Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1851-09-11
The Donaldson Correspondence.

The Donaldson Correspondence.
A few weeks since, the New York Herald
published budget of letters addressed to
Mr.. Donaldson, of Texas, and written in
reply to letters received from him in rela-
ton TO the Presidential campaign of 1852,
and the possibility, as some of Donaldson's
letters disclosed. of uniting the Old Lime
Democracy, the Free Democracy. and the
distinctive Free Sellers, on Gen. Houston
as the candidate for President. Some of
these letters ofreply, such as B. F. Hallett's,
Judge Woodbury's and other Old Line
Democrats, advocate the compromise meas
ures; others, from some who have been
acting mainly with the Free Democracy in
their respective sections, appear to think
such an union could be effected on the pol
icy of non-interference of the government
with the subject of slavery, and federation
of opinion among the different portions of
the party. But among these letters are two
from gentlemen who have taken a bold
stand as distinctive Freesoi men-Senator
Chase and Joshua R. Giddings, of Ohio.
Owing 10 the connection of these two Free
Sellers with this correspondence, the Wing
press have raised the cry that the Free Soil
party was about to be sold over to the sup
port of Houston.
That our readers may see low much
ground there is for this charge of the Wings
(who are themselves trying with all their
might to make Just such an arrangement
with regard to Gen Scott, we subjoin the
following letters of Mr.. Chase and Mr.. Gid
dings, together with the subsequent ex-
planatory letter of the latter, jus, published
in the Cleaveland True Democrat:
CINCINNATI, Aug 2, 1851
DEAR Sin :-On my return home after an
absence Of some six weeks, found your letter
Of July 18th, for which beg you to accept my
thanks.
am not prepared to express any opinion at
present. in relation to the next presidential CAM
paign. can only say, that while greatly de,
sire the union and harmony of the democracy,
shall act, when action becomes necessary, as my
principles require.
| wish that democrats IN all parts of the I'm
ion could return to the simple platform of The
fathers of American democracy, and be content
to leave slavery and the extradt!on Of slaves to
Al so,,o..t Mates tn hp no+ad unon undar ho
obligations of the constitution of the United
States, according to their own discretion thus
severing the national government from all con-
necton with the matter, and leaving it only the
duty, 90 far as this bject is concerned, of main.
tanning all persons, where its jurisdiction is ex-
elusive, in the enjoyment of personal freedom.
This, however, is hardly to be hoped for at pres
ent. The next best thing would be cordial tole-
ration, in Congress and out of Congress, of dit
ferences of opinion and action of slavery, among
democrats, leaving, in good faith, the decision OF
the question in controversy to their representa-.
tives, after untrammelled discussion. But toer-
alton, perhaps, is as little to be expected as
agreement
entertain for General Houston very sincere
regard. His kindness and courtesy towards me
during our association in the Senate could not
fail TO win it. Should he be nominated for the
Presidency, | should wish TO support him.
Whether | should do TO or not however, would
depend upon the position which he and the Con.
vemiOn making the nomination should think
proper to take.
Should you return to the South through this
city, shall be happy to see you and If you will
remain few days with us, will endeavor to make
your stay as agreeable as possible
Very respectfully and truly yours.
G. H. Donaldson, Esq. s. P. CHASE.
JEFFERSON, July 81, 1851.
My DEAR SIR-Permit me to say, that | am
unable to decypher much of your letter, but 81
far as understand your viewsa and objects,
approve them. You appear anxious TO bring the
the democratic party to the support of truth anC
freedom. In lhls can bid you God speed witt
hearty good will
! think Samuel Medary of Columbus, is favor.
ABLY inclined to your views. He is, perhaps
the most influential democrat of our State Mr.
Myers, OF Toledo, has been State Senator Iol
some years, and is inclined to bring the demo
cratic party to the right point. Jacob Brinker
moor, OF Manshed, is another in whom you may
conhte. Hon. &. P. Spauldng, Akron; Hon.
Cable. Carrotou Heavy Krl,a, Cherry Vale,
all may be conhded in Tor that purpose.
think that both parties are progressing, not
outstanding all their efforts to prevent the prog
ress of truth.
With great respect your obeiient servant,
G. H. Donaldson, ESQ. R. GlpDrNes.
JEFFERSON, Aug. 90, 1851.
GENTLEMEN: have Just read your article I'D
on the Donaldson correspondence, and that O
the Herald
The idea that had entered into arrangement
TOR promoting the election of General Houston
to the Presidency, will, I think, appear more
positively ludIcrous to no two men of the nation
than to that gentlemen and myself Your art
Gle gave me the first ntimaton that such g
thought had entered the mind of any human
being.
Some weeks since received letter dated al
New York, and signed by person named Do
madison. could call to mind no circumstance
winch led me to suppose that had ever seen or
heard OF the man before. ! was unable to deci.
Pner even one half of his letter. NV reply
which you have published shows to every man
precisely the facts. The first remark contained
IN 1t informs him that could not read his com.
munlcatlon. The next, that SO Jar as | under
STOOD his objects, they were to bring the demo.
Cfanc party to the support of truth and freedom.
mat In such efforts babe him God speed.
II is likely that had been able to read all his
'meroglyphlcs, I may have discovered different
intention. But stated to him distinctly that
sucn was the object which t appeared to me he
Intended to express. 1 supposed him to be a
patnoniner of the State Of New York. who we
e.1 know are seeking to Undue the Democratic
purity WIN the principles of freedom. And his
ttsquest lor the names Of gentlemen who sympa.
.nISed with him in that desire, was readily grant.
su' as my letter shows. This appoa ed to me 10
oS .he sole object Of his enqiry and mention.
50 50 tlose to him who believed would aid him ;r
Tue WORK of reforming the party; but not one Of