The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1850-06-29
JUDGE sHARKEY's LETTER.
Editor Of the Southron

Editor Of the SouthrOn;-
DEAR SIR: An opinion expressed by me in
a letter to the Hon. H. S. Foote, approving
the plan Of compromise introduced into the
Senate by the committee OF thirteen, is being
used as evidence that the South would be cons
tent with the terms Of the compromise. That
opinion may receive an undue weight from the
circumstances that | was chosen President Of
the Nashville convention, and the inference
may be drawn that a majority Of the delegates
concurred in approving the compromise =
The reverse, however, is true the compromise
had but few friends.in the convention, And
that no opinion of mine may be used to destroy
in any degree the force OF the action Of the
convention, a further explanation may be nee
essary. The letter was written at a time when
it was believed by me, as well as By others,
not only here but elsewhere, that the con9ene
ton movement would result in a perfecs fall
ure. Some cf the States declined 70 APP
point delegates; it was believed the delegates
appointed BY others would not attend, "and
everywhere great tion was manifested
towards the meaa seemed impossible
to rally the SoutIfAuH vindication Of her
rights. The advices from Washington City
seemed to dispel any hope of a creditabl9 con-
vention, and faiuie could have no other effect
han to encourage The aggression on the South.
II was alsn haIInVoH tbof tho aOptDrnpnicn NpncI
the bsst that could possibly be obtained; SO.
| was distinctly informed. Under such
circumstances | wrote the letter referred to, in
reply to one which contained but a syllabus Of
the compromise, not having seen the detail
OF the measure. But, in expressing that cpin-
ion, | did not intend to admit that the South
entitled ia. nothing more. My opinions
IN the subject Of our nights, are two well
Known, | trust, to be the subject of doubt. |
lad repeatedly declared that the South was
'ntltled to an equal portion of the new terito-
les. Since that letter was written the Nash-
lille convention has met. lis enemies have
'een disappointed and lis friends gratifed. 1t
$ now seen that the South is alive to her inter
sis and her rights.
The convention was called for the purpose
{ enabling the southern States to consult to-
and to know each others sentiment.
tier full deliberation, the convention, by an
ntitled at least TO claim TO have the Missouri
compromise line extended to the Pacific, which
would give her a part of California. This
Ian received my cordial support. Twas the
me for which had indicated a preference be.
ore | lett tor the convention. 1t recommends
tself by its entire justice. In this the South
s yielding more than ought to be demanded of
but for the sake of harmony she may with
Occede TO it.. l did not go into the
with any other motive than to pre-.
our rights by acting in concert with oth>
and was fully prepared to act in a spirit Of
compromise; and whatever opinions | nay
rave entertained OF expressed, | am now under
obligations to carry out the views Of the con-
Ventlon Everyone who went into i was a~tlenst
implicitly bound to abide by It's actions and
obligation is tire more eheerfully admitted
BY me as all its measures seemed to have in
view a due regard for tire Union and the pre-.
s~ervation of the constitution. And | trust the
whole South will unite, in a spirit of firm de.
termination, to insist upon the line of compro-
mise which we have recommended. This shall
my course, and | hope by pursuing it to &C.
compllsh the preservation Of the Union unim-
1t is proper to state that my opinions
freely communicated here as we'll as at
Nashville, and | make this communication not
TO vindicate myself against the charge of in,
consistency-l am wholly Indifferent on tha,
subject-but solely for the purpose of placing
The action Of the convention in its true light,
Your OBJ. servant,
w. L sHARKEY.
DEMAND FOR SILvER,--The increased produc.