The southern press., 1851-10-08
Letter from Hon. Jacob Thompson.
RIPLEY, Mss, September IL,

Letter from Hon. Jacob Thompson.
RILEY, Mss, September IL, 1851.
DEAR Sir In the present complicated and
critical condition of public affairs in our State,
you will not hope, think it an understandable
intrusion that personal friend and political fol-
lower should solicit your opinions in relation to
the proper policy to be pursued in order to rein.
state, in its accustomed predomnancy, the Demo-
cratic party, whose principles have for so many
years been approved and maintained by large
majority of our people At such juncture as
the present, indeed, it seems to me, the views of
men long experienced in public life, and possess
ing the confidence of their fellow-citizens, are
entitled 10 double value and are doubly due to
the people.
The election for members of the State con-
vention is over; the decision of the people upon
the issues peculiar to that election is recorded.
Does il not then behoove every Democrat, and
indeed, is it not duty imposed upon every
Democrat by the very principles Of his faith, to
defer to that decision and in good faith to abide
by its consequences, be they for better or for
worse! To what purpose further protract the
contest! What good is to be anticipated from
prolonging this unnatural war of Democrat upon
Democrat! Cannot the issues recently disposed
Oh III Tue cOHscHttOu CiCStiOut anu WHICH WttC
not peculiarly the doctrines either of the Wing
or Democrat party, be now laid aside, and over
lures of peace be honoraby offered and honora-
bly, accepted on either part
Are there not other great questions demand.
ing and deserving the attention and the exer-
tons Of the Democratic party Of Mississippi!
Is Il, while Wing administration is in power
and while that Wing administration, obedient to
its native instincts, Is openly sympathizing with
oppressors abroad and afiliating with fanatics at
home, that the Democratic party OF Mississippi,
like n sulky Achilles, should retire TO its tent
Is Il while the hosts Of Northern monopolsts,
indefaiigabie though so often discounted, are
again rallying under the lead Of Wing Presi-
dent and advancing TO the destruction Of the
free trade policy and the tariff Of 40, TO build
upon their ruins the infamous system Of pro.
tective duties and specific valuations, that the
Democratic party Of Mis- issippi should retreat
like recreant from the field upon which its
COLLEAGUE, throughout the republic are battling
so braver,
Il il while the most stupendous scheme Of
favoritism and fraud ever invented-ths Wing
system Of internal mprovements-under the
auspices Of the Wing Executive and with its
seductive appeals 10 sectional interests, is be-
coming fearfully prominent among the curses
about 10 be inflicted upon the people, that the
Democratic party Of Mississippi should raise no
voice 10 warn and extend no hand TO save!
And what are the impediments 10 frank and
cordial reconci iatiJ among Democrats, how
much soever they may have differed a. on the
questions involved in the canvass for the State
convenient II IL not principles: for those
questions ara sat at rest II cannot be consist
ency; for consistescy requires that they should
cooperate in repeling the anmmon enemy, who
with his old trick Of mounting a new mask, has
become more formidable than ever. CANNOT the
State rights Democrat be satisfied with the
Democratic party, among whose cardinal princi
pies State rights are prominent! Cannot the
Union Democrat content himself with the Dem.
ocraiic party, whose Just and impartial policy il
the best, indeed the only reliable security for
the perpetuation Of the unionl For my own
part, regard the Democratic party as consist.
emily and at the same time the best Union ~
well ne the best Stale rights party. II will
maintain the Union 20 long ~ the Union re-
mains consistent with the liberties Of the people
and the rights Of the States-and Shat freeman
wants morel
Ihave inside these remarks, not on the suppo.
sition that they sses.;any originality or merit
but n erely ss suggestions 10 you Of the sub
jects upon which Democrats in this ssction
would like 10 hear your sentiments. To me
they are no new positions; for ~ perhaps you
may be aware. have always maintained, 10 an
humble wsy, Of course. that the old Democratic
issues ought TO be made. They have always
been equal 10 emergencies. Why, then should
we cease TO rely on thcml
Many Of our Democrats in this region, nv
dear ar, are looking 10 you for a solution Of
these questions They have tried you long and
Co,,nd 80, t,,o. .nH L. ,,.,1;o, 80, sl,. 49,.
munication, am their deputy 10 ask your nd.
vice upon the puzzlng attitude Of parties in this
portion Of the county-which presents the ano.
malous spectacle ofa Democratic people about
TO cast themselves into the embrace Of the
Wings.
A public reply would be preferred, IL consist.
ent with your feelings and the circumstances
which surround you.
Your friend and ob't serv't,
A. NJ. JACKSON.
p. s. ! find that rumor prevails 10 some ex.
tent that you have Withdrawn from the contest
THIS rumor | have contradicted, but deem Il
best 10 advise you Of the fact ANIL.
To Hon. Jacob Thompson
OxFoRD. MISS, Sept 10th. 1851.
Ny Dear Sir: Your letter Of the 18th inst. IL
now before me, and reply with pleasure.
First in regard to the rumor Of my with
drawal.
] have not withdrawn from the contest, nor
do intend to do so. am enlisted for the war.
II is true did not wish 10 become candidate
for Congress- But il is apparent that I could
not nov withdraw. without being charged by
our adversaries Of doing so from fear Of defeat.
But defeat has no terrors for me; nor do think,
or have ever thought, such a result probable
have long been the representative Of the State
and every public man is TO be judged by what
ne has done, or what he proposes TO do. have
ever been true to duty. ! have never betrayed
my trust have never been untrue to the Con.
stitution, or 10 my continents. have never
changed my principles or party associations. !