The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-09-20
STATE DEPARTMENT,
ANNAPOLIS, September II, 1851.
Editors of the Sun:
STATE DEPARTMENT,

His Ercclency The President Of the United STATES:
SIR: On my return TO the executive department
of this State, to day, after temporary absence, |
received mi-ofcial statements of the recent oct
rage committed in the State of Pennsylvania, by n
mob OF outlaws, upon the persons of citizens of
Maryland, who were peaceably engaged in the as
sertion of their rights, under the Federal Constu-
ton and the laws of Congress. Although | have
the most entire confidence in the resolution of your
excellency TO enforce the laws of the land at all
hazards, and to the fullest extent. it nevertheless
becomes my duty TO address you this communica-
ton. Great as ia the crime committed, when con.
sdered solely in reference to the individual vic
TINS themselves, its enormity and danger can only
be properly estimated when viewed in connexion
with the present state of the country.
From the very beginning, Maryland has, with
voice, sustained the Compromise measures.
No man has dared to raise the flag Of disunion
within her borders. All parties have united in de-
fence of the Constitution. All classes of our cit-
zens have renewed their of fealty to the ins-
buttons of their fathers. Maryland has, therefore,
moral weight with the South which armies and
navies cannot give. II would be terrible, indeed,
ifshe should, under any combination of circum-
stances, be driven to place herself at the head of
the column of secession. Her declaration of dis
union would be fatal. Where would Virginia
be? Where, in fact every southern State? The
result is too terrible for contemplation. And
yet, sir, we must look this contingency right
tn thes face. Do not understand me as In
timating that such disaster is upon US. Far
from IL. Heaven forfend it. But il is ne.
Ces5ary unat 4 snOulu tell you that our peo-
pie deeply and justly exasperated. 1t is proper
that you should be frankly assured that nothing
can, or will, or ought to satisfy them but the
prompt, thorough, and severe retribution upon the
perpetrators of the murderous treason recently
committed in Pennsylvania. ] am rejoiced TO be
informed that those worthy and patriotic judges,
Grier and Kane have expressed the opinion that
the crime amounted to treason against the Federal
Government, cognizable, therefore, by the Federal
courts, and punishable under the Federal laws
This gives confidence that justice will be done,
speedily and fully. Our people will wait with all
reasonable patience and confidence to see tho Issue.
Their faith in the po,cer of the Federal Govern
ment, as well as in its good intentions, will neccs-
sarily be governed by the result.
Nor is this ALL II passion and pref udice should
control the verdict of Pennsylvania iuries in the
trial OF this iseue, tremhe for the Union. One
thing is very clear, and it is this that Maryland
would not remain Que day in the Coniedcracy, If
finally assured either that the powers of the Fed
oral Government were inadequate or that the pub
lie opinion OF the non slavcholding States ad
verse TO the protection of the rights, liberties and
lives of her citizens. II the Union is to be merely
union of minority slaves to majority tyrants,
then, indeed, our Government has failed in the
end of its creation, and the il is dissolved
the better. This, i assure you, cir is the senti-
ment of the patriotic South the conservative South,
the Union-ioving South. am not obtrpding upon
your excellency my views and opinions. am
plainly unfolding the views and sentiments of a
people with whom | am well acquainted tbs i'm
portant that should do so-it is necessary that
should do co. fear the latent causes of dissolution
more than those which have heretofore itated the
surface of the waters. fear that the North does not
believe IN the possibility OF disunion Fatal incre
dulity. II they could only be made to believe it
possible, IL would then indeed be impossible.
But their disbelief renders it even probable. Be.
lievlng II to be aiar off and ever recedng they act
In manner which will precipitatc the crisis, as
surely as 1t will be TO them unexpectedly. do
not know Of single incident that has occurred
since the passage of the Compromise measures
which tcpds more TO weaken the bonds of Union
and arouse dark thoughts in the minds Of men than
this late tragedy. Nor will its influence and eff
fects be limited within the narrow. borders of our
State. They will penetrate the soul of the South
They will silence the confident promises OF the
Union men, and give force to the appeals of the
Secessionists. They will enter into the agitations
of the next Congress, and weaken the public hope
everywhere. For all these evils there is but sim
gle corrective, and that s, the most complete vim
dcation of the law, and the fullest retbution upon
the criminals.
had intended 10 prepare and forward to your
excellency statement of the facts OF the case,
made out from the communications sent to this
department, but find from this morning. papers,
just received, that the ofIcers of the Federal Gov
eminent have already been engaged in making
the proper Investigations upon tho spot the suit
OK which has been, or will be, placed before you.
hope that your excellency will regard this letter
ms by no means indicating any lack of confidence
in the Federal authorities on my part, but as a
proper and necessary exposition of the views en-
terfained by the citizens of this State for which
feel justified in vouching) in regard TO the char
ncter OF thia atrocious occurrence as well as the
general attitude Of the country in connection there.
with- III. under any circumstances, your excel.
lency should deem il advisable to-require nv Off
elal services in any way connected with the pend