We have just had handed to us by the writer, the following card, which we cheerfully insert, with the single remark that we cannot but think the public will be glad to be convinced, in so spirited a manner, that threats and bravado are not to be allowed to stop freedom of speech:
In the Long Island Farmer of this morning appears an article, apparently emanating from some of the King family or persons closely in their confidence, in which I am spoken of, with assertions which, if they had come from any other source than the foul mouthed and slimy blackguard who edits the Farmer I might feel aggrieved at. The article alluded to asserts that I charged eminent whigs with falsehood, and proceeds thus: "The writer of this is authorised in saying, he says it with emphasis," that if I or any other loco-foco, offer "another such provocation" it will be met with "severe and deserved chastisement."
From my very soul, I look with sorrow on the pitiable and black souled malice which actuates such men as this young GUNN, who has lately been uttering the most reckless falsehoods, and endeavouring to stain, by mean and ungentlemanly misstatements, the standing of our most reputable citizens. And what American blood does not tingle at witnessing this wretched maligner, who publishes the whig organ here, endeavouring to spit his venom on individual reputation, and sending forth, week after week, the basest lies, upon the character of our country and our countrymen? The faction that has these creatures in it must be strong indeed, if it is carried to success, with all the weight of their vileness and mendacity to draw it back.
I am sorry that I cannot take this step which I now think proper to take, without making the whole affair a matter of publicity: this is a thing which, though I do not fear, I certainly do not court it. But if this slanderous and contemptible scoundrel who conducts the Farmer, or the lying braggadocio from whom the article emanates, or any other vulgar bully who may be retained by the whigs to threaten and menace, wishes to exercise his hectoring spirit with advantage, he must select a fitter man than the signer of this card. I publickly reaffirm the truth of all that I said at the discussion alluded to. I openly and without qualification assert that Charles King, at the late Webster meeting, in saying that Mr. Van Buren and the democratick party uphold the doctrine of a "community of goods, wives, and children," uttered a lie, and acted as no gentleman would act.
Tuesday morning, October 6th.