The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1835-10-14
[ Vol. 25
MR.. VAN BUREN'S LETTER ON ADOLF.
TIONISM

MIR. VAN BUREN'S LETTER ON ABOLI.'
TIONISM.
We append to Mr. Van Buren's Letter, the pro.
ceedings enclosed with it, and which express h;s
sentiments fully upon the slave question.
From tie Angusta (Go.) Courier.
We suppose the following letter from Mr.. vAr
BuErN, to gentem of this city, will do but little
good with those who are determined on making him
an aboItionist, sclen, eolens; yet it NAV convince
some honest voter of the injustice which his oppo-
ncnts continue to do him, in the face Of all dscain.
ers;
OwAsco, Sept. 10, 1888
My Dear Sir: Your letter of the 22d ult. me,
me at this place, on my return from the Falls, and
lose no time in replying to that part Of it which
lates TO the continued attempts to prejudice my
friends rs well rs myself, in the estimation Of tho
South in respect to the Slave Question.
IL is deeply to be regretted that there should be
found. on the part of any, inducements sufficiently
strong to increase an excitement, already alarm
ing, by resort to impuatons in the truth of which
no ingenious mind can place the slightest conf
dencc. The allegations which at,ibute to me views
aud opinions that arc justly obnoxious to tho
slayc-hoding States, are made in the face Of the
most explicit declarations on my part, denying all
authority on the part OF the Federal Government
to interfere in the mater--agana the propriety of
agi,atng the question in the District of Coumbie,
and in the absence of single fact, giving the least
coun'enance 10 the unfounded imputaons. I
should poorly requite the candor with which have
hitherto been treated by the great mass of my EEL
low-citizcns nj the South were to allow myself TO
npprehend that those who would otherwise be dis
posed to give their confidence, could under
such circumstances, suffer me to be preiudiced i'm
their opinion, by the unsupported assertions of my
enemies, however reckless or vehemently persisted
IN. Were these inbricaions therefore, designed TO
affect inc only, i should not hesitate TO leave tho
matter as it stands TO the spontaneous action Of my
countrymen. But when il is intended to reach ia
this way, those who honor me with their friendship,
do not feel myself at liberty 10 withhold any cor
recton that may by possibility, be useful to them
With this view | send you The enclosed proceed.
ings Of the citizens of Albany upon the subject and
authorize you to say, that concur fully in the sem
timents they advance. was absent from the city
at the time the meeting was held, but took an early
occasion TO advise its call, and to encourage the
attempt to make it, what it has been, meeting Of
the people, without reference TO- their sentiments
fore it. Connected with its proceedings are to bo
found the names of principal Stnte officers,
Executive and Judicial, including the Governor OF
our State, with array of private citizcns which,
for personal worth and weight Of character, has
or, TO my knowledge, been cxcelled at any previous
meeting.
II would be presum tion in me to add any nssur
ahces oi my o"n' as 10 INC sihceT'y WIN "''e" 'nc
sentiments they express entertained, or Of their
disposition to make them effected upon the impor
tant subject TO Which they relate.
May we not then, hope that the proofs Of an af-
fectionac and just spirit towards the rights and in
tercsts of the South, which have been brought out
by this hitherto threatening excitement, will have
The effect, in future 10 remove all uDfounded inn
prcssions, and to put end TO every feeling and
prejudice inconsistent with the principles upon
which the UuiOn was founded
Earnestly cherishing this pleasing anticipation,
am, dear sir, very truly, your friend and obi
scry't, NJ. VAN BUREN.