North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-09-27
STATE DEPARTMENT,
Annapolis, Md, Sept. 18th, 1851. {


HIS Ercellency the President of the y. States:
Sir: On my return to the Executive Department
of this State, to-day, after temporary absence,
received semo official statements of the recent ort-
rage committed in the State of Pennsylvania by a
mob of outlaws upon the persons of citizens OF
Maryland, who were peacably engaged in the as
sertion of their rights, under the Federal Consttu-
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 is the crime committed, when con-
sidered solely in reference to the individual vic
Tins themselves, its enormity and danger can only
be properly estimated when viewed in connection
with the present state of the country.
From the very beginning, Maryland has, with one
man has dared to raise the flag of disunion within
her borders. All parties have united in defence OF
the constitution All classes of our citizens have
renewed their vows of featy to the institutions of
their fathers. Maryland has, therefore, a moral
weight with the South, which armies and navies
cannot give. 1t would be terrible, indeed, if she
should, under any combination OF circumstances,
be driven to place herself at head Of the column
of secession. Her declaration of dsuniun would
be fatal. Where would Virginia be? Where, in
fact, every Southern State? The result is too ter
rible for contemplation. And yet, sir, we must
look this contingency right in the face. Do not
understand me intiinating that such disaster Is
upon us. Far from it. Heaven forbid it. But
it is necessary that should tell you that our peo-
pie deeply and Justly exasperated. 1t proper
that YOU should be frankly assured that nothing
can OF WILL or ought to satisfy them but the most
prompt, thorough, and severe retribution upon the
perpetrators of the murerous treason recently COM
mitted in Pennsylvania l am rejoiced to be in
formed that those worthy and patriotic Judges,
Grier and Kane, have expressed the opinion that
the crime amounted to treason against the federal
government, cognizabe, therefore, by the federal
courts, and punishable under the federal laws.
This gives me confidence that justice will be done,
speedily and fully. Our people will wait with all
reasonable patience and confidence to see the issue.
Their faith in the poOer of the federal government
as we'll as in its good intentions, will necessarily
be governed by the result.
Nor is this all. If passion and prejudice should
control the verdict of Pennsylvania juries, IN the
trial of this issue, tremble for the Union One
thing is very clear, and it is this, that Maryland
would not remain one day in the confederacy, II
finally assured either that the powers of the Fede
raj Government were inadequate, or that the pub
lie opinion of the non-saveholding States was adj
verse to the election of the rights, liberties and
lives of her citizens. If the Union is to be merely
a union of minority slaves to, majority tyrants,
them indeed, our government has failed IN the end
OF us creaClOn, ana the SOOHer IL Is uiSsolfeu 1I
better This, assure you, Sir IS the sentiment OF
the patriotic South, the conservative South, the
U1aion-loUing South. am not obtfuding upon your
Excellency my views and opinions. L am plainly
unfolding the views and sentiments of people
with whom I am well acquainted 1t is important
that 1 should do so-it is necessary that should
do so. fear the latent of dissolution more
than those which have heretofore agtated the sur
face of the waters. fear that the North does not
believe in the possibility Of disunion. Fatal incre-
dulity If they could only be made to believe it
possible it would then, indeed, be impossible
But their disbelief renders it even probable. Be
lieving it to be ar off and ever receding, they act
in a manner which will precipitate the crisis, as
surely, as it will be- to them, unexpectedly. do
not known of a single incident that has occurred
since the passage of the compromise measures,
which tends 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 cur
State. They will penetrate the soul of the South.
They viii silence the confident promises of the
Union-men, and give force to the appeals of the
s-F - sl E. FL afF