Democratic banner., 1849-07-30
Letter from MIR. Henderson.

Letter from Mr. Henderson.
Below we give place to a letter from Mr..
Henderson, which will be read with interest
BY all of his constituents. 1t will be seen
that he supports the Resolutions of the Leg
~islature and is not ashamed of the vote he
gave for them, but would repeat it under
similar circumstances. We stated as much
from our own knowledge in the Banner of
the 9th inst, which we supposed escaped
the attention of "Pike" that appeared in
our last, and which was called forth to 81
lence the earnings Of those who sought to
place Mr.. Henderson in a wrong position
before his constituents. We know that
spike" desired and erpected to see him
fright side up with care" For ourselves,
we say we knew it. We knew, too, that
Col. Benton, before his objectionable course on
the slavery question and the right of instruction,
had no stronger friend in old Pike than was Mr..
Henderson. But here is the letter:
Mr.. murray: From some intimatlons re-
ceived of late, as well through the medium
of y1our own kind letter as from other sour
ces, | have been induced to believe that,
perhaps my views upon the subject of the
controversy now in progress in this State,
are misunderstood by some Of my fellow
citizens in the county.
have not the vanity to believe that my
sentiments on this, or on any subject of such
importance, would have any influence what
ever in its final adjustment; and to my con-
sequent silence, originating from this opin-
ion Of mine, you may ascribe all misunder-
standing or Misrepresentation concerning
them.
At all times having the utmost confidence
in the integrity and good sense of the peo-
pie, and believing them competent to every
emergency in political affairs, ! rest con-
tented to cherish and carry out my own
views, and am seldom forward in thrusting
them upon others. But occupying the po-
sition which l do, having acted as a voter
upon the resolutions from which Col. Ben
ton has appealed, and being subject at all
moments to a call for a second expression
of opinion, should the Legislature, as some
have supposed, be again convened, l have
concluded to drop you a few words, the
whole or any part of which, you may pub
|lish at your pleasure and convenience. !
had Aattered myself that my opinions as Civ
en- in the canvas before my constituents,
and my vote upon the resolutions in the Leg
islature, were sufficient evidence of my feel
ings on the subject, which now so unfortun-
ately disturbs the counsels of the country
and agitates the minds Of the people. But,
sir, I recognise in each one of my fellow
citizens, at this time, the full right to inter-
rogate me with regard to my views on this
subject; for should The Legislature be again
called together, to a~djudicate the questions
involved ia the appeal of our Senator, and
my sentiments should vary from those Of
my constituents, I should be happy to re-
ceive at their hands such instructions as
might suit their pleasure, and l now pledge
myself to obey them, whatever they may be,
or resign my seat to give place to an agent
who will obey their wishes. This / think
is fair, and in perfect accordance with the
spirit of our institutions, which evidently
sanction the Representative form of Gov
eminent through motives of convenience,
and regard the public servant as a mere
agent, to reflect the we'll aScertained views
of his constituents.
Entertaining these feelings, then, and cher
ishipg them as the most sacred Of the prin.