Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1839-09-03

1
a committee of the Wings of Nansemond
County, Va. enclosing a resolution de-
claring shat the gallant stand of the
Southern Wing members of the late Con-
gress ofthe United States, and particularly
the efforts of Messrs. Clay, of the Senate,
Stanly, of North Carolina, Prentiss, of Mis-.
and Wise Of Va, of the House of Repre-
sentatives, to expose and check the fell de-
mon of Abolition, entitle them 10 the cor
dial thanks and gratitude of the friends of
peace end good order throughout the
whole southern country"
Nat. InteHigencer.
ASHLAND, May, 25, 1889.
GENTLEMEN:
| | duly received the letter which you did
me the honor to address to me, transmit
ting copy of resolution adopted at
meeting of the Wings of Nansemond
county, recently held.
Whilst ! but too sensbly feel that they
have placed an estimate entirely too high
and flattering upon my capacity and upon
the public services which have been able
TO render, it affords me very great satisfac-
ton to learn that have been SO fortunate
as to obtain their appreciation; and re-
quest you to communicate to those whom
you represent my respectful and grateful
acknowledgements for the sentiments of
respect and esteem with an expression of
which they have honored me.
At the session of Congress prior to the
last, | presented resolutions to the Senate
touching the institution of domestic slave
ry, embracing all the principles applicable
to the sub ect, the maintenance Of which
appeared to me necessary TO the security
of property, the stability Of our system of
general government, and harmony among
the States of the Union. At the last ses-
sion of Congress, the ultra Abolitionists
had presented themselves under new
and alarming aspect. Instead ofrestrict-
| ing their exertlons to moral persuasion,
addressed TO the consciences of slave
holders, keeping aloof from parties and
politics, as they originally protested TO be
their intention, they had openly proclaim
ed their purpose to enter the political are
ma, ano, denouncing all who did not adopt
their dogmas and agree with them, to force
their principles and their men bv the aid
Of the tallot box. It required but little
foresight 10 discern the frlghtful conse-
quences which would result from this
change of their position, if they should
succeed. The Union would be first con-
vulsed throughout, and finally broken into
fragments. | thought, therefore. at the
last session, that the time was suitable to
warn the country of the designs and eff
| forts; and hence the speech which has
commended itself to the appreciation of the
Wings of Nansemond. That speech is
but an expansion of the argument embo
died in the resolutions of the previous Ses-
son. And | shall be most happy if it
should contribute any thing towards ar
resting the mad career of these misguided
men, and towards preserving the Union.
which is the surest guaranty of all the high
privileges which we enjoy.
in the Constitution of that Union there
is not a solitary provision, fairly interpre-
ted and fairly administered, which author
ICES any interference of Congress with do.
nestle slavery as it exists in the United
| States. There is not one, relating to the
subject, which does not recognise and
treat slaves as lawful property, or look TO
the safety and security of that property.
The clause which fixes the representation
in the popular branch Of Congress estab-
fishes a ratio founded upon the acknowl-
edged existence of slavery; and, in the ap-
portionment of direct taxes among the
States, slaves are assumed 10 be lawful
property. On the occasion of the imposi-
ton of direct tax to prosecute the late
war with G. Britain, slaves were taxed by
Congress as Slaves, and their propretors
paid the tax accordingly. The provision
which secures the surrender of fugitive
slaves to their owners of course admits
that they are legitimate property, and was
intended to preserve peace and harmony
among the States. | have seen, with IN
expressbe surprise and deep regret, that
it has been commended not only that this
conservative stipulation may be evaded,
but that it is even merItorious to violate it.
Meritorious TO violate an express injunc-
ion of that Constitution which many of
us are solemnly sworn, and all are bound
faithfully to support If any citizens of
the United States, who object to partic-
ular part of the Constitution, may elude
and disregard it, other citizens, dissatisfied
with other parts, have an equal right to
violate them; and universal notification of
the sacred instrument would be the neces-
sary consequence.
| | agree with you, gentlemen, IN most
of what you say in regard TO the present
condition of our public affairs. In con-
templating it there is much to depress, but
/ rejoice to say, much also TO animate and
encourage the genuine patriot, and to stin-
uIate his most energetic exertion. New
and alarming principles, dangerous prac-
tees, great abuses, and extensive corrup-
ton, have been introduced into the gen.
eral administration during the few last
wears. have witnessed their progress
with profound regret and deep norti6ca-
ton. But the sentiments of despair are
never TO be INDUCED as to the fortunes or
fate of the Republic. An enlightened and
virtuous people require only 10 be convin-
ced ofthe evil to apply an efficacious rem
edy; and this conviction is forcing i'self
upon them, in spite of all the efforts which
have been made and are making to deceive
and betray them.
| | thank you. gentlemen, cordially, for
the friendly and haitering manner in which
you have executed the commission assign.
ed TO you by the Wings of Nansemond,
! and renuest Won to be assured of the Sen-