Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-11-20
=, =, - -, D. w. DOW Ms.
Messrs +. K Wagner, ]. c. Larue, NJ NJ REYNOLDS,
J. M. Bell, w. w. King, and others.
We subjoin the letter to which Mr.. Downs refers.

We subjon the letter to which Mr.. Downs refers
WASHINGTON, Sept. %, 1850
GENTLEMEN--I have lust received vour letter of the
Sis INST, inviting me to barbecue and chowder jarty
proposed to be given on the Sth October next by the
cH1ehs OF mobile without distinction OF party, friendly
10 the adjustment tirst brought forward by the Commit
zee OF thirteen OF the Senate of the United States
tiiat In social way they may meet together and con-
graduate each other the cheering prospects of re-
turning harmony and good feeling through the broad
extent OF the nation, and, far possible, cement those
Kuiy feelings so essential to the perpetuity of the
Union and regret that previous arrangement to re-
urn nome by another route will prevent my being with
you on that occasion. But shall be with Won in shirt
and teellng and heartily congratulate you on the final
success OF the adjustment, which has, hope and be-
eVe, gwen new charter and guaranty Of our glorious
onlon and shown that it it is not perfect, it as near
1t as any thing human, and under the protection and
guidance OF that kind Providence which has so often ia
vored us in our greatest dangers capable OF show
erlnlg Its manifold blessings upon us forever
hat we have not gained all we claimed or were en-
titled to, is not sufficient reason why should war
with our brethren OF other sections incessantly In
public-especialy confederated republc-all can
not always have their own way; There must often
be dissatisfaction, excitement and complaint which
can be soohed and queted only by that spirit of COM
promise and concession in which institutions orr
gnated: but tins is no reason why we should make
war each other or secede from the Union We do
not to the ground give to the flames the home
steads or our childhood, because all the family do not
precisely agree in opinion always in the management
Of It. We 40 not sever the conugal ties for every
little dissatisfaction or discomfort. WHY should we then
dissolve the Union on slight ground We Of the South
have gained much by the adjustment. 1t was proved
in the debates and time will demonstrate it. We have
lost nothing certainly of principle But if we had lost
in fact what is it! Is it sufficient to justify civil war;
This s the issue now raised in some quarters Is it
being prevented from going with our slaves to Cali
ornia! We were prohibited, by Congress, but by
people OF the State, in the way that we were
previously prevented from going to fifteen other States
We were satisfied with fifteen free co-States but the
moment another comes in, shall we secede or fight
But California, it is said. is large State True but
she is not half large Texas slave State brought
into the Unon five years ago Our Northern brethren
complained OF that do OF this, but they did not
make war on us, nor ought now to make war on
them, nor will we. Why not secede or fight because
Illinois and Indiana free Sates as we'll as because
California is? They much nearer more important
and valuable to us than California, with all her gold ;:
and of the other free States But will pursue the
theme no further 1t is too clear to leave doubt or
make argument necessary.
have the honor TO remain, respectfully your most
obedient servant, S. w DOWNS
To the Hon. A. F. Hopkins and others. Committee.