Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1842-02-21
From the .llcrUdria Gazette, Feb ..
"IlEADlNG" THE ABOLrTlONiSTS.
IIorsE or RrrnlslNrArlvrs Jan. %.

GLNrLrNIS: ! have received Il letter, couched IN
very respectful terms, from the gentleman whose name
Is be found Al the end Of this communication encu
sing letter signed by himself and ninety two others
ctlcns Of thr county Of Lewis. with request that
would present 10 Congress, setting forth that "sa
very and the slave trade, 1t exists IN the District OF
Columbia, is sin against God foul stain upon our ma
uona character, and contrary 10 the spirit OF our Rcrub
bean institutions aud asking hat portion of the pub
he lands may be apart sufficient lr colony OF such
persons of color TO settle upon shall be freed by the
Government or Otherwise
1t is that hold tho RICH, Of petition as very sa-
cred and constitutional right, which regret see 50
frequently abused 10y those Who profess 10 he It's
es, advocates hui 1t is the time true that do
not concur IN sentiment. nor have any sympathy with
those who under false idea that tlsa aaaint God
would commit less doubtful SIN by exciting cruel aud
exlemlnaung not only between the whites and the
blacks, but between the whites themselves; nor with
these who uudcra mistaken philanthropy, would thought
lessv interfere with Observation-Disclosures Of their kns
men and brethren; nor have any feelings with those
who, CONTRARY TO the spirit OF onr Republican nsttu=
TONS which expressly recognize slavery and the
slave trade the District Of Coumba would
destroy the Union by rude aud ruthless effort
tr the domestic affairs Of their friends and neg hburs
II could perceive that you really lahorng under
any serious grievance, might acquesce IN your request
but confess my inability ~ see how slavery the Dis
tri, Of Columbia operate grievance, Or interfere
with your peaceful pursuits in the county ct Lewis,
more than the introduction Of free labor by ven in YOUR
respective occupations furnish Just ground FIR com
plant tu the Shareholders Of the District. And hold
that they have right ask Congress force the intro
ductun 81 slavery families least equal yours
Of asking Congress To abolish by any not agree
able to them in theirs and take II for granted, when
the people Of tie District shall become dissatisfied with
Their condition ~ this any other respect. thai their
contguity TO the Of Government, and then capacity
to represent their own grievances. may well Justify them
IN dispensing with the unsoueht and unwecome aid
which you and others prop sc to furnish them.
! think You have right 10 present Your petition
through your own proper representatives. but beg leave
10 say 10 you that II Is. in my Judgment. unwIse mpol
tic, and iraught with lncacuahe mischief that the re ht
should be eNorclscd and cannot consent that should
be made tie organ Of communicating 10 Congress (when
my representative obligation does not consrain ine 10
offer It) any petition upon subject which, in my opinion
aud which, should they attempt TO Interfere with. will
AT once dissolve the Union of the States; and battle the
country with the best blood of It's citizens
| These are the which | respectfully submit
as operating Gil me for declining present your petit
| ton.
In asking me 10 advance your views by presenting
your application 10 Congress have virtually asked my
cooperation and that will Justify in endcavoiing
dssuade you from my purpose and do beseech you, in
the Of all that is dear to the hearts Of patriots and
American ireemcn, dcsist from your purposes founded
In terms intended to be respectful. say, "Ye know not
what We do" ! am your fellow citizen, &c,
JNO. NJ. BC1sTS.
To LvsANpER BARRETT and ninety two other citi-
lens Of the county Of Lewis, IN the State Of Virgins