Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-06-29
A Grave and Important Document.
~ y
Washington, May %, 1850.

! IN addressing LnlS letter 10 you. IL Is pOSSl
BILE too, that its contents may cause some tC
question the sincerity of my motives; but my
past experience will enable me the better tc
endure misconstruction of either my present
or future political conduct.
There has been a strong sympathy between
US in times past and know of no good rea-
son why i: should not exist now. Our first
meeting was at the Wing State Convention,
held In Columbus in January. 1s4s. We la
bored on that occasion together with some
energy both by day and by night for strong
expression against the aggressive war with
Mexico-against taking any of her territory
under any ircumstances-and against the
further extension of slavery in any event.
We will no doubt, both long remember, the
shout which the thousands of wings, then
congregated from the different parts of our
state, sent forth upon the reading of the reso-
lutions of the committee declaratory Of these
sentiments. In all that vast conconrse, not a
dissenting voice was heard We were then
harmoniously united upon principles-united
in action How is it now? The same men
adpocate the same principles; yet we have not
that unity of action, without which, we must
feel that these cherished principles must be
be sacrificed. We are distracted and divid-
ed into political organization. These divisions
their origin-their consequences and their
remedy-are the topics upon which, with
frankness and sincerity, address you.
The second time we greeted each other,
we united hands and hearts at the Philadel-
phia National Convention. Neither OF US can
soon forget the proceedings OF that body nor
the parts We were required, by sense of du-
-.
that drama. For myself, can say, that act
ing in strict accordance with the instructions
OF my constituents, and with a conciousness of
the reetitude of my intentions, with all the
wisdom could draw by the dim lights then
around us, have now no apologies TO make
for my course, TO any party, sect, or denomi-
nation of men. We urged reiteration of the
principle unanimously declared a few months
before, by the wings of our own State. We
were defeated? BY whom? l now mention
some Of the prominent actors against US, be-
cause must refer TO the position these same
men now assume upon the same question:
| mention the names of the following persons,
then and now members of Congress: Mr. Hill
lard, OF Alabama, Messrs. Tuoinbs and Stevens
of Georgia, Mr.. CaDel Of Florida, Mr. Cling
man of North Carolina. Through their intlu-
ence mainly, the resolution against extending
slavery was defeated, and General Taylor.
whose position on the question was unknown,
wds nominated. Here commenced the unfor-
tunate division OF that party in Ohio, which
for years had So gallantly defended the prin-
ciples OF observation-disclosures which have now
become embittered, and which, if not healed,
may retard for centuries the progress which
we might make in promoting the cause of lib
erty, and in ameliorating the fallen condition
of man.
In candor l am compelled to say that
cannot attribute this unfortunate condition of
things to the conduct ot either the Free Soil
party or the whig pSrty, exclusively. Are
not both somewhat at fault? Let US take a
dispasionate view of the whole field of contro-
versy.
have never blamed those Wings in Ohio,
who, sincerely believing that, if elected, Gen.
Taylor would neither attempt to defeat the
Wllmot ProyisO, indirectly by the veto power,
voted tor him. Nor can blame those who.
welded to the principles OF that proviso, and be-
!ieYing that his influence or power would be
directed against it, voted against him. In
either case, tie naotiSe being patriotic tie Voter
should not be condemned
There are some things of which the Free
Sellers might justly complain Of tue wings OF
Ohio All know that nomination OF Gen
Taylor was at first exceedingly obnoxious to a
arge portion Of the Wings of that State
et those who at the outset most violently
the nomination no sooner determln-
ed to support it, than they exhibited an otten-
sive intolerance of all those who had been as
successful as themselves In discovering its pc
;uliar appropriateness. Free Sollers retorIvd
elimination and re-cTlmnation amongst old
political associates became the order OF war
are. This in some instances caused the free
,oil party to make common cause with their
ormer political advrsaries against their natural
Allies Thus state of things has been pro-
luced which patriotic men, ~ their reaecnng
moments, must now and will hereafter deep
y deplore.
Before dismissing my illusions to the Ma
ional Convention, Will mention one cause ot
ust complaint, which you and have person.
lily. In that convention l offered resolu-
ion declaring that no one should be entitled
o the nomination who was NOT fully pledged
o the maintainance of wing principles. GU
one declaring as the sentiment OF the
yhig party that slavery should not be extend
ID into free territory. Both were defeated, |
md we were subsequently denounced by
,ortion of the Wing press and Wing orators
S having, upon our oO's responsibility, intro
uced resolutions insulting 10 the convention
iou will well remember that the resolutions
rere first submitted to the Ohio delegates
1ere unanimously approved by them-and
re were authorized to introduce them; yet
uring the canvass, when we were so denoun-
ed, not one of our fellow delegates volunteer
d to come forward and share with US the re-
possibility which they in part put upon US,
r to relieve US from the unjust charge. | did
OF regard this as magnanimous then, and on
: allude TO it now, to say that l have over
ONE the unkind feelings which that course OF
onduct created a. the time.
In looking over the ground with view to
orrect action in the future, we may with great
ropriety examine Developments made dur
lg the present session of Congress, SO far as
ley relate to the question of restricting slave
J to its present limits. Knowing that you
ave not been an inattentive observer of our