728 Docnnients to the Encyclopaedia Britann[ica] .' The Westminster Review contains two admirable papers, one on prosecutions for. blasphemy, and the other in the 3'.^ Vol on the doctrine of Libel." I am extremely sorry for the acci you give me of Gaillard.' I sin- cerely hope he may recover. I suspect Tazewell * is against me on my petition : nor do I count upon Hayne : but I care nothing about it. I am only anxious that in the debate, my friends should take the broad ground of unlimited, un- punishable enquiry, [in] case of public men, public measures, and public questions [of] every description. Adieu. With much kind respect I remain Dear Sir V friend Thomas Cooper. III. Columbia March 16. 1826 Dear Sir On .Saturday next, Mr Harper^ of this place sets out for Washington to supply the vacancy of our deceased friend Gaillard. He is a lawyer ; formerly a judge in Missouri ; chancellor I think. Idle ; not having used industry to lay up a stock of useful information ; un- knowing as I think in political questions ; a prodigious admirer of the late W" Pitt the british minister (the worst in my opinion that nation ever had) and I think inclined to go all lengths with the administration particularly in favour of internal improvements and against state-rights, provided Calhoun does not lead him. But as Harper's brother in law here. Col. Preston,' is gained over by Calhoun, I think Harper will fol- low that leader also. In all other respects, I think Mr. Harper has an excellent head, and an excellent heart. I believe he means to oppose our friend Judge Smith, who will be a candidate as I suspect to succeed Gaillard and who is popular enough I believe and hope to carry the elec- tion against Harper : Smith's politics arc like my own, radical, and therefore I wish him the success which I think he will obtain. Your proposal to extend the time of prohibition for a twelve month longer than the resolution of the Committee pleased me greatly.' I hope you will persist in, and carry it. I am persuaded that the present attempts to throw the election of President exclusively into the hands of the people 'See James Mill's £,™w. ^ IVestminster Hn'ii-L', II. I, "Religious Prosecutions," and III. 2S5, "Law of Libel and Liberty of the Press." ^Senator Gaillard died February 26, 1S26 ; see Benton, Thirty Years' View, I. 77, 78.
- Senator from Virginia.
5 William Harper, appointed by the governor, served as senator only till December, 1826, when Judge William Smith, elected, took his place. Harper was afterwards chancellor of South Carolina. 6 William C. Preston, afterward senator. 'December 19, 1S25, Dickerson proposed a constitutional amendment limiting the re-eligibility of the President ; it was then also proposed to prohibit the appointment of Congressmen to federal office during their terms ; to which was added, the next day, ' ' and for thereafter. ' ' Senate Journal, pp. 46, 54.
