Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-04-19
FOR THE ENQUIRER.

Letter from Frank Hitter Esq to his friend in Europe
Having given you, my dear Croke, letter on
the movements OF our parties in and out OF Congress
LITIGATION.
The doctrine that State had right to annul an uncon
suuuona law had been for year before asserted
by south Carolina through the press, in her Leeis
ture; not, however, without considerable opposition in
mat stale itse On the unequal and unjust operation of
the tarh there was almost unannity there as indeed
there was in the neghbourng States but when the start
ling claim TO the right of "Nullilicaon was set nm !,
was hrmy opposed, and its opponents, comprehending
considerable portion oil the most respectable and wealthy
citzens OF the State, formed themselves into separate
party, under the name Of " Unon-nen" The stronger
Party-the NullilieTs (or Estates Rights men" "a tsv
called themseves,) appealed for their justification to the
authority OF Virginia and Kentucky in the man(esoes
issued by their Legislatures in IT9S and &c. against the
Sedion and Alien laws then recently enacted by Con.
gress Both those papers, one OF which was drawn by
Mr. Jefferson, aud the other by Mr. Madison maintained
he doctrine that the several States Of the Union might
Judge Oi The mode and of redress against an
unconstitutional act Of Congress In the Kentuckv
buttons, written by Mr. Jefferson the term itself of "NuI
hcaion was used, and seemed to suggest the nature of
the remedy.
1t is but justice TO the distinguished men who drew
hose papers, and TO the Legislatures which adopted them
10 state that the doctrine in question was promulgated
during times OF great party hea, that was I'm re abb
stract declaration Of the right without prescribing how or
ny whom 1t was to be eXercised-whout any considera
ton of its practical dicultes-any examination of tbe
constitutional objections which might be urged and have
since been urged against iand 80 far as appears mi
WIN the most distant view Of its being exercised by sin.
ge Stale as The main purpose of bo sets Of resolutions
was 10 invite the cooperation Of the other States This
declaration then, OF the right to nulfy being made only
~ e course Of argument, and not being the foundation of
any measure actually taken by the Legislature, must he
regarded as one OF those opinions which the LAWYERS call
extra judicial and which have 90 little the force Of au.
thoy, that The very Judge who has uttered them held
at liberty TO change them That Mr. Jefferson did change
ms on ths SUBJECT Is very apparent from the sentiments
ne was known to entertain concerning the opposition to
the embargo by the New England States and the subse
quen schemes Of separation imputed to lie Hartford Con
venton. SIR Madison is living witness that he never
entertained the doctrine, If he did that he has abandon.
edit
While South Carolina was thus advancing with no very
tardy Steps TO the point Of resistance and some of Mr.
calhoun confidential friends among the foremost Of
the public 10 make his sentiments on the doctrine Of
nuIhca'on matter Of question and discussion The doubt
was me more natural his friends were known not to be
danger hat he nigh, lose the confidence Of one party