Phenix Gazette

Washington City March 9th, 1830
To the Editors of the National Intelligencer:

GENTLEMEN:

If your paper be not already too much crowded with communications, I beg of you the favor to insert this address.

There are duties which men owe to others--but it may justly be said, that "paramount" duties are such as they owe to themselves. There are times & circumstances under which forbearance may be a virtue--but in the course of human events, it sometimes happens that individuals have no alternative left, but to vindicate both their motives and their actions.

In this unpleasant condition I am placed at present. An honorable man feels no charge more sensibly than that of "inconsistency," and an unprovoked abandonment of those with whom he has acted in a great struggle, whether civil, political, or warlike. He should always be able to assign at least a plausible, if not a substantial reason for his course.

As a member of the dominant party in this nation, I must solemnly protest and declare that, to the utmost extent of my power, both publicly and privately, I have defended the doctrines upon which that party came into power. I now neither arraign nor challenge the purity of their motives. But while the warning voice of charity demands that I should suppose others as sincere as myself, it does not impose on me the humiliating necessity of following in the wake of any man or set of men, nor of joining the busy throng of "office seekers," so as to violate either the dictates of my conscience or my reason.

I am charged with "inconsistency," and a dereliction of duty--for the purpose of prostrating me, and lessening the influence of a candid declaration which, in the sequel of this letter, I shall fearlessly & conscientiously make.

If the charge of "inconsistency" means that I have abandoned any of the essential interests of my country, I only ask that the specifications and evidences calculated to support it, may be afforded. If it be that I have unsuccessfully attempted to retrench the expenditures of the Government--then, I require no proof. If it mean that I have been zealous to allay the ferment, and quell the rising distrust in the South; and to do justice to an oppressed and patriotic population--to preserve disunion, and perhaps ultimate bloodshed--then I admit it. If these be the grounds, I hope in God, I may continue obnoxious to the charge of "inconsistency," and that, with untiring zeal I may persevere in an attempt to merit its application to myself. I should rejoice to have them avowed from North to South.

No--the secret of the whole matter consists in this. We are to be annoyed with another desperate struggle for power. And the question is--who shall rise, and who shall fall.

The reason why I am not satisfied with the present state of things are manifold; though to record a few of them must suffice, for the present, as reasons for my course.

During the last contest for the Chief Magistracy of this nation, I hesitate not to say, that more harmony and good feeling were sacrificed than twenty years to come can atone for or restore. Society convulsed, and expectation lifted as high as the clouds, that, upon a change of men peace, happiness, prosperity, economy, and indeed every other blessing, would be restored to a People who were said to have been insulted and injured!!!! I call for a view of the great and fondly anticipated corrections. Where can they be found, and in what do they consist? Let those who cry out inconsistency, produce them, and exhibit them to the view of an unsuspecting, and yet when disappointed an indignant people.

I presume that many with whom I have acted, like myself, supposed, that, by changing the face of things, a simultaneous change would take place in all the Departments of the Government, and in their respective claims on the Treasury. I had said, among my constituents that I believed the number of officers employed under the recent Administration, and the salaries of others retained, would be diminished. No one can doubt that dissatisfaction on each of these subjects was aroused. But in what does it end? Merely in ascertaining, by a call upon the Heads of Departments during this session, that none have too many, while some desire more.

It is also true, that some defalcations have been discovered, by a two years scrutiny; and such scrutiny as has never before been witnessed since the foundation of the Government. I sincerely hope that no succeeding Administration may be held responsible for a greater number.

I am informed that it is also suspected and charged as an "inconsistency" that I am friendly to "HENRY CLAY." You are authorized to confirm this suspicion, by saying that after due consideration, my individual opinion is, that the charge with "bargaining," such a man, can never be a very bad bargain. and that I am not only his friend; but will support him for the next Presidency--as I should presume from the message of the present Executive, that he will retire at the close of his present term; and as I conceive Mr. Clay preeminently talented and qualified.

It may, gentlemen, become necessary for me to address you again, as I anticipate a storm of censure, and contumely I care not--for though I wish always to act prudently, I will always act independently and honestly, as I am a free man. Should I fail to satisfy my constituents, upon this subject, I am thankful that the misfortune will operate on me alone--and not on others, who seem so careful of my reputation. I shall sustain the present administration while I remain in Congress, in all proper measures--further than this. I cannot--will not go. I seek no political power.

Respectfully, your obedient servant.
THOMAS CHILTON