Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1846-02-27

condemned and some 40 or so of the prin-
cipal citizens of Massachusetts, of both the
great political parties, all of whom are or
have been in public life, many of whom are
known throughout the country, and not one
of whom is an Abolitionist, have as a matter
OF policy urged, in most respectful terms,
his release. They condemn, in behalf of the
people Of that State, the acts of Torrey, and
all Interference of this sort with slaves in
the slave States, yet they express an opinion
that an act OF clemency will do more to vim
dictate our laws, among the people at the
North, and deter others from such offences,
than a more severe punishment. In this
opinion many distinguished citizens of this
State, including the judges of the Court who
sentenced him, concur.
1t is admitted, that in his folly and RASH
ness, he has provoked an indignation against
him; but he is now conquered aud 10 tri-
umph over a fallen foe, is no trait of the
character Of the people of Maryland. An
act OF magnanimity, under the circumstan-
ces, could not fail TO place them before the
world in an honorable position, and the way
seems TO be open for them to do, what the
good man always loves to do, grant a favor
to a most worthy woman and her innocent
little children. They beg for their husband
and father, and let us bless them, and secure
their blessings upon us, by letting him 90
home to them. They love him with all his
faults. We can afford to grant their request.
Ii is now morally certain that, unless re-
leased, he will in a short time die. The
whole object Of punishment having been ac-
complished, as a matter of policy, it is be-
lieved, that an act of clemency, especially if
granted with the concurrence of prominent
citizens, will be an act of wisdom. If he
! J;oe l., ,r;.o, -. L., ;-.,,,oa. ,,;l Lo,o
been the cause of his death, it is obvious
that Il popular clamor will be raised, and like
the celebrated ''2lst Rule" in Congress, will
draw thousands into it all over the county,
who are not abolitionistS, and who otherwise
would lend their influence against abolition
ism. But, if he is now released, the voice
Of the whole North, with unimportant excep-
tons, will concur in putting down any such
clamor; and by meeting the people OF Mas
sachusetts upon the grounds stated in their
petition, we make them the most e~ffectual
indicators of our laws. Torrey'S death in
prison will be food for ab0litionism his re-
lease, by an act of magnanimity on the part
of Shareholders and other citizens, and an
act of clemency towards him, will secure
the appreciation of our citizens throughout
the country. We now have an opportunity
to show TO them that we can and will vindi-
cate our laws, and yet that we can and will,
when the laws are vindica'ed, be magnani-
nous, even towards offenders.
Below are the petitions OF Mrs. Torrey,
and Of the Massachusetts, citizens.
Will you concur in the request!
To his ErceLency, The Governor Of Maryland
am a stranger to you, and can present nc
apology for thus obtruding myself upon your
notion coya that humanity raunirpc IL Nj
beloved husband, Rev. Charles Il. Torrey,
is confined in your Penitentiary, where he
has been sentenced to six years imprison'
ment for having aided in the escape Of three
slaves from their master. | feel that in COM
ing to you with this acknowledgement, j
must meet you as a magistrate; but, sir, !
trust you will also regard me with the feel
ings of a man, SO far as such feelings are
not inconsistent with 4 wise, just and hui
name ruler.
There are circumstances in every govern
ment, both human and divine, when the eX'
ercise of mercy not only benefits tho subject
but casts a moral dignity and beauty over the
Executive, and adds force and majesty to the
law. Permit me to mention one instance tC
this effect. King David, who as you wei
know was not a stranger to the duties am
feelings properly belonging to and becoming
4 magistrate, in addressing the King Of kings
while inspired, remarks, ''There is forgive
ness with Thee, that Thou mlyest be telr
ed.'-Ps. 100, 4. With the fact before me
that forgiveness does sometimes cast a digni
|, ty and force on violated law, | feel embolden
, ed to ask you to extend Executive clemenc,
to my husband. There are some reason.
= which appear to me to make his case one o
those in which forgiveness would be a bene
fit, rather than an injury, to your laws
Permit me to mention them.
In the first place, my husband admits tina
he assisted two slaves, who had previousl
run away, in their attempt to go to a fire.
State. But their running away was withou
. any knowledge or enticement on his part
, There is no doubt the slaves belonged to Nj
Heckrotte, though my husband did not knoN
} to whom they belonged at the time. An al
> rangement has been made to satisfy Nj
u Heckrotto for the loss of those slaves, by
compensation for them. Whatever my hus
bands or my own views Of slavery ma
u have been, we do not, and shall not, deem
our duty, in any demonstrations manner, I
interfere with it. 1t has ever been a sourc
II of regret to me, that my husband thus too
, counsel of his feelings, rather than his iudg
ment. ! have never approved of the praC
II tice of the citizens of interfering with II
, laws; and should my request be granted,
y feel authorized TO give the fullest assurance
u both to you and the people of Maryland, TN
my husband will never visit your State IL
that purpose. The offence, though a violi
IL. - ,.,. orip,faa1 oA1n in thn nlraust