Weekly Standard

For the Standard.

To the Public.

MR. Editor:—I notice in the Confederate of Tuesday, the subsidized organ of the "patriots and property holders," a communication in relation to the Mass Meeting on Monday, which does me gross injustice. What I complained of in the meeting was the informality as to the nominations, and the fact that they were made while the Committee was out. I confess I was somewhat irritated, but I stated then, as I state now, that I had no objection to the nominees, but would give them my support as Conservatives. The attempt to make a little party capital for the Destructives by this attack on me in the Confederate, is as weak and silly as the Destructive cause itself is despicable. These people, who pretend to regret "party meetings" at a time like this, are themselves the bond slaves of party, and they never have a thought, nor say a word, nor bat their eyes without having self and party in it.

I understand one Mr. A. M. Gorman, one of the Editors of the Confederate, who has heretofore made himself busy about me, and been required to eat his words, was in the Mass Meeting as a sort of spy or detective on the occasion. I can tell this gentleman, as I would tell him to his face "in his boots," that I am not to be influenced by his slang; that I shall always prove true to my principles and my party friends; that if I happen to speak out in a Conservative meeting, whether under irritation or not, it is none of his business, and it is impudence and impertinence in him to refer to it; and that I am ready to settle all personal matters very promptly with my Destructive assailants and slanderers.

May 17, 1864.

W. J. HOLLEMAN