Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1836-03-24


ment formed which met the appreciation OF co.
v.rnmcnt, and restored TO citizens those rights,
which, through the ndiscreton OF MIR Adams and Mr.
Clay had been for time suspended.
During MIR Van Buren's continuance in the State |
Department, and indeed, within the few first months %
his eryice soe of the important of our foreign
embassies despatched under his direction. Among
these may be mentioned the mission Of MIR. McLane TO
England, OF Mr. Rves TO France, of Mr. Prebe to the
Netherlands, and ministers TO Spain and Colombia. la
short the supervision of mastersprt appeared IN eve-
~ branch OF foreign relations; aud series of dpo
matte effected unrvalcd ia their
Der aud Importance in any other equal period of ue
since the formation of our Government 1t was uni
versaily conceded, that distinguished ability had
never been displayed in the Department OF State since
the period when it under the direction OF Jefferson
But the other departments of the government did not
proceed with equal success. Difficulties arose the
bnct, and party spirit assaed Mr.. Van Buren,, in par
ticular, with its utmost violence. Ec obviously
cendng with rapid strides TO the highest pinnacle of
ltical distinction; and all the articles of envy and poll
ncai fvary were put IN requsiton to impede ms pro-
grcss. The differences of opinion between members of
the cabinet, which he had cxerted his utmost efforts to
aay and remove, were falsely ascrbcd TO his agency
In the end il appeared that his Judgment courtesy and
great knowledge of the human heart not sufficient,
any longer to postpone rupture. His last effort was,
by maguanimous self-sacrce to attempt the removal
OF difficulties which he ascribed TO the jealousy of rival
candidates public favor; and on the It'll day of April
1881, he communicated to the President his determine
ton to withdraw from the Office of Secretary of State,
though he continued to discharge its duties until the fol-
lowing month of June.
For this of selEdenying patriotism he received
the most vrucnt and ilbcral abuse from his political
enemies Unable TO appreciate the pure and patriotic
motives which could lead the possesso of advantage
Gus situation, to surrender the influence and prospects
which belonged to it, they searched for other plausible
causes, and failing find them, resorted the vilcst
iabrications This charge may appear severe but it is
made in the words of truth has any Thing been de-
eced or disclosed from that time to the present. to throw
The slightest cloud over the bgh-mndcd and dsinerest
cd conduct OF Mr.. Van Buren,. When the perversons
OF party feeling and the mists of personal prejudice shall
nave been removed this usrious act OF se!fdevotion
TO the best interests of his country will be conspicuous
amid the manifold of public fe throughout dis
ungushed for mngnanimty and virtue.
HIS PietoS the subject Of abolition.
Since his election 10 the Vice Presidency his OPT
mons have been publicly declared two occasions of
considerable One of these the question of
ciarterng National Bank in New York with such
strctons in its charter objections which
made to the present bank His decided dsapprobaton of
tins measure was expressed in his letter to friend al
ready embodied in the present work.
The other subject is the right ofintererence with the
existence of slavery by the General Government by
the people of the slaveholding States The follow
ing documents exhibit the sentiments of Mr. Van Buren,
on this question The first is letter addressed by him,
TO MIR. Samuel Gwin of Mississippi, and subsequently
published in the Richmond Enquirer:
''' WAsHISGToS, July IL, 1884.
"' DEAR SiR:-I owe you apology for not having
sooner acknowledged the receipt Of yonr obeing letter
of Goth May. My opinions the subject of the power
OF Congress over slave property in the Southern States
are so we'll understood by my friends that surpris
cd that an to impose upon the public respecting
them should be hazarded
The subject is, my judgment exclusively under the
control of the State Governments; and not nppris-
ed, do believe that contrary opinions extent
deserving consideration, is entertained in any part
the United States The charge, therefore, to which you
have had the goodness to call my attention, that am
in favor Of Interference by Congress in manumtng
your slave property destitute of foundation: so far
from it, do not what authority the General Co
vernment could interfere, without change of the Con-
stution at the instance of either of all the
slave-holdng States
With great respect, and regard,
am, dear sir, very truly, yours,
To SAMUEL GwIS, Esq, Clinton Mississippi T"
The following letter relating to the subject was
addressed to gentleman in Augusta Georgia, at mo-
when the people of the save-hoding States were
in high degree excited the proceedng antsaye-
"sOwAsco, Sept. 10. 1885.
"'My Dear Sir Your letter Of the 22d ut met me
at this place. my return from the Falls and lose no
time in replying to that part Oft which relates the
continued attempts 10 prejudice my friends well
myself in the estimation OF the South in respect TO the
slave question.
found the part of any inducements sufficiently
to increase excitement already alarming by re-
sort TO mpuations, in the truth of which ingenious
mind place the slightest confidence. The Allegations
which attribute and opinions that are so lust
ly obnoxious the slave-h holding States made in the
face of the most explicit declarations part, denying
all authority part OF the Federal Government 10 IN
terfere in the natteraganst the propety agiiatnr
the question in the District Of Columbia and the alb
OF single fact giving the least countcnance
uniounded populations. should poorly reque the can
dor with which have hitherto treated by the great
mass OF my ellow-ctzens at the South, to allow
myself TO apprehend that those who would other be
disposed TO give their confidence could, under
circumstances suffer be prejudced their opinion
by the unsupported assertions OF my enemies however
reckless vehemeny persisted in Were these fabrca-
tions therefore, designed to affect only should
hesitate to leave the matter IT stands the sponane-
action OF my countrymen But when ii is intended
TO reach, in this way those who honor with their
friendship, do not feel myself at liberty withhold any
correction that may, by possibility, be useful them.
With this view send you the enclosed proceedings oil
the citizens of Albany upon the subject and authorize
you to say, that concur fully in tue sentiments they
advance. | absent from the city at the time the
meeting held, but took early occasion To advise
its cali, and to encourage the attempt to make it, what
Al has been, meeting of the people, without reference
TO their sentiments any other subject than that which
discussed before it, Connected with its
be found tie of principal officers
executive aud judicial including the Governor of
State with array of private citizens which, for perso-
nal worth and weight of character, has never, my
knowledge, been exceIled at any previous meeting.
"'lt would be presumption add any assurances
Of my own, 10 the sincerity with which the sentI-
mens they express entertained of their DISPOSE
ton 10 make them efIectua upon the important subject
TO which they relate
Tomato and just spirit towards the rights and interests of
the South which have been brought by this hitherto
threatening excitement will have effect in future
to remove all unioundcd Impressions aud put an end
TO every feeling and prejudice Inconsistent with the
principles upon which the Union was founded?
Earnestly cherishng this pleasing anticipation,
am dear sir, very truly, your friend aud obt servt,
M VAN BUREN,"
"Tle leading resolutions adopted by the meeting al
luded to in the above letter 5 follows.
"' Therefore, ResotUed, That regard the Cons,iiu
ton of the United States as carrying with il an adnst
led TO its adopton and that the compromise of
IN which it was founded, is, in opinion binding in
honor and good faith indie pendenty Of the force Of agree
meg on all who live under its protection and participate