John E. Goodenow

GOODENOW

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 4/30/2008 at 15:47:29

Western Democrat, Andrew, Iowa
July 19, 1850.

John E. Goodenow, candidate for Representative.

We wish to ask those persons who are circulating the story that the democratic candidate whose name stands at the head of this article, was friendly to the “Brown gang,” as it was and is called, if they believe this ridiculous story they are putting in circulation. We say ridiculous, for it is so, and most absurdly so. Mr. Goodenow not only ever since he has been in the country, has maintained a strictly moral character, as an honorable and honest man, but has never been charged with anything disreputable or dishonest. Mr. Goodenow, as well as many other high-minded citizens of the county at the time the gang was routed and broken up(which we boldly say was entirely right for the community, had no other way of ridding themselves of a band of most nefarious desperadoes,) were opposed to the movement, not from sympathy with the gang, but because they thought the law was sufficient, because they thought other means than those resorted to could have been taken to accomplish the object.

We say now and we say always, that the citizens of the county engaged in what is called the “Bellevue War,” were fully justified in that transaction; but we say another thing, that the fact that Mr. Goodenow offered with those who rid the county of a nest of scoundrels in a summary way about the mode of doing it, does not prove that he was friendly to or had any sympathy with them.

We say that the story is most absurd and will receive no credence from those who know Mr. Goodenow. We ask the democracy to rally for this nomination and to give the lie to all such assertions.

This is only one of a hundred falsehoods, that will be circulated by those who wish to defeat the democratic nominees, and we hope no democrat will be so silly as for an instant to entertain them. Be on alert if you would do your duty as democrats. In relation to Mr. Goodenow, let his character and known conduct be an index to his priciples, and satisfy everyone whether he had anything to do with this gang. We hope to hear no more of this nonsensical story.