The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-12
From the ~ Y. Courier and Enquirer.
Late Union Meeting ut Castle Garden.


1t is generally known that Governor Fish
quested to preside at the Union meeting held at
Castle Garden some weeks since, and that he adj
dressed a letter to the committee of invitation,
wherein he gave his reasons for declining the hon
or, at the same time expressing his views on the
important subject there to be considered. There
have been 30 many misrepresentation and misap-
prehensions of the and tone of this letter, that
to correct them, the correspondence between the
Governor and the committee is for the first time
published We commend its careful perusal to
readers ~
New YonK, Feb. IA, 1850.
Sir II is in contemplation to hold meeting in
this city on some evening of next week, OF citizens
Element of the great question now agitatng the
nation on the basis of the resolutions recently of
fcred by the Hon. Henry Clay in the Senate of the
United States. We have been appointed COM
mttee for the purpose of inviting you preside 1t
is thought that the occasion is one of sufficient
gravity and importance to render II proper for you
lend to it the sanction of your personal and official
character. We invite you with more confidence,
because the object of the meeting is of so elevated
character as TO be entirely removed from all party
or partisan consideration. The call Of the meeting
emanates from large number of our most respect
able and influential citizens, of all parties.
With sentiments of profound respect, we are,
Sir, your fellow citizens,
DANIEL ULLMANN,
M. r. BREWER,
BENJAMIN DRAKE.
His Excellency, HAMILTON FISH,
Governor, &C., Albany.
ALBANY, Feb. l6, 1850.
To Daniel Ulin.ann, NJ. r. Bre,oer, and Benjamin
Drake, esgs., Nstp York:
GrNrLEMEN: NV official duties require my pre-
sence here during the session of the legislature 80
unnterruptedy that il will be entirely without my
power to absent myself in order TO attend the meet
ing over which you have been pleased 70 request
me to preside.
Although cannot be present, shall look with
great interest TO the proceedings of the meeting
which you propose.
No good citizen can be indifferent TO the import
ance Of early and proper settlement OF the mo-
mcntous question which is agitatng our country,
and which has furnished excuse for fanatics and
factonists discuss, and 10 threaten dissolution
Of the glorious Union, which has been the ground
work Of the greatness of Republic, and the hope
Of the friends Of liberty throughout the world.
Thanks, however, TO the patriotism of the gal
liant chief, whom the nation has wisely called 10
preside over its destinies, and who has indicated
plan of adjustment Of this vexed question, alike
tiona, liberal and practicable; and thanks, too, to
the noble Statesman whose name, for nearly half a
century, has been identified with the history Of his
country and who has introduced the resolutions TO
which your letter more especially refers, we may
now indulge the hope that wise counsel and patr-
otto efforts will preserve this glorious fabric which
our fathers reared as the home Of liberty and
a refuge from oppression.
Great have been the services heretofore rendered
by the illustrious Senator from Kcntucky-devoted
has been his patriotism, and brilliant his efforts.
But his last great effort-his noble speech in sup
port of his late rcsolutionss his greatest triumph
Were there nothing else in his life than that one
speech, on which 10 rest his hope for enduring
fame the truly American spirit, the love Of free
dom, the loyalty and the devotion TO the Union OF
the States, which characterize IL, would sufice 10
make his :" one Of the few, the immortal names
that were not born 10 die"
In rendering this just tribute 10 the patriotic Sen
ator, we have further encouragement in recurring
TO recent message TO Congress from the President
Of the United States, presenting broad and com
prehensivc plan for the adjustment Of existing diff
ierences, and eyincing determination 10 defend
the integrity Of the Union, that inspires hope and
confidence that the republic is under the guidance
Of wise heads and honest hearts.
! cannot doubt that the platform presented by
the President IL broad enough for the friends Of
freedom, and Of the Union, from every section Of
the country, 10 find common ground on which 10
stand shoulder 10 shoulder, In defence Of all at
tempts at disunion, and In the defence Of the
Of freedom. The resolutions Of Mr.. Clay con-
ceived in the same spirit which dictated the mes
sage Of the President-in their details there may
be some points which we might desire 10 have
modified. But when the representatives Of slave
holding States are willing 20 offer such terms Of adj
ustment Of question OF tho exciting nature OF that
10 which they refer; and when President himself,
from slaveholding State, expresses such opinions
and avows such determination, as have been de-
cared ia bis late message, the friends Of the Union
indulge a confident hope in the safety Of our insti
tutions and the friends Of freedom rejoice that the
object Of their desire will be attained.
Whatever may be the object Of fanatics, or Of
political sgitstors, the people Of the North not
disposed 70 ask any thing inconsistent with our
common obligations 10 the Constitution and 10 the
Union, or 20 require any humiliating concession
from the South. North and South we are, and we
realize the fact that we are brethren Differences
Of education and OF habits and Of the associations
hxv. cd hav
duccd differences Of views with regard TO certain
questions. But where we must differ, let differ
az brethren, and let with one mind and one
heart elevate ourselves 70 the accomplishment Of n
practical plan for the adjustment Of all differences
whereby The Union shall be preserved and the ex-
tension Of slavery will be avoided
Resolving that The Union must and shall be pre-
served, let hold as enemies, and az traitors 20
their country, all who would question its value, or
contemplate its dismemberment-and let ms not
forget that Liberty and Union are, now and for
ever one and inseparablei'
With very great regard, have the honor to be,
Your obedient servant,