The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1839-10-05

efforts and hence the speech which has com
mended itself to the appreciation of the Wings o
Nansemond. That speech is but an expansion
of the argument embodied in the resolutions o
the previous session. And shall be most happy
if it should contribute any thing towards arrestin2
the mad career OF these misguided men, and TOWARD
preserving the Union, which is the truest guaran
ty of all the high privileges which we enjoy
In the Constitution of that Union there is MOI
solitary provision, fairly interpreted and fairly
administered, which authorizes any interference
of Congress with domestic slavery, as it exists in
the United States There is not one, relating to
the subject, which docs not recognize and treat
slaves as lawful property. The clause which fixes
the representation in the popular branch Congress
establishes the ratio founded upon the acknowledge
ed existence ofsavery and in the apportionment OF
direct taxes among the States, slaves are assumed
to be lawful property. On the occasion of the
imposition of direct tax, to prosecute the late
war with Great Britain, slaves were taxed by
Congress as slaceS, and their proprietors 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 inexpressi-
bic surprise and deep regret that it has been con-
tended not only that this conservative stipulation
may be evaded but that it is even meritorious to
violate it, Meritorious to violate an express in
junction Of the constitution which many of US are
solemny sworn, and all are bound faithfully to
support! If any citizens of the United States,
who object to particular part of the Constitution
may elude, and disregard it, other citizens, dissat
isfied with other parts, have an equal right to vio-
late them; and universal notification of the sa-
cred instrument would be the necessary conse-
quence.
I agree with you, gentlemen, in most of what
you say in regard to the present condition of our
public affairs. In contemplating it there is much
TO depress, but rejoice to say much also 10 ami
mate and encourage, the genuine patriot and to
stimulate his most energetic exerton. New and
alarming principles, dangerous practices, great
abuses and extensive corruption have been intro
duced into the general administration, during the
few last years. | have witnessed their progress,
with profound regret and deep modification. But
sentiments of despair are never to be INDUCED as
to the fortunes or fate of the Republic An en-
lightened and virtuous people require only to be
convinced of the evil to apply an efficacious RENE
dy and tSaeeonviction is forcing itself 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 friend
" and fattering manner in which you have exc
,uted the commission assigned to you by the WhigsI
Of Nansemond, and request you to be assured of
he sentiments of esteem and regard with which,
am, faithfully,
Your friend and obedent servant,
H. CLAY.
Messrs. John C. Crump, Thos. H. P. Good
win, and John c. Cohoon, &C. &c.