The organizer., 1850-07-06
From the Jackson southron.
Letter from Judge ShaFkey.
I.cvsor. Miss, June 81, 1850.

JACKSON, Miss, June u, looU'
EpIToR OF THE SoUTHRON-An opinion
expressed by me in letter to the Hon. n
s. FOote, approving the plan oil comPro'
mise introduced into the Senate by the
committee of thirteen, is being used as
evidence that the South would be conteh'
with the terms of the compromise. haI
opinion may receive an undue weight from
the circumstance that ! was chosen Fresl-
dent of the Nashville Convention, and the
inference may be drawn that majority OF
the delegates concurred in approving lne
compromise. The reverse however Il
true, the compromise, had but few friends
in ths convention. And that no opinion
Of mine may be used to destroy in any de-
gree the force of the action Ofthe conven'
ton, further explanation may be necessa'
nv. The letter was written 1T time
when it was believed bY me, as well as BY
others, not only here but elsewhere, that
the convention movement would result in
a total failure. Some of the States had
declined to appoint delegates; it was be-
leved the delegates appointed by others
would not attend, and every where 6 eat
opposition was manifested towards the
measure. 1t seemed impossible to rally
the South in vindicatiOn Of her rights
The advices from Washington City seemed
to dispel any hope Ofa creditable cOhVen.
ton, and failure could have no other ef'
feet than to encourage the aggressions on
the South. Ii was also believed that the
compromise was the best that could posi-
bly, be obtained; so, indeed, was distinct.
ly informed. Under such circumstances |
wrote the letter referred to, in reply to one
which contained but syllabus ofthe com
promise, not having seen the detail Of the
measure. But in expressing that opinion,
did not intend to admit that the South
was entitled to nothing more. My OPin.
ions on the subject of our rights. are too
well known, trust, to be the subject Of
doubt. had repeatedly declared that the
South was entitled TO an equal portion OF
the new territories. Since that letter was
written the Nashville Convention has met
Its enemies have been disappointed and
it's friends gratifed Ii is now seen that
rights. The convention was called for
the purpose of enabling the Southern
States to consult together, and to know
each others sentiments. After full delib- |
Grafton, the convention by an undivided |
opinion, resOlv that the South was entitled
at least to claim to have the Missouri com.
promise line extendedtO to the Pacific, which
would give her part of California. This
plan received my cordial support. II was
the one for which had indicated a prefer
ence before LEFT for the convention. Il
recommends itself by it' entire Justice In
this { South is yielding more than ought
to be demanded Other; but for the sake of
harmony she may with propriety accede
to il. | did not go into the convention
with any other motive than to preserve
our rights by acting in concert with others.
and was fully prepared TO act in a spirit Of
ani Whatever opinions may
have entertained or expressed, am now
Inder obligations to carry out the views
If the convention. Every man who went !
nto it, was at least impliedly bound To
lbide by its action; and this obligation is :
he more cheerfully adm tied by me as all
Is measures seemed TO haze in view a due
'egard for the Union aud the preservation
IF the constitution. And trust the wi o'e .
South will unite, in a spirit of firm deter ,
to insist upon the line Of cnmpro
Mise which we have recon- nended, This
'hall be my course, aud hope by pursuing
[ Ia accomplish the preservation of the
Union unimpaired. 1t is proper to state
hat my opinions were freely communicat
d here rs well as at Nashville, and make |
his communication not to vindicate myself
igainst the charge Of incnnsistency-l am (
wholly Indifferent on that subject but
Iolely for the purpose Of placing the action
# the convention in its true light.
Your Obedient servant,
w. l. SHARKEY. {