732 Documents VI. Columbia S. Carolina Dec. 10. 1829. Dear Sir My friend Hamilton having quitted political life, I know not in the H. of Representatives who I could most properly apply to, on the sub- ject of my Petition. Hamilton said he would speak to his Successor, Mr. Barnewell ' : but I never saw that Gentleman, and Hamilton has not written to me whether he applied to him or not. Any of the dele- gates of our State would do me this service, but I do not chuse to apply to Mr M'Duffie ; or indeed any of them without consulting you. I hope you will not forsake this question, and I therefore request of you to choose your own coadjutor in the H. of Representatives. Pray write to me on it. Barnewell is a clever, eloquent young man ; but I know little about him. In this strait, I must depend upon you, as I trust I may. Adieu. I am with all kindness and respect Dear sir V friend Thomas Cooper. VII. Columbia, S. Carolina. 8 Feb. 1S30. Dear Sr. I thank you for y^ letter. I am glad my friend Davis ' embarks in the cause of my Petition, which I leave with full confidence in your hands. But remember that although 1000 $ w^ be to me a most convenient windfall at this moment, do not scruple no not for an instant to give up all my interest in the fate of that Petition if it stands in the way of the acknowledgement or establishment of any important principle or resolu- tion as to the right of free discussion, I hope in its fullest extent. I am well aware of y' inclination to render me personal service, but I w^ not for any emolument, disgrace my character by pressing agst the chance of public utility, any private interest of my own. Hamilton knows this was always my language to him. Do you therefore use my petition as an instrument of overturning the rascally imposition on the freedom of the press, which the Adams Dynasty w^ willingly fasten upon it : when my petition throws any difficulty in the way of this public object, throw my petition aside. I rejoice to hear your works are in such good order and promise. I am neither surprised, nor do I blame y^ adherence to the Tariff, and if any body is to gain by that measure, it will give me great satisfaction to find it at any rate of Service to you. Let me hear from you now and then. Thom.as Cooper. 1 Robert W. Barnwell of Beaufort. 2 Warren R. Davis, M. C. from South Carolina.
