The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-08-17
ASHLAND. 25lh May. 1873.


Gentlemen: duly received The letter which You
did me the honor TO address me, ansmilting copy
OF Resolution adopted at ameelng Of the Wings
Of Nansemond county, recently held
Whilst but too sensbly feel that they have placed
an estimate entirely too high and catering upon my
capacity and upon the public services which have
been able to render, il affords me very great saisfac
ton 10 learn that have been so fortunate as TO Oh
tain their appreciation; and request You to commu-
nca'e 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.
senled Resolutions the Senate touching the ins-
tuition OF Domestic Slavery embracing all the prn-
cples applcabl. to the subject, the maintenance of
which appeared TO me necessary to The security Of
property, the stability OF our system OF general GO
vernment, and harmony among the States Of the
Union. Al the last session OF Congress, the Ultra
Aboiitionists had presented themselves under new
and alarming aspect. Instead OF restricting their
exertons to moral persuasion, addressed 10 the con-
sciences OF slave holders, keeping aloof from parties
and politics. as they originally professed TO be their
Intention they had openly proclaimed their purpose
TO the political arena, and denonncing all who
did mol adopt their dogmas and agree with them, to
force their principles and their men by the aid the
ballot-box II required but little foresight 10 discern
the frightful consequences which would result from
this change Of their position, II they should succeed
The Uniol would be first convulsed throughout, and
finally broken into fragments thought, therefore,
the last session, that the time was suitable TO warn
the country of their design and efforts; and hence,
the speech which has commended itself to the appro
baton Of the Wings Of Nansemond. That speech
is but an expansion Of The argument embodied in the
resolutions of the previous session. And shall be
most happy If 1t should contribute any thing towards
arresting the mad career OF these misguided men,
and towards preserving that Union which IS the
truest guaranty of all the high privileges which we
enjoy.
In the Constitution Of that Union there is not a
solitary provision, fairly interpreted and fairly ad-
mnstered, which authorizes any interference OF
Congress with Domestic Slavery, il exists in the
United States. There is not one, relating TO the
subject, which does not recognize and treat slaves
lawful properly or look 10 the safety and secrry
OF that property The clause which likes the repre-
sentation in the popular branch OF Congress- estab-
fishes ratio founded upon the acknowledged exist
ence of slavery; and in the appointment 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 last war with Great
Britain slaves were taxed by Congress, as slares,
and their proprietors paid the tax accordingly
The provision which secures the surrender OF fugi-
tive 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 expressible surprise and deep re-
gret, that il has been commended not only that this
conservative stipulation may be evaded, but that i
is even meritorious TO violate it. Meritorious TO
violate an express Injunction of that constitution
which many Of us are soemnly sworn, and are all
bound faithfully support II any citizen Of the u
States who object to particular part Of the Con-
sliiulion, may elude and disregard H. other citizens.
dissatisfied with other parts, have equal right to
violate them and universal qualification OF the
cred instrument would be the necessary conse-
quence.
| agree with you, gentlemen, in most Of what you
say in regard 10 the present condition Of public
affairs. In contemplating it there is much to de-
press, but rejoice much also to animate and en-
courage the genuine patriot, and TO stimulate his
most energetic exertions. New and alarming prin-
cpes, dangerous practices great abuses and extern
svc corruption have been introduced into the gene
raj administration. during the few last years. have
witnessed their progress, with profound regret and
deep modification. But sentiments OF despair are
never be INDUCED TO the fortunes or fate OF the
Republic. An enlightened and viruous people re-
quire only TO be convinced Of the evil to apply an
effcacious remedy; and this conviction is forcing
itself upon them, in spite Of all the efforts which
have been made, and are making, TO deceive and be-
tray them
THANK you, gentlemen, cordially for the friendly
and faitering manner in which you have executed
the commission assigned Ia you by the Wings Of
Nansemond; and request you 10 be assured of the
sentiments of esteem and regard, with which, am,
| faithfully,
Your friend and obi serv'
FL CLAY
Messrs John c. Crump, Thomas II. P. Goodwin,
| and John G. Cohoon, &c. DC.