The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-12-19
From the Nep Haven Conn., Register.
Hon. William &. Riyes and the JJntOn,

The letter that will be found below, from Mr.
Rives, the talented and accomplished representa-
tive of our country at the Court Of Paris, WILL we
have no doubt, be read with deep and abiding in
terest. As will be seen, it was written in return
for n copy Of the Register, containing an article,
which we published few weeks since, signed
"Constituton," in vindication Of the Compromise
measures, and particularly Of the Fugitive Act
which is now the prominent subject of discussion
throughout our country. A gentleman Of this
city who, while in Europe, had the pleasure to form
friendly acquaintance with Mr.. Rives forwarded
TO him the number Of the paper containing that
article, thinking that the subject might interest
him, though not with the intention Of bringing
Mr.. Rivcs' sentiments on the exciting topics Of
the day before the American public. But this
letter treats Of the entire subject with such states
manlike ability, and perfect fairness, and withal
is valuable for is historical facts and deductions
that the genteman,to whom it was addressed has
felt that he could not do better service to the
country, than to present it entire to the public !;
and, though il received in the course Of pri.
vate correspondence, yet he has taken the respon-
sbty, in the present crisis TO spread it before his
fellow citizens. We need hardly add, that Mr.
Rives has long stood prominent among the gifted
sons Of Virginia, and IL is peculiarly gratifying to
End that 80 many Of the distinguished statesmen
Of our country, Of both political parties, in these
trying times, unite in the determination that TIM
UsIoS SHALL M PaEsERvEDi" Mr, Rives form.
erly represented our country Minister TO France,
in the administration Of Gen. Jackson and vas re-
nominated TO the same post by the late President
Taylor.
PARts, NovEaBrn %, 1850.
MY DEAR Sra: Accept, pray you, my cordial
thanks for your kindness in sending me the New
Haven Regisfer, ontaining the calm and sober an.
peal addressed, in the yet needed name trust, Of
the Constitution, TO your fellow citizens the sub
jcct Of the unhappy excitement which has been
kinded in your section Of the Union against one Of
the leading pence measures Of the last session Of
Congress. have read II with sentiments Of the
livelicst satisfsction both personal and patriotic
When see gentlemen in the quiet Of private lite
srousing themselves in different sections Of our
country 10 the dangers Of the Republic and invok-
ing the ancient spirit OF brotherhood and the sacred
obligations Of pNghtcd faith in the cause Of the
Union, can never despair Of its safety
Nothing can be trucr or justcr than what IL said
AZ 20 the Fundamental character Of the engagement
mutually and solemnly contracted by the States in
the imperative Ian qua e Of the Constitution for the
delivery Of fugitiyes from service. Without il tho
Union could never have existed; and the obligation
was deliberately assumed by sll the parties. with
DOT a single dissenting voice, in the Convention
which framed the Constitution. Whence then TIC
clamor nou raised against it's practical fulilmenR
The communication which you have sent TO mo
shcws that the principle, notwithstanding the rash
occifauon 70 tne contrary, MADE on the hoor Of
the Scostc Of the United States was ut no time
novelty in American legislation, and that its
hrst formal establishment was made by the
Northern States themselves ia that primitive and
model confederacy entered into with each other
IN the year 1913, by the plantations Of Massa-
chusctts, Plymouth, Connecticut and New Ha.
ven, deeply imbued as they were with the spirit of
christianity and religious zeal Indeed, II was tho
common ia~ Of that period If early history rest
ing upon the general principles 81 comfy and
good neiRhborhOod, without the necessity of in
yoking the obligations q any written compact.
lhis - very strikingly shown by an ancient and
authentic document which fell under my observa-
ton in cursory glance al the valuabl anusc ript
collections of the Historical Society Of AIassachu.
sets ncar two years ago, and a copy Of which was
kindly furnished me by worthy and distinguished
member Of that Society matter OF general his
toucsl interest without the slightest idea at the
Tune, either on his part mine, that IL likely
70 acquire any practical value from the events Of
the day.
Az il comes, however, singularly enough in Illus
trstion and support of the historical deduction OF
theprinciple and as IL is in itself cudous and in
William Berkeley, Governor Of Virginia, dated the
18th OF June 1914 to be found in the first volume Of
the Hutchinson papers in possession Of tho Masss-
chusetts Historical Society, in the following words
ITO the Right worshipful The Governor OF New
England these present.
"WosTHY SrR Having received intelligence and
complaint from Mr.. John Chew, merchant, that
certain Of his servants being runaway about May
1913, and are resident In your colony Of New
ernsn, the bearer, in the regaining Of them BY III
possible means that may be. II being but an &C.
custoned favor rociprocally shown upon oil coca.
sons either 70 other IN which at time we fhall be
defective, ne we expect The like from you lie hath