The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1847-10-07
silas Wright and tho Wilmot ProvIso


NV DEAR srR Your letter Of the 10th, and its en-.
closures came to me to-day and hasten to reply None
Of the articles to which you sude had met my notice
although MrBryant sendsto me the semi weekly Poet
ect Of the Wilmot Provse had become matter of news
paper discussion certainly not aware that they
could be matter Of dispute doubt have not been
ambitious to promugate my opinions upon this any
public subject; but have not any time as you are
double witness, withheld the expression Of them upon
this subject when called upon to express them.
1.-THE question had been propounded to me at any pe-
riod ofmy public ifs shall the the Union be en-
pOysa to OF the money Of the Union be used to
pose Of planting slavery upon It, should have answered
No! And this answer to this question il the Wimot
should suppose me capable Of entertaining any othor
opinion or giving any other answer to such PROPOSE
The two conversations to which you alude the one
had with yourself at Major Flagg and the other held
at the boarding house Of Messrs Townsend Small
both of which expressed frankly the opinions enter
taiDed both in relation the Provso and Col Young
resolutions and those opinions decidedly favorable
have repeatedly stated in such conversations and
think did to you In the conversation at Major Faggs
that Mr. King In making himself the author of the
movement at the last session of Congress- had acted
without any consultation with and that II could
that he would have left that to some other person be-
cause would be and charged that he acting
from motives not avowed, and through my impulson
Yet that had no complaint to make against Mr. King
and no right to ask him to yield his Of duty
personal wishes, because knew his opinions and the
strength Of his feelings upon that subject and was
fore satisfied that he acting from the most
conscientious convictions Of right and that
ms r,ent IN sslf and sound in principle
ception Of such remarks have lust epeatod az 70
Mr. Kings being the mover Of the Provso / can have
said nothing from which any could infer anv disap
probation on my part Of Mr. Kings course and trust
these remarks cannot properly be denominated dissp
probation OF his act much less of his proposition
have marked this letter prvate to show that Il Ia
not intended for publication but wish you to 1t
to Mr. Bryant. At the same time wish to say to you
and to him that when 1t can be properly avoided pre-
fer not to have my personal opinions upon any public
question made the subject Of discussion In the public
papers II Is impossible to separate such discussions In
the public mind. from impression either that the In.
dividual himself wishes his opinions promulgated or
that his friends promugste them because they think
they will infusnce others whilst II there Ia a dispute
about what opinions really entertained the impica-
ton to many minds Is that contradictory opinions have
friends who are promulgatipg my opinions but that
they are trying to correct erroneous opinions i'm
y Nn sssrTs N h t as
posed Of far MIR Bryant aud yoursef shall think II
PraStcao,e without protracted discussion. 1t may
% closed before you get this but il not suggest that
Mr. Bryant should say In very summary wsy that he
has no knowledge of who the warmest and most ain.
cere friends Of Governor are referred to by the
Globe but that he speaks from syijsnoe that moves
them mistaken as to the opinions of that gentleman
upon TINS subject that he opposed principle to the
pose OF Incorporating slavery upon 1t that he thinks II
an appropriate time to declare that principles when an
.PP."ri'"h IN sshou 10 purchase the territory and
that sucn akdeclaraton, made at such time IA NOT
lnopposon to the administration unless Il be ayowe
that the administration wishes to acquire the terrto
for the extension Of slavery, In which case he would
right
Something like this, think would end tho m.ttsr or
bring out the names referred to- and have no idea of
the latter because do not think there are any such
names to be given. '~'-
You may think me over sensitive upon this sub,sot
sm as to the appearance Of wish to keep myself or
my opinions before the public nnd myself arost too
happy in my quiet home and sincerely hope that no
event will call me again into public life. Ihave been
long time under the cares and responsibilities of hrh
office, and did net know what relief It would be- TO
ind myself again free man scarcely yet realize
the sensation and resumption of those cares and re-
10 already fearful and thought
80 far from experiencing regret at my discharge taking
into consideration the Of II ALSO 6nd It has
made happier than had hoped to be, and have no
desire to try again in the hope Of better termination
thank you most sincerely for your friendship mani
tested upon this, as upon all occasions A few such
friends and few such evidences Of friendship retained
IN defeat are more than compensation for the defeat
ITSELF With sincere respect, am truly yours,
/. sntH sILAs WRIGHT.
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