TO THE PUBLIC.
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TO THE PUBLIC.

 The unusual and painful excitement ere- ated by the recent election, and the over whelming expression of public opinion in favor of my competitor, are reasons power- 1 ful for my not again obtruding myself to disturb the present calm. They would be conclusive, had I not been assailed, not po- litieally but personally, in strain of wanton abuse levelled at my private character and standing iii society, by such men as Cover nor Pope, the Honorable Thomas P. Esk- ridge, and man by the name of Leeper, from the county of Washington.

 To such attacks, and oyer signatures that should be respectable, silence would be treachery to family and friends. The yeriest worm will sting when tread upon can do less than turn upon men who are pursuing me, to the destruction of fortune and character. Governor Pope in his last publication from Kentucky, charges me with abusing him violently, and slandering him without regard to truth, and expresses a belef that my letter to the Commissioner of the General Land-office in relation to Bussy's land claim, adjoining town, con tained falsehoods which misled the Com- missioner. Throughout the whole canvass. over the signature of "Jaaesbone,' he has vilifed and abused me personally, without ! the least regard to decency or truth, and justifies his course from my having freely discussed his official conduct as our Chief I hcsf,istrutv.

 If Governor Pope will convict me be- l fore thn .of he,

 yate character, or uttered falsehoodi in re- lation tohimself, or any other, will be will ing to encounter the scofis and scorn of all honorable men. Until he makes specific chargge, can make no defence Like others he assails me in the dark, with wea- pons dishonorabie to the hand that yields l fhem

 Governor Pope has been engaged for years in yilifying my character even whilst he affected to extend to me the hand of kindness, and am pained to declare, that, in so doing, he has stated falsehoods in re- lation to me for the worst and most malig- nant purposes. am sensible this is harsh language from a private citizen to a Chief Magistrate, old enough for my father, but 1t IS no less his duty to remember our rela- ] tive situations. Himself and others have driven me to a defence of my rights as a citizen, and my character as man, and I will defend both or perish. Whenever he or any other essays to dishonor me, he le- Ivels all distinctions. If would be kmdaass compared to his c0s5e t polia 6 dsgaer at my heart, because the injury would not SC fatally extend to those who never wrong cd him.

 In relation to the publication of the Hon. Thomas i. issiuidge, can only say, it pfecludes reply. i may be compelled hereafferto to trouble the public upon tlse sal5 IJect, but trust we shall be aaie so ttse our personal difficulties privately, and to our mutual satisfaction. The Judge has certainly the rare merit of having given tie sanction of hisname tothe most vulgar strain oi abuse have ever read, even in this de- voted country. Yet we are about the same age, and with equal responsibilities to so- ciety and the public, and have not tlere- fore the same cause of complaint as in the case of His Excellency.

 Last in this list of personal assailants, IS man by the name of LEEpER, who eni- grated, believe, from Alabama some two or three years since, and settled in Wash Imgton county. He was not long in snuff: ing the political breeze, and finding the strong side; he was cIamorous for Seyier against Desha, for which he was Ye,rardcd with land office. Pending the last cleo ton, he was exceedingly active for his pa- tron. Colonel Seuies;; end certainly no man ever incurred a heavier obligation than ne, for he was appointed to an office of highres- possibility without one single qualification tor the discharge of its duties. So palpa- bly devoid of intelligence or address was he, that in the last election, the bustling consequence which he assumed, was ra- ther a source of mirth than irritation with me. tn one occasion, whilst in that coun- ty, he responded to me from the stump, when the only feelings he excited was pity from his political enemies, and shame from his friends He says he had gocd reasons