The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1840-01-09

Gen. HARRISON AND MR. VAN buren,.
In what light did southern patriots re.
gard the Missouri contest at that time
what was Mr.. JEfrERsoN's opinion upon
the subject Read the following extracts
from his letters, written pending the agita-
ton of this monicntous question:
Extract of letter to William Short, April
18Th. 1890.
Although ! had laid down to myself
never to write, talk or even think of poll
tics, to know nothing Of public affairs, and
therefore had ceased TO read newspapers,
vet the Missouri question aroused and filled
me with alarm. have been the most san
gune in believing that our union would be
of long duration, now doubt il much, &c.
This treason against human hope will sig
nalize their epoch in history, as the medal
of their predecessors, &c.
Extract 10 John Holmes, april %, 1920.
"This momentous question, like fire
bell in the night, awakened and filled me
with terror. considered it at once the
knell OF the union. 1t is hnshed indeed,
for the moment. But this is a reprieyc
only, not final sentence"
70 John Adams, jan. 2od, 1890.
"Our anxieties in isquarler are all con
ccntrated. What does the Holy Alliance,
in and out Of Congress, mean to do with
Us on the Missouri question J And hisby
The bye, Is but The adme Of tte case J. it is
only the John Doe and Richard Roe Of the
oleciment. The real question, as seen in
the States afflicted with this unfortunate
population is, are our slaves to be present.
cd with freedom and dagger! For, il
Congress has the power TO regulate the
conditions Of the inhabitants Of the States,
within the States, II will be but another eX-
ercisc Of that power TO declare that al!
shall be- DC.
Such was the threatening aspect of this
terrible controversy that the author Of the
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, was
aroused from the repose Of age aud catered
once more into the arena Of politics, 10
struggle for the preservation Of the Union.
The hoary veteran in the cause Of human
liberty caught the sounds of alarm, and
from the summit of Monticello he warned
the people Of the horrors which enclrcled /
them. Could he how burst the ccrcmeuts /
Of the tomb, what would be his Indignation. /
TO find the party which usurps hls name,
supporting VAN BunrN az the friend Of
the South, and denouncing his CONDUCTORS
CLAY and HARRISON, as enemies 10 its in. +
stiiuuous
But this is not a.to,ln the sPN.sr,ofI
1887, General HaRis,sS whilst OF Tvs /
tito yincehnes, his fbl Yer residence whilst /
governor Of that territory, addressed the /
people at a public dinner, and voluntarily |
introduced the subject Of abolition. When /
surrounded as be was By the inhabitants Of
a free State, he boldly declared that the /
nbolitionists were disturbing the peace Of
the Union; that they were anbindiEg the /
elements Of di-cord AMI ci,il strife, and i'm. /
plorcd hi. ancient friends not 10 cndangcr /
the stability ofpopular government by lend
ing their aid to the disnrganizing fanatics 7
Of the north. And yet the locofocos pre-.
tend to think this abused uauanabuliionist, /
whilst his public acts. his private conyersa-
ton, lbs voluntary speeches, all proclaim /
HIM friend to the South.
Let them prove a- much Tor their idol. 1
Let them wash their black.a.moor white /
If they can. And in The first steps 10 this I
contamination let them burn the Journals Of /
the legislature Of New York which con.
tain the damniug proofs Of VI. Van
Burcn's unqualified aboilionsm.-N. Or.
leans Bee