The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1845-08-26
ANTI SLAVERY EXCITEMENT IN KEN
lucky.

At Lexington, Ky, on the 10th inst, great
excitement existed relative to an article which had
appeared in Casius NJ. Clay's anti-slavery paper
the True American. which it was cared would
result in riot and bloodshed. Immediately after
the appearance Of the offensive article, meeting
of number Of citizens was held TO consider the
subject, who appointed committee who addressed
a letter to Mr. Clay, enclosing the following reso-
luton. passed by the meeting -
Sc ReSoired, That committee of three he APP
pointed to wait upon Casius NJ. Clay, editor of
the True American, and request him to discon-
tnue the publication of the paper called the True
American, as lis further continuance, in our udg-
ment is dangerous to the peace of our community,
and to The safety of our homes and families"
Mr.. Clay replies to this resolution and letter in
the strongest terms, from which the following is
an extract
IS say in reply TO y0ur assertion that You are
a committee appointed by respectable portion of
the community, that it cannot be trne. Traitors
to the laws and constitution cannot he deemed re-
spectacle by any but assassns, pirates and high
way robbers Your meeting is one unknown TO
the laws and constitution of my country, il was
secret in its proceedings, its purposes, lis spirit :;
and its action, like its mode of existence, are
wholly unknown to or in direct violation of every
known principle Of honor religion or government,
held sacred by the civilized world. | treat them
with the burning contempt of brave heart and
loyal citizen. deny their power and defy their
action. II may be true that those men are excited
as you say, whose interest it is to prey upon the
excitement and distresses of the country What
tyrant ever failed to be excited when his unjust
power was about to be taken from his hands ?
But deny, utterly deny, and call for proof thai
there is any just ground for this agitation In
every case OF violence by the blacks since the pub
LEGATION OF my paper it has been proven, and will
be again proven by my representatives if my life
should fail to be spared, that there have been
special causes for action independent of, and hav-
ing no relation whatever to the True american
or its doctrines. Your advice with regard TO my
personal safety is worthy of the source whence it
emanatcd, and meets the same contempt from me
which the purposes Of your mission excite. Go
tell your secret concave of cOwardy assasslns
that c. VI Clay knows his rights and how to de-
fend them"
The original meeting received copy of the cor.
respoudence, on re assembling after a temporary
adjournment, when an address and resolutions
were adopted, on motion Mr.. Waters, which wind
up as fnilows:
We assume not TO decide for society who
have with US common interest; but, as portion
Of that community, recommend general meeting
of the people Of the city of Lexington, and county
Of Fayeue. to be held On Monday rext, August
18th, to concert measures for the suppression Of
the farther publication Of the sc abolition paper :"
called the True American. Be it therefore
" Resot0ed, That notice be published for q
general meeting Of the people Of this city and