The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-14
: MIR. Duer 20 his Constituents.
To the ifhig Electors Of The Itosnfy third Congr
xintluI Illxfrscf Of Nctc EarL

To the Fhig Electors Of the Tsoeity third Con gres-
sionai District Of Neto York.
Within a few weeks past have received letters
from several Of you, nquring whether would con
sent 10 be candidate for reelection to the House
OF Representatives. If had been aware that there
any doubt Of my intentions in that respect ]
should have sooner removed it,. say public
ly 20 you all, what have already said in answer
to private communications, that adhere to the re.
solution long since formed, that the close of my
present term must terminate my connection with
you as your representative in Congress.
In taking final leave OF my constituents il would
bc ungraclous not to express my heartfelt tbanks
for their repeated favors, and especially for their
confidence and support under u wing crc
during the present eventual session of Congress.
Nor can suficr this occasion 10 pass without CON
graduating you upon the termination Of a danger
Gus sectional controversy by means of the final pas
sage OF the Senate bills for the admission OF Califor
MA, the settlement of the boundaries of Texas and
ishment OF territorial gov erpmen Is in New
Mexico and Utah Although was opposed to one of
those measures-the Utah bill-reGardcd separat c-
ly, and for that reason, avoid Inisconstroction
did not vote for it, yet approve il part Of the
general plan OF pacihcaton, and should not have
Suffered il TO laiifor want of my vote. stand by
and shall maintain the settlement that has been
made; and am proud 10 have contributed, though
In an humble degree, to its adoption.
II gives me pam TO think that some OF you whom
j respect, and whose good opinion dcsire, may
not be able toapprovc my action these questions
That cannot surprise me, since have doubted my
self, and struggled with opposite feelings. Bot
am not conscious Of having been Influenced at all
by any personal or interested motive. The reasons
that have convinced me win, believe, when you
shall hear them, convince you; and hope before
long TO meet you face to face, when shall stand
ready TO vindicate my course in all its parts
Pardon rne now il go step further and offer 20
you q few words Of advice. Whether T. and the
majority In Congress with whom have act ted hayo
doiic well or III che thing is done and cannot be
undonc. No sane man supposcs that rnsjority
can be elected TO Congress that will change tho
Territorial os that have just been passed, by at
tarhing to them the wf,not proyiso. There is no
necessity for such change slavery can never
go into these Territories. ftis unadapted 10 their
soil and climate; II IL prohibited by laws now in
force, and which Congress has left unrcpc~lcd and
IL n opposed, besides, TO the known opinions of the
people who have complete power over the Question
Under such circumstances, the continuance Of gil
tstiun the subj ct Of .lavery do no possible
good while II il certain TO do much mischief They
ere not wisc councillors, or else not honest, who
tell you that this question .thcrc is no danger
II the strife IL 20 continue the alienation os ist
ing will, In another generation become hatred,
until disunion instead Of being regarded with bor
ror. will be welcomed a Blessing. II is time
there should bc peace. The question Is scttled let
u rect. The wounds not yet deep; know that
there ia sound American feeling, however soured
or perverted, At the bottom of every good mans
heart, Lot us return TO our nationality, and lay.
ing fdc the cries OF the North and the South, rally
ono and all Tor the Union and OR common country.
IN. settlement that has been made bears the
lnarksof genuine settlement. IL IL not a triumph
oft North OF triumph Of the South; n triumph
of Whigs over Democrats or OF Democrats over
Wings. u forced itsclf through by its intrinsic
strength. breaking down party Iincs and sectional
ties. No party can claim It's merit Yet ms Wings
we cannot but regard IL as Fortunate that Il hap.
pened under the auspices of n Wing President and
received the hearty welcome Of n whiv adminis-
trnton II has disenbarrasscd the Executive branch
Of the Government, and enabled II to pursue i,s
course towards successful prosecution of public
affairs " now this dead Question of slavery is TO
I've galvanized, whether for the annoyance Of the
President, or TO prevent the adoption of beneficial
measures Of public policy, can only say that the
last Wings who should do il are the Whigs of the
State Of New York.
am your fellow citizen and friend,
WILLIAM DUER.
WAsHrseroS, September ., 1850