The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-25

WAsHIseToS, February 23d, 1850.
Editors Of the Republic.

WAsHINGToN, February 23d, 1850
TO The Editors Of the Republic.
GENTLEMEN Permit me TO state in your col
umns that my illness in California and subsequent
ong-continued debility, my numerous pressing en-.
gagements since my arrival here and the effects OF
a recent indispositon which has paralyzed my en-
erges for some days, have delayed, much longer
than intended or expected, my report ON Califor-
MIA. But Icannot longer permit the public mind to
be assailed, perhaps msled, by insinuations, in
quiries, and innuendoes, which, if not promptly
answered, may be considered as acquiesced in; or
bold assertions, if misrepresentation has assumed
that form, TO pass uncontradicted. therefore as
sert that did not, in connexon with my duties in
California nor have at any time, received secret
instructions, whether verbal or written, from the
President Of the United States, any member Of
his Cabinet the subject Of slavery or any other
subject. did not attempt TO influence the people
Of California to decide the question of slavery one
way or the other; and any assertion that did re-
ceve such instructions, attempt to exercise such
influence, is false. Any insinuations or insidious
inquiries which framed or intended as TO in
ducc the people to believe that the President or any
member of his Cabinet did give, or that I could be
base enough To receive such instructions declare
TO be totally without foundation in fact, and with
out the shadow Of truth.
| beg leave TO call the attention of the public TO
some facts, which will show what was done by the
late Administration TO induce the people Of Califor-
MIA TO form State government. ] arrived at San
Francisco on the fourth of June in the steamer
Panama. We did not stop at Monterey, nor did I
sec or hold any communication with General RILEY
until about the middle Of that month, when he
came 10 San Francisco. His proclamation, calling
n h. ~
State constitution, Is dated at Monterey 1870 miles
from San Francisco, the third Of juno. The last
paragraph Of this proclamation is in the following
words
The method here indicated 10 attain what is
desired by all, viz, more perfect political or
ganization, is deemed the most direct and safe
that can be adopted, and one fully authorized by
law. IL IL the course advised by the President,
| and by the Secretaries OF State and Of War Of the
United States, and is calculated 10 avoid the in
i Vulnerable evils which must necessarily result
from any attempt at illegal local legislation. II
s therefore hoped II will meet the appreciation Of
the people Of California, and that all good citizens
{ will unite in carrying IL into execution"
The steamer in which was a passenger 10 San
Francisco was the first conveyance to carry TO the
people Of California the intelligence Of the inauru-
ration Of President TAYLOR, and the appointment Of
his Cabinet; that, at the date Of General RrLEvs
proclamation Il not possible that he could have
received any communication from the present Ad.
ministraton. The President Of the United States
to whom he refers Mr.. Polk, the Secretary OF
State Mr.. BUCHANAN, the Secretary Of war Mr..
NANCY. Il was in accordance with the recommend.
atoms Of this proclamation, sustained they are in
President Folks last annual message that the peo.
pie Of California acted in forming their State const
tuition. always addressed the people Of California
| in my private character, and never assumed any
official position among them. Interested AZ am
in slave labor as Georgian and southern citizen
was prepared to expect that the objects Of my mis-
sion would be perverted in the North and find ac-
cordngy that, during the last fall elections in that
quarter, was there represented southern slave
holder sent 10 California 10 indoctrinatc the people
in my opinions about slavery. This wac a base
alschood; but IL is not half base an attempt 10
impress the public mind that was sent to coerce
or influence California 10 exclude slavery.
| II. BUTLER KING