be, it had been better to have forgiven the debt, but my wife, children, and other families dependent on me suggest that it would not.

Respectfully,

CALEB WILLIAMS.

Nov. 20, 1833.

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