Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1839-08-22

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MR. CLAY AND ABOLITION-we find
the annexed very interesting letter in the Nor
folk Herald. IL vas in reply 10 one addressed
10 Mr.. Clay by committee Of the wings of
NanSemond County, Va enclosing q resolution,
declaring chat the gallant stand of The Southern
| Wing members of the United States, aud par
iicu.arly The efforts OF Mcssrs. Clay, OF the S,n-
ate, Stanley OF North Carolina. PrentISs OF Mus
sissiPpi, and Wise. OF our own State, of the
House Of Representatives, 10 expose and check
the fell demon Of Abolition, suiitlc them 10 ,he
CORDIAL thanks and gratitude OF the friends OF
peace and good order, throughout the whole
Southern County" The letter IS couchcd in
terms courteous end dignihed aud cannot but
advance the author in the estmaiion of his coun-
trymen.
ASHLAND, 25th May, 1899.
GENTLEMEN; duly received the let
ter which you did me the honor to Ad-
dress 10 me. transmitting q copy Of Re-
solution adopted at meeting Of the
Whigs OF NanIemond county. recently
held.
Whilst but too sen1ibiy feel that they
have placed &C estimate entirely too high
and flattering upon my capacity and upon
the public services have been able to
render. il affords me very great sntisfSc-
as TO obtain their appreciation; aud | re-
quest you TO communicate TO those you
represent, my respectful and grateful &C
acknowledgements for the sentiments o! re-
'pect and esteem. with an expression Of
which they have honored mo.
At the Session Of Congress prior 10 the
last. ! presented Resolutions TO the Senate,
toue hing the institution Of Domestic Sla-
very, embracing all the principles spPli-
cable TO the subject. the maintenance Of
which appeared to mo necessary 10 the Sc
cunty OF property. the stability Of our sys.
tenn ofgovernmeni. aud harmony among
the States c! the Union. Al the last ses-
sion Of Congress. the Ultra -Abolitionists
had presented themselves under . new
and alarming aspect. Instead Of restrict
ling their exeTtions 10 moral persuasion,
addressed TO theeonbcienee ofslavshoiders,
keeping sloof from parties and politics. -
they originally proiessed TO DO their in
tention, they had openly proclaimed their
purpose TO enter the political arena. and,
denouncing all who did not adopt their
IdogmAs and sgreo with them. TO force
their principles aud their men by the aid
lof the ballot box. 1t required but little
foresight to discern the irightful conse-
lquences which would result from this
Ichange Of their position. IL they should
succeed. The Union would be first con-
vulsed throughout, and finally broken in
to fragments. 1 thought. therefore. at
the last session, that the time wsE suiia-
Bile to warn the Country Of their designs
and efforts; and hence the speech which
has recommended itself 20 the apProbA-
ton Of the Wings Of Nansemond. That
speech is but an expansion o! the argument
lembodied 10 the resolutions Of the pTsvi.
Gus session. And shall be most happy
IL il should contribute anything towards
AFFesting the mad career Of these misgui.
ded men. and towards preserving the
Union. which is the iFuest guaranty Of ell
the high privileges which we enjoy.
10 the Constitution Of that Union there
is not solitary provision, fairly interpret
ed and fairly administered. which author
lies any interference Of Congress With
Domestic Slavery. as It exists in the Uni
ted SiateS. There is not one relating to
The subject, which does not recognize and
treat slaves as lawful property or look to
the safety and security Of that property
TIE clause which fixes the representation
ia the popular branch Of Congress, estAb-
fishes ratio founded Upon the seknow-
lodged existence Of slavery; and IN the
IappoFrionmeni Of direct taxes among the
States, slaves are assumed TO be lawful
property. On the occasion Of the impo-
siiion Of a direct tax. 10 prosecute the late
War with Great Britain, slaves were taxed
by Congress 40 Sisvss. and their prOpTie-
tors paid the tar accordingly. The pro-
vision which secures the surrender 81 fu-
gilivs slaves 10 their owners. Of course,
admits, that they are legitimate property
and was intended 90 produce peace and
Harmony among the States. have seen,
with indispensable surprise and deep re-
gret that u has been con;ended not only
that this conservative stipulation may be
evaded. bot that u 10 even moriiofious 10
violate Il. MeuioTIous 90 violate 40 eE.
press iniune iion Of that constitution which
lmsny OF us are soIemnly sworn, and ell
are bound faithfully 10 support IL any
eiIzcus vf the United Sisies who object
to particular part Of the Con''i'n'iou
msy alude and disregard q, other eiiiEsns
dissatisaed viIh other parts have an eqosl
fighi 20 siols,s them; ana univeaal mol.
ltheaiion 81 The s1cfcd instrument would
DO The necessary Consequence.
aefee With you, gentlemen. % most
u what you say IN regard 20 the present
condition of public sflip. in eOnism.
lplating u there IS much 60 depress. bot ]
rejoice 70 say much also 10 animate and
encourage. the genuine patriot, and TO
stimulate his r. oct energetic exefiion 49,
New and slsrmlng principles. dangerous
praclices great abuses and eEiehsiVe cor
Eruption have been introduced into The