Southern standard., 1851-07-05
Jackson, 21st June, 1850.

JACKSON, 21st June, 1880.
Editor Of the Southron
DEAR SIR: An opinion expressed by me in
letter to the Hon. H. S. Foote, approving the
plan of compromise introduced into the Senate by
the committee of thireen, is being used as an evil
denee that the South would be content with the
terms Of the compromise. That opinion may re-
ceive an Undue weight from the circumstance that
was chosen President of the Nashville Conven-
ton, and the inference may be drawn that ma
ority of the delegates coneurred in approving the
compromise. The reverse, howeter, is true the
compromise had but few friends in the Convention
And that no opinion of mine may be used 10 des-
troy in any degree, the force of the action of the
Convention, further explanation may be necessa-
ry. The letter was written at time when it was
believed by me- as well as by Others not only here
but elsewhere, that the convention movement
would result in total failure; of the States
declined appoint delegates, it was believed the
delegates appointed by others would not attend,
and everywhere great opposition manifested
towards the measure. lt seemed impossible to
rally the South in vindieation of her rights. The
advices from Washington City seemed to dispel
anv hope of a creditable Convention, and failure
could have no other effect than to encourage the
agoressions on the South. 1t was also believed
that the compromise was the best that could pos
siblv be Obtained; so indeed - distinctly in
! formed Under such circumstances, / wrote the
letter referred to, in reply to which contained
but a syllabus of the compromise, not having seen
the details of the measure. But, in expressing
that opinion, did not intend to admit that the
South entitled to nothing more. Ny opinions
on the subject of our rights are too well known
trust, to be the subject of doubt. have repeat
edIy declared that the South was entitled to an
equal portion of the new territories. Since that
letter was written, the Nashville Convention has
| met Its enemies have been disappointed and its
friends gratfed. 1t is now seen that the South is
alive to her interests and her rights. The Nash
vile Conpsnton was called for the purpose of en-
abIing the Southern States to consuh together, and
to know each others sentiments. After full de-
liberation the Convention, by an undivided opin-
ion, resolved that the South was entitled at least
to claim to have the Missouri Compromise line ex-
tended to the Pacific, which would give her part
of California. has plan receiygd my cordial sap
port II aros the o.iy one for s0lith indicated q
preference before I left for the Con0entton 1t re-
commends itself, by Its entire justice. In this the
South is yielding more than ought to be demanded
of her, but for the sake of harmony, she may with
propriety accede to it, / did not 90 into the Con-
vention with any other motive than to preserve our
rights by acting in concert with others, and was
fully prepared to act in spirit of compromise e. and
whatever opinions may have entertained.or ex-
pressed, | am now under obligations to carry out
the views of the Convention. Epery man uho scent
into 1t, cas at ieust pledly bound to abide By It's
action; and this obligation is the cheerfully
admitted by me, as all its measures seemed to have
in view due regard for the Union and the preser-
vation of the Constitution. And trust the whole
South will unite, in a spirit of firm determination,
. to insist upon the line of compromise which We
, have recommended This shall be my course and
hope by pursuingit, to accomplish the preserva-
ton of the Union unimpaired. 1t is proper to
state that my opinions were freely communicated
not to vindicate myself against the charge of in
. consistency-I am wholly Indifferent on that sub
iect-but solely for the purpose of placing the &C
ton of the Convention in its true light.
Your obedent servant,
: w. L. SHARKEY.