Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1840-11-20
Your obedient servants.
FoET Hill, Nov. :, la

FoRr HUI, Nov. :, la40.
Gentlemen: II is with real reluctance, that de-
cline the invitation to parake of public dinner on
my way to Washington, which you have SO kindly
rendered behalf yourselves and my other personal
and political friends of Charleston If circumstances
had permitted would certainly have made It an en-
ception TO rule, TO decline invitations OF the KIND, on
which have so long acted, and from which, have so
seldom departed. Such however, not the case. My
long absence from home, of nearly nine months in
the discharge my public duties, has rendered my pre-.
necessary to my private aud domestic concerns;
50 much that cannot venture 10 fix, in advance,
intention 10 be al my post ut the opening OF the
sion, hu, may be unavoidably Detained some time
longer
In saying, that the Republican party of Charleston
have not been discouraged by "the changed aspect Of
the political horizon you have stated more, than
what have anticipated. Those, who look TO personal
orparty considerations may change with the tide OF po
puariiv; but the reverse the with those who
chiefly regard principles and country. 1t is when the
toe is adverse-when the loose and weak are iioatng
away with The current that they hold most s,eadfastly
10 their cause. Its thus this State has acted. IL
is her pride and glory not TO be governed by private OF
selfish considerations, where the interest of the country
is involved but 10 take her stand immoveably pr!n
cipes above all personal party feeling, and without
regard TO the course that may be taken by others As
she has always acted, so, doubt not, she will the
present occasion If she should be alone, another
memorable occasion, she will, feel confident cast he'
weight Into the scale that her principles may point To-
rs rrsolu,ey and if possible So than ii backed By
the rest of the Union.
Principles honestly and firmly maintained, are al
certain in the end TO triumph but, If in our case
src, should be the fact, may be assured, that
with the failure Of our principles the whole scheme Of
our admirable system of government must fail 1t is
utterly impossible for The superstructure TO stand on
any other foundation, except the old Republican State
Rights principles their fullest extent, as understood
in the pures, days Of the party And et me add, that
II the party holding adverse principles and policy
should succeed in the present contest, the cause mus
be soush in departure from them By the Government
aaa tie defeat shonld there be one can only be re-
vessed by returning to them promptly and honestly
They are the only means, under Heaven, of cur pot
ga salvation.
In attrlbu,ng to frmness and integrity in main
tanning those principles you besiow on most ac-
ceptahc and trust not undeserved compliment
H. With the deem conviction Of their truth and vital i'm.
pnr,a"cc to the liberty and prosperity of the Union and
the safety Of orr scction capable of betray ing
idem "rany consideration, should regard myself mol
only The most base bu, ungraetul Of public servants
II would be return the vIcst ireaccry on my part
for the unwavering confidence The part Of The
State Of thirty years, through cventul ard trying
political l,ie-a confidence the honorable on all
sides, because acquired and continued without art pa
tronage or aatery, simply by al honest, firm, and
fearless discharge oduiy, according - the best ability
1t has pleased Providence 10 besow OH me
With great respect,