The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-10-19
ETowAH, Geo, Sept. 81, 1850.


GENTLEMEN have the honor to receive your
invitation to meet you on the 26th inst, at Kings
ton, to address Mass meeting of our country
men, to be held at that place. The object OF
that meeting, is inferrentially stated to be, an
Interchange of opinions concerning the present
and future prospects of Southern interests as
effected by Federal Legislation. 1t seems to be
thought that the time has at length arrived
"when all Southern men should be united" In
this sentiment all will doubtless concur.
You will please excuse my absence, gentle.
men, on that occasion-for the following reasons
First, shall necessarily be called to attend to
case in Murray Court, which will be sitting at
that time. Secondly, six years at Washington
city, convinced Inc Of my inability to serve the
interest of others, in their relation to the action
of the Federal Government. Since retiring to
private life, l have intended, and still intend, to
give myself solely to private affairs. Lastly,
am engaged in an undertaking which demands
all the time and effort can give, to carry it
through. These reasons, are well understood
by you gentlemen, and | trust you will deem
them an ample excuse, for my absence on the
occasion referred to. You will not be permitted
to think, however, that my absence is chargeable
to Indifference In whatsoever the people OF
Georgia, are afflicted or oppressed-we all bear
part. She brought us forth, and her people
are our people.
1t is said that the last Legislature of Georgia,
provided for the call of Convention of the
people of the State, in case, the Federal Gov
ernor should adopt certain measures then con-
templated. That the measures contemplated
have been adopted, and that the Governor will
call Convention-whose business it will be to
deliberate on and choose remedy for existing
evils | think this well, because it must result
in the choice of a remedy, or refusal to act in
the case. If submission be decided on, it is
better than continual complaint, and nothing
done. Whatever the people thus convened,
shall do will be right and should cheerfully be
sustained by all true citizens. No fear need be
entertained of treason OIL the one hand or aboli-
ton on the other. The State is threatened in
advance with being prosecuted as traitors If they
dare to assert and maintain their rights and it
is well that all should understand this before
they attempt TO apply remedy.
1t is with terror that every one should know
that unless some remedy can be applied to arrest
the progress Of systematic aggression on the
rights OF property in negroes; the abolition Of
slavery will take place as certain as California
has been admitted into the Union. These are
the alternatives, gentlemen, let no man be de-
ceived.
1t may be better to submit to degradation, and
dishonor and the privation Of our rights, than to
adopt any efficient measure of resistance to
wrong. In the history of nations this often
occurs. ] think it my duty to say to you frankly,
that believe this will be the case in Georgia, in
the present emergency. Not that they love dis
honor or infamy! No! But because they do
not feel the effect of measures at Washington,
and are afraid of tine consequences Of disunion:
have said that the effects of submission now,
will be the gra ..ual abolition of slavery In the
States as well as the Territories. l think so be-
cause there are but two alternatives, and aboli.
ton belongs to one Of them. fit shnll be the
pleasure Of the people Of Georgia to submit, as