Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-12-14
Mr.. Stuart'S Letter.

WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER lS, 1885,
GENTLEMEN I have the honor TO acknowledge the re-
cept of the invitation which you kind enough to send
me- behalf of the citizens Of Augusta to attend the mass
meeting which it is proposed to hold at Saunon the
25th instant rejoice that such meeting has been Called
and look with much interest to the result OF its deberaon
In the present condition Of public affairs ii is peculiarly pro-
per that the people should together without respect to
party primary assemblies 10 give expression to the true
public sentiment of the country They have already delay
ed long, and suffered poiciansmen more interested
in their Advancement and the success OF party nanu
ves than in the welfare of the couny-to speak and to act
for Them and to put glorious Union in peril The peo
pie have been quietly pursuing their ordinary vacations, not
dreaming of DANGER whilst the country has been pushed to
the very verge Of civil CONFUSION and dsunon 1t time
they should throw of their apathy. They must awake TO
Just Of the danger which surrounds them, will be
too late. They have escaped many pes in times that
have passed. they slow believe that they are it
were, slumbering a Volcano
wish could be present your meeting, to speak the
people face face and try and them to Of their
responsibility The approach Of the session Of Congress-
and the pressure Ct official business in anticipation Of that
event. will, however, prevent my personal attendance.
must beg therefore, in my BEHALF to to the people OF
Augusta that verify believe that the integrity Of the Union
and the peace Of the country will mainly depend the
which the people of Virginia may adopt in the present crisis
they give the wild and wicked spirit Of dis
union which stalks undsguised through the land, they will
find that they have abandoned what has justly been termed
the palladium of liberties may be supposed by some
persons language which is stronger than is warranted
by The OCCASION But you such is not the fact
am no aarmist an given to dependency. But can
not close my eyes facts which probably have better OPP
porunes than persons in the interior of knowing There
has been melancholy cange the feelings OF the people
towards the Union in the few years which have elapsed since
represented the Augusta district IN the House Of Represen
atves Then all cherished toward the Union feehng
of reverence akin that which feel for mothers 1t
paook of the sancy 81 religious sentiment And when
John Quincy Adams man venerable for bis years, bis
station, and his private vuesdaed even in Pursuance Of
the mandate Of his constituents to present for che consdera
ton of the House Of Representatives proposition to dissolve
the Unon received with burst of indignation which
echoed from all parts Of the country and nothing but
his advanced age and the which he gave Of
in the prayer Of the petition saved him from the
disgrace Of public censure expulsion from his Little
more than years have passed away, and now we find
in all parts Of the Union openly advocating its d. sou
ton Pamphlets written and widely disseminated to
promote that end Newspapers have been established at the
seat Of government TO widen the breach. And in both
branches Of the National Legislature members found
openly advocating the overthrow Of the Constitution il des-
cended to from fathers Do these things bode evil
Are these times for the people forget that etenal vg
lance is the price Of liberty " Let the idea 60 abroad that
Virginia sanctions sentiments like these and our Union is
rope of sand The only safe reliance that is for
Virginia to assume her old position Of mediator and pacca-
tor Let her speak in language that cannot be msunder
Stood Let her blend kindness with frmness But let no
lingering doubt remain to her loyalty to the Union
Near twenty years ago the Union in DANGER General
Jackson, who then the helm Of State, proclaimed that
1t " must be preserved As he assumed that posi-
ton old party lines obteatej, and Wings and Demo
with patriotic zeal rallied TO bis support Old Augusta,
with all her devotion Wing principles, pledged herself in
solemn assembly sustain him, and she prepared to
deem the pledge at every hazard. ~.
After the lapse of OF years, still greater and
widespread feeling Of dsoyalty TO the Confederacy
threatens its existence Gen. Jackson slumbers in his grave
and at this moment plotting, almost over his ashes
the disruption tina, Union which his best affections
Anl thp Snnth I'D
of forming who abong without cessation to
| the foundations which il rests. H.. .G
| rejoice, however, you that you have
the head Of the Government not less deroed 10 the Uno,
than Jackson and not less determined TO use all The poner
rested in him by the Constitution to maintain t. He justly
appreciates bis obligations to maintain the integrity OF th
Constitution and that the laws shfu9y executed
He ,ciH knoU distinction betoeen the North and tn
South but cH enforce obedience 10 the Laos euery Uhere
1t remains be whether the people will sustain him.
We have recently iustrious example OF the sur
render Of partisan pejudices and feelings the Altar OF
triotism 10 the Senate Of the United States What pario
did feel proud satisfaction when he behe'd Clay, ant
ass and Webster and Dickinson, and Foote, the champion
and leaders Of their respective parties, forgetting their sncen
ueds and standing shoulder shoulder doing bsIe for h
Unon' N~
The names appended TO your invitation embracing prom
Of both political parties, give the assurance tbs
kindred feeling Of patriotism which rises sbove all party
prompts the in Augusta. Lex Il spread through
out the State and the Union is safe. The Nashville Cor
a yenton now looks TO Virginia to lead off in the march
secession The friends oe Union look 10 her TO bear the
standard IN the peribus conficf. Let her senmen
De spoken, and cannot doubt which side she will tab
her stand But she leaves politicians speak for her.
one can feel assured Of her position II she fail do h
ds'y now, what an awful responsibility will upon her
She will be justly chagesbe only with having
away her own rhrght for less than mess Of pottsge
with having made shpwreck of the cause Of liberty through
> out the world '.. 0
With great respect, have the honor 10 subscribe mys,
~ your friend and obedient servant, aH
OIL ALEX. H. H. STUART.