Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-08-25
TO THE FREEMEN OF THE Sd CONGRESS
SIGNAL DISTRICT OF VERMONT

SIGNAL DISTRICT OF VERMONT.
find myself placed, by the course of events in a
position which requires me 10 address you. A Con-
vention holden Burlington the Sth day of June
2ast nominated the Hon. GEORGE p. MARsm as a
candidate for Congress. With the proceedings of
that convention portion of the people dissatis
fled and that dissatisfaction has, at length, resulted
IN the annunciaton OF myself as an INDEPENDENT
candidate in the Vergcnnes Vcrmonter,at the request
of wings in that quarter OF this County and more
Gently IN the Peoples Press, at the request OF wings
IN Bristol in another quarter.
was aware, soon after the meeting of the con-
vention, that individuals in various parts Of this
County had manifested disposition to vote for me,
notwithstanding the nomination of another, and, to
use their own language whether would or not !"
but had no, the slightest expectation that the dis
satisfaction would result in an independent nomna.
ton" 1t was suggested to to decline but, SO far
could Judge, the indications of a determination
support me were not such as to require -beleving,
as did that they but sudden exhibitions of dis
appointed feeling which might soon subsdc. In this
however. | was mistaken, the nominations to
which have referred, as well as other Indications
have since shown me.
The question is, therefore, at length, directly pre-
sentedShall decline To this question / have
given the consideration demanded by the number and
character Of those who have made me their cand-
date; and have come to the determination TO ask
them to withhold from me their votes. / do this
with full appreciation of the kindness of their in
tentions towards me personally and in the exercise
OF every possible disposition 10 yield their wishes
whenever can do it consistently with my sense of
duty. Under present circumstances it is evident
that cannot longer remain silent without implied ly
asserting TO be in the field candidate and my
Judgment is, that no good can either per-
sOnaly or to any interest which value, from my
cOnsenng TO stand IN that position. | know that l
have valued friends who think otherwise; but while |
respect their motives and acknowledge their kindness
must act on the convictions of my own Judgment.
In speaking of motives must be permitted to say
that the suggestion that the getting up of my nom
ination in the Iermonter was the work Of a" Loco
loco clique to divide the wings, II is entirely unioun-
ded. Whoever will take the trouble TO enqule, will
find that the nomination originated with wings as true
and hearty as are TO be found III the District. They
are not 1t is true among what are called Leaders
tut they arc, nevertheless entitled TO much respect
as any leaders can be- and much more than some de-
serve. Such, too Is the character of those in other
parts Of this County well as in other portions OF
the District, whose feelings accord with what is ca He'd
- the Nergennes movement
Sympathlzng thus, as these friends of mine do in
!he questions which divide the leading parties, may
be permitted to ask them not to forget what they owe
the country in the strength of their desire to serve
the. am unable to perceive that their votes fer me
can do any good; while they may be made available
10 sustain, IN the person of another cherished prn-
cples and policy. 1t is TO sustain these that shall
give my vote for Mr.. Marsh. l shall do this in on
undoubtng confidence in his integrity and uprighnes
as well as in the soundness of his views upon all III,
questions III regard to which he may he called TO &C
as a representative Of the people. In saying this,
refer not only to the standing topics of discussion be
tween the leading parties, but to that other great ques
ton in which take deep and increasing interest
nssd Peb ssRfk ct pa Xewf OH the Of slavery
mating convention.
have heard much said upon the subject of SLAYER,
- by who scarcely knew what they sad caret
even, so that it might the purposes of the mo
ment. Such is not Mr.. Marsh, if know him. Ii
has spoken right, and will trust act right. Enough
surely will he see of the slaveholdng and slave dir
ing spirit if he remains long in Congress, TO stmu
late him to decided and efficient action. The time is
moreover, rapidly approaching when this great sub
ect will he forced upon the attention Of all; and whe
the question, "what has the North 10 do with sIa
very 7" will be soberly asked by no man who 81, Al
desire TO maintain the character Of a statesman or
christian There may continue to be "divorsitics O
operation !; but the spirit will be spirit of un
diving hostility TO slavery, not only a l1ar upo1
Human Nature, but as utterly hostile TO the spirit
institutions and IL long cherished, fatal the OK
istence of our Union.
have spoken of Mr.. Marsh from desire to d
him justice; and of American slavery in my settle
purpose to omit no proper occasion while live, b
the consequences to what they may TO assail tht
giant inquty and contribute what may to scoura
it from the face of the earth.
take this occasion TO thank my excellent friend
Tor their manifestations of attachment to me, an
shall carry grateful recollection of 10 the latc
moment of my life. But circumstances seem to fo
bid that IT should be Of any avail except to give me I'll
cheering assurance that have discharged my pul
lie duties as TO commend myself 10 their conlidenc
and regard.
WILLIAM SLADE.
August 10, 1913.
=. s. friend has handed me the last Rutlan
Herald in which | find a communication touchin
my present postum, of character which makes m
DESTROYS TO be heard by my old con titlen,s of tina
county, and induces therefore to request the Edit
or of that paper TO publish the foregoing. w. 5.