Delaware Journal

From the Delaware Patriot.

'If any political advantage can be gained by misrepresentation, we are disposed to leave it for the exclusive benefit of our opponents :—ours is a cause that only wants to be understood, to be admired and embraced; it needs no recommendation but what its own intrinsic virtue gives it : and as a matter of course, it disdains to maintain itself by destroying the reputation of individuals, even when silence itself would lead to such a result. We are led to these observations from having frequently heard of the presentation of a commission as Major of horse, to John Wiltbank, Esq. at the commencement of the late session of our Legislature, and the inference drawn from that circumstance; which the facts of the case do not warrant.

Mr. Wiltbank was commissioned Captain of Cavalry 29th of March, 1827 : he was the oldest Captain—Captain Law's commission bearing date 9th May, 1827 : these were the only Captains. There was much solicitude on the part of the friends of Mr. W. that the Executive should promote him ; and as there was no Major of horse attached to the Third Brigade, and Mr. W. being the oldest Captain, the Governor could do no other than commission him as Major. (See Militia Law, act of 1827, c. 1, sec. 6.)

Accordingly a Major's commission was issued on the 13th day of December, and placed in the hands of a gentleman of Dover, at that time, to send to Mr. W. and the Executive supposed this was done ; but as it was neglected, the handing it to him as it was done, was merely accidental.'