Gazette Of The United States

FOR THE GAZETTE OF THE UNITED STATES.

MR. FENNO,

I am not a negotiator, neither have I ever bought or sold a certificate—but, Sir, my feelings are not injured, nor is my envy excited at the prosperity of those characters who have been successfully employed in the business of speculation. Many of those persons have been benefactors to the original holders of public paper; and to my knowledge have often given more to the soldier for his securities, than those who now declaim against them would give at the same time.

The forming an open market for public paper, was done by some respectable brokers; by which means the highest price was always to be obtained—and a great increase in the price was occasioned by the competition thereby produced: before that time many unprincipled persons, among whom were secret, square-toed, hoary speculators, who imposed on the credulous and unwary, and obtained their securities for a song.

It is the genuine effusion of malice and envy therefore, to brand a set of men as knaves, cheats and pick-pockets, among which are as respectable characters for honor, integrity, benevolence and humanity, as any in the community—Sir, I have known some brokers who made it a constant practice to advise the officers and soldiers to retain their paper, and wait if possible for the time when they should realize its value from the justice of their country; and when they have been determined to part with it, have always given a higher price than any person not in the business of a Broker would give.

VERITAS.