Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-11-04
MIR. VAN BUREN'S LETTER.
kiNDERuooK, Oct. 4, 1874

lNiNDERHooK, Oct. 4, 1871.
Gentlemen: l have had the honor to receive
your letter inviting me, in behalf Of the Demcc-
racy of Ulster county, TO attend the Mass Con.
venton to be held at Kingston on the 9TH in
stant
You cannot, gentlemen, be more deeply i'm
pressed than am by the alarming tendency of
the acts and designs of the dominant party, as in
dictated by the proceedings of Congress at the
Extra Session, or more alive to the importance
OF general and vigorous rally of the Democracy
IN defence OF the constitutional rights and best
interests OF the People. No experienced obser-
yer can have failed to perceive in those proceed
lngs unerring evidence of the revival of the old
Federal spirit, not only unmitigated, but greatly
increased in bitterness by the restraints under
which 1t has for so long period been kept by
the good sense and patriotism of the American
People. Passingby other great enormites, there
was nothing done or attempted by the Federal
lists OF '9S which more hostile to the letter
and spirit Of the Federal Constitution, more de-
structlve of the best principles of our political
system, or capable of exerting more deleterous
influence upon it, and by consequence upon the
Liberties of tho People, than the Distribution bill
of the extra session.
LII, therefore, had no considerations to respect
other than such relate to my own feelings,
would not fail to be in the midst of you, and assist
in proceedings from which SO much good may be
expected. 1t has, however, appeared TO me that
o'iouiu ucSI CouSuit what is que as well 10 the
country and its institutions to the Democracy
OF the Union, by whose favor was raised to the
Office OF Chief Magistrate, when / limit my per-
! sonal agency in the political conflicts of the day
TO the exercise of the right of suffrage and the un-
reserved expression of my opinions upon public
questions when the same are invited by such of
my feow-citzens are disposed to respect them
Having come to this conclusion upon the most
mature consideration Of many similar applications
from my political friends, allow myself to hope
that my failure to be with the Democracy of the
River counties on the 18th instant will be regarded
with the same kind indulgence that have so often
and so long received at their hands, and for
which am most grateful.
thank you, gentlemen, very sincerely for the
friendly spirit which distinguishes your commune
cation, and the Democracy ofUlster for the favor
able opinion they have been pleased to form of
my public career. The time can never come
when can cease to regard with any other sent-
ments than those of profound respect and lively
gratitude encomiums like those which you have
communicated TO me on behalf Of portion of nv
fellow-citizens so long and SO justly distinguish.
ed for steady perseverance and uniiring patriot
ism.
With great respect,
y our friend and ob't. servant.
Nj. VAN buren,.
To Messrs. Rodney A. Chip, ]. d. Ostrander,
VIM. DAWSON, Nicholas Sckles, b. M. Has
brouck +. Suydam and John Van Buren,, cores
pondng committee.
Mr.. J. G.. Calhoun addressed letter to same
committee which shall appear hereafter.