Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-05-16
For the Herald.

Mr.. EDIToR:-I saw in the Herald of tho 18th of
April, reply from Investigator" to my communi-
cation of the 2lst Of March last. My first impress
sion was, upon reading it, that would pay no at
ention to it; and still think it not deserving the
compliment Of notice from any one who has any
regard for honesty and fair dealing But promise
you, Mr. Editor, that will not trouble you with an
other communication in reply to "Inves,igator"-
He may write his trash long he can get it print
ed, and not be again disturbed by me; for I am
aware that my time can be better employed than
contendng with such an opponent as "Investipator"
proves himself to be- Investigator" in the first
place, it will be recollectcd, came out in the Voice
OF Freedom and attacked Nh Clay and the Wings of
Vermont with his usual scurriy and abuse. lie
attempted to show that Mr. Clay was in favor of per-
petuaiing the abominable institution of Slavery, and
that MIR Clays views upon the Slavery question were
| directly opposed to those of General WASHINGTON.
whose principles the Wings of Vermont. had adopt
ed as their standard" He further attempted to
show that the Wings Of Vermont were supporting
ms vile institution because, forsooth they were in
lavor OF Mr. Clay for the Presidency. In my reply
OF the 2lst OF March, denied the truth of the above
statements, and showed them be false by undeni-
able proof. showed, by quoting Mr. Clay's own
public declarations, that he is and always has been
opposed to Slavery. He favored the project of
gradual emancipation which was got up in his own
state when he was but youth, and still thinks this
the safest way to get rid of what he was pleased to
call the greatest of human evils" 'ihis deepest
stain upon the character of our country" also
proved that there was no essential difference be-
tween Mr. Clay and General Washington upon the
subject OF Slavery. They were both so unfortunate
as to be Shareholders bu, both were in principle op
posed to slavery. They regretted its existence,
and both have expressed the most ardent wishes
that 1t may ultimately have end in this Republic.
And TO The charge that the Wings of Vermont are
supporting the institution of Slavery proved to be-
false by referring 10 their votes their acts resou
tons and speeches, which have always been decI
dedly opposed to Slavery. Those were the points
in issue which made and am very confident NV
part was sustained; for which reason have no dis
position now to run over Investigators last commu.
ncation in the Herald of the 18th ult, ard ex,ose
the many errors, both Of facts and, arpumen,
winch there appear lie again attempts 10 show
mat MI Clay is opposed TO emancipation, either
gradual or immediate, and quotes from his speech
oil 1889 IN the Senate. This IS false; and the man
VINO mas read that speech, and will say that Mr. CLAW
declared himself Internationally opposed TO The
emancipation OF the Slaves OF the United States ia
elmer SO ignorant that he knows not what he reads
or he is guilty of falsehood. He (Mr Claw saws in
mat speech, that Congress has no power to abolish
slavery in the several Staies-and that is acknowl-
eoged on all hands. That power rests with tho
states alone. lie gives it as his opinion hat Con-
giess mas no right to interfere with Slavery in the
district Of Columbia in which think he is mistaken.
But this is his opinion, and we should presume ii is
honestly entertained II is also The opinion Of other
wise man. among whom is John Quincy Adams
who is. dare say, as good aboonist as In
'esiigator. He (Mr c. says that immediate eman-
paiion would not be safe would i be beneficial
o the Slaves. / always entertained a different
opinion AMI so do very many Of the Wing party at