James Monroe, New Rochelle, N.Y., to Mr. Halliday, 1837 November 1

New Rochelle Nov. 1. 1837.
Mr. Halliday
Without the least sort of unkind feelings towards you, for in truth I have none; but on the contrary, you have my best wishes for a long, happy, and prosperous life, and that of every member of your family—Yet, circumstances, which self respect forbid, even so much as the recital of—and which, I never condecended to meddle with except, so far as the moral effect upon my daughter—This, & expressed in the strongest terms on all proper occasions at the time,—giving vent, I hope to my indignation and aprobation for such conduct, this was due to the occasion—but, which less elevated minds could not appreciate, of which, I was satisfied at the time—yet, I discharged a duty to myself, to my child & to society—that being done, I washed my hands of the whole affair, as unworthy of my farther notice; & so it has remaind to the present moment—for, I neither think or speak of the individuals unless incidentally brought to my mind by others, which I always avoid—This however has led to the interruption of all intercourse between us, now and I doubt not forever— Therefore, that the breach may not be widened, or feelings which I desire to cherish uninterrupted; even under our non intercourse—I have most earnestly to request—(I forbear to use the term demand)—that, under no circumstances, do you use my name, or that of Mrs. Monroe's to any person, at any time, or in any manner, connected with the scene or the actors in question—The scandle & false representations of the wicked & vulgar, I cannot descend to notice—such is their natural shelter—Thus the request, that my name be respected by you in any such discussion, either in defence, or otherwise—As it respects any effect upon me or mine, I am perfectly indifferent—but, as I wish to die without an unkind feeling towards you, I hope that you will regard my request.—All that I have been told by some "kind friends," that you have said, I have placed to its proper account—knowing, the weakness of poor human nature—I have not summed it up in anger, but passed it to your credit—knowing, the liberal discount you have been called upon to make for others, though a long and active life—I should not now write you, but, for a statement that you made to Mr. Wm. Douglas a day or two since of a remark, that he understood you to say was made by myself—It is perfectly certain, that I never used the language, or any think whatever, that could admit of such construction—you have, misapplied words in the construction of a sentence, or your memory does not serve you—This is not the first time that you have misunderstood me, or your memory has led you into error—I then found the apology, as now; that you have not intended to wrong me, by misrepresentation, but, the defect memory or misconception has misled you—for the misrepresentations of others in this matter, their apology is fuel in my contempt—That you may never see cause to regret misplaced confidence in the sincere wish of one who <…> former kindness with gratitude—I hope that you will duly appreciate the spirit of this letter, and ma<…> with due consideration its contents—If to misrepresent me could obliterate & silence the false foul & scandalous reports with which the world is now hanging? itself in another quarter—I should cheerfully enconter the shaft—for no one more truly regrets them than myself or is more perfectly satisfied of their utter falsehood—To guard agnst the scandal; truly notice was given & the more pointed out—the error must now set where it belongs—Your hu
Jas Monroe