Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-09-12

Pickensvile yesterday Just as the encanlpnent was
breaking up thank you for the honor you nave done
me in extending to your kind lnvitaton 10 attend
the barbecue to be given in honor oil senator Rhet-
Even ifmy duties would have allowed it, the short
ce have had from your letter not reaching me soon
err will deprive of the pleasure OF meeting with you
on this occasions and although is impossible Tor
my letter to be received by you in time for the barbecue
vet still feel bound TO respond to it, and particu lar
ly that portion OF it in which you ask me to flavor
you with my views upon tue momenlous questions OF
the day."
As am much pressed for time, and now amid the
excitement and confusion OF military tour, hope you
will excuse me il | am very bref.
In the first place. believe that the Union has iaeo
to answer the ends for which il was ceated-that ln
stead OF atiording protection to our properly an s
aims and tendencies are TO its Destruction ana 10 our
own ruin and degradation That under these clrcum-
stances, duty honor interest, safety, demand that we
should dissolve our connection with 1t ana mat we
should the speedes and most et1ectual means
in our power ofefectiug tins end. This believe is the
almost universal opinion OF the people OF South Carolina
But unfortunately divided on the question oil mo-
wing off alone in connection with one or more OF the
Southern States wish it to be distinctly understood
that most earnestly desire the cooperation of the other
States whose interest and injuries thes as ours
that am using, and will still use every means in my
power TO produce itthat would be willing to wait as
long as there is any reasonable hope that Ii could De
obtained.
Blu, it seems to me, ITO be candid with you that
those VINO hope Tor cooperation before we aet, nope
against hope-that those who wait for 1t will nave 10
wait forever. have not time TO enter hto me argu-
meut on this subject Ia fact seems TO me to be too
plain to need an argument. The only question then
which presents itself, according to my judgment, is
this shall we submit 10 all the injuries we have re-
ceiyed, or shall we resist alone. Every Impulse OF my
heart every dictate OF a sound and wise policy,
prompt me 10 choose the latter alternative. Ii South
Carolina means to act at all, and by acting, redeem
her pledges and answer the high expectations she has
excited amongst them--who look to her movement as
upon which depends the last expiring hopes OF an
enlightened constitutional liberty of Southern rights
and Southern civilization, she must act alone Aud
whether she is destined be deserted by her allies in
interest and in honor not, she must ABIDE her fate,
be it for veal or for Woe.
But have no tears that we will stand alone Cir
cumstances forbid that should. If but raise the
standard OF resistance thousands will rush to it. en-
terrain no Tears OF the consequences OF bold and united
resistance On the part of State All fear is the
unhappy div sions which sprnging up amongst US.
our cause is TO fail, will be- owing 10 these divs-
| ions. fearful responsibility rests upon those who
oment them 1t is the duty of every patriot to heal
them have not time to enter into discussion OF the
dangers which may possibly incLr by separate
State action. think they have been greatly magui-
! fed Perhaps underrate them. But am they
are not so great, but that patriotism and honor de-
! mand that we should meet them, and that brave and
willing hearts can overcome them II stay in the
Union, our ruin and degradation is certain; if 60
out oil even alone, have hopes of brilliant
cessthe certainty of at least saving our honor, and
discharging the sacred duty posterty, not to
suffer those rights and privileges received in trust
tor them, from gallant ancestry, to pass away with
out striking one single yenturOus blow to maintain
| them
With sentiments of high regard,
| | am, gentlemen, your ob't serv,
| J. H. MEANS.
To Messfs Galluchat, Brown, Gooch, and others,