Daily National Intelligencer

COMMUNICATIONS.

TO THE EDITORS.

May 26th, 1820.

Gentlemen: I have this moment heard, with no less regret than surprise, that the particular phraseology of my last letter to Mr. Carey had given considerable offence to the Society of Friends, from an idea that I designed to ridicule their particular modes of speech. You will permit me, I hope, through your paper, to give this public assurance, that nothing was more entirely remote from my intentions. Were any other testimony necessary than my own serious declaration of the fact, I could prove, by hundreds of my acquaintance, that I have never expressed, nor have I ever felt, any other sentiments towards that Society but those of the highest respect. And, although I do not agree with them in their particular religious creed, I have ever thought and said, that no religious sect whatever had uniformly given greater practical evidences of the correctness of their faith; none have ever manifested a greater love of order, of industry, of sobriety, and of universal charity towards all mankind. In regard to their opinions on the subject of war, I wish, from the bottom of my heart, that all the world were Quakers.

These, gentlemen, having always been my feelings and sentiments in relation to this sect, it was not possible that I could so far violate both as to meditate any outrage whatever upon their feelings. I trust I shall never so far forget myself, upon any occasion, as to speak disrespectfully of any society of religionists who call themselves Christians. It certainly has never yet entered into my thoughts to do so. I shall, therefore, esteem it a particular favor, if you will immediately publish this letter, being anxious to relieve myself from an imputation that my conscience tells me I do not deserve.

I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,

JAMES M. GARNETT.