The freeman. (Fremont [Ohio]) 1849-1850, 1850-03-16
Gard.
To the editors of the Republic.


To the editors Of tie Republic.
Gentlemen: Permit me to state in your col
umns that my illness in California and subse-
quent long continued debility, my numerous
pressing engagements since my arrival here,
and the effects of recent indisposition which
have paralyzed my energies for some days
have delayed, much longer than intended or
expected, my report on California. But /
cannot longer permit the public mind to be
assaIled perhaps misled, by insinuatons, in
4uirles and innuendoes, which, if not prompt
ly answered, may be considered as acquesced
in; or bold assertions, if misrepresentation has
assumed that form, to pass uncontradicted-
therefore assert that did not, in connection
with my duties in California nor have I at any
time, received secret instructions, whether ver-
bal or written, from the president of the Uni
ted States, or any member of his cabinet on
the subject. l did not attempt 10 influence
the people of California to decide tho question
of slavery one way or the other; and any
assertion that did reco.ve such instructions,
or attempt to exercise such influence is false
Any insinuation or insidous inquiries which
are SO framed or intended as to induce the
people to believe that the president or any
member of his cabinet did give, or that could
be base enough to receive, such intructions, |
declare to be totally without foundation in
fact, and without the shadow of truth
l beg leave to call the attention of the pub
lie to some facts, which will show what was
done by the late administration to induce the
people of California to form a state govern
ment l arrived at San Fransisco on the
fourth of June, in the Steamer Panama
We did not stop at Monterey, nor did | see
or hold any communication with General Riley
until about the middle of that month, when he
came to San Francisco. His proclamation, call
ing a convention of the'people of California to
form state constitution, is dated at Monterey,
100 miles from San Fransisco, the third of
June, The last paragraph Of this proclama-
ton is in the following words:
"The method here indicated to attain what
is disired by all, viz, more perfect political
Organization, is deemed the most direct and
safe that can be adopted, and one fully au-
thorized by law. 1t is the course advised by
the president, and by the secretaries of state
and of war of the United States and is cal
culated to avoid the innumerable evils which
must necessarily result from any attempt at
illegal local legislation. 1t is therefore hoped
it will meet the appreciation of the people of
California, an that all good citizens will unite
in carrying it into execution"
The steamer in which was passenger to
San Fransisco was the first conveyance to car
ry to the people of California the intelligence
of the Inauguration of President Taylor, and
the appointment of his cabinet; so that, at the
date of General Riley's proclamation, it was
not possible that he could have received any
communication from the present adminstra-
ton. The president of the United States to
whom he refers was Mr.. Polk, the secretary
Iof state Mr. Buchanan, the secretary of war
Mr.. Marcy. 1t was in accordance with the re-
recommendations of this proclamation, sustain
ed as they are in President Folks last annual
message that the people of California acted in
forming their state constitution. always ad-
dressed the people of California in my private
character, and never assumed any official posi-
ton among them. Interested as am in slave
labor as Georgian and southern citizen,
find accordingly that during the last fall cleo
itions in that quarter, was their represented
as southern STAKEHOLDER, sent to California
to indoctrinate the people in my opinions about
slavery. This was base falseho6i; but 1t is
not half so base as an attempt to impress on
1.-THE public mind that | was sent to coerce or
influence California to exclude slavery.
r. BUTLER KING.