Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-05-09
SnuTu CAROLINA

Inc Charleston Mercury of Monday morning.
the day when the South Rights Convention was
10 assemble in that city, addresses the deepates in
long projection, urging them to set the Palmetto
house in order for the final act OF separate State
action" 1t closes its admonition with the follow
ing letter of Mr.. Calhoun, which, it says has nev-
er before been published, and which the reader
will find, confirms the views we recently express
ed of the character of Mr.. Cahoun's policy
Southern combination was his great panacea, but
secession by single State did not enter into his
CONCENTRATIONS.
Fort HILL, Sept. %, l847.
Dear Slr; regret exceedingly, that will Dos
siby be IN my power to meet the wishes OF the Ex-
ecutlve Committee, which has associated to resist ag-
gressons upon the property and rights of the slave
houing States, by attending the meeting of the cit-
zens o. Charleston to be held on the 18th October
next .,e, ior consultation to organize an Association
throughout the Southern States and the adoption of
sncn other measures may be deemed necessary for
ther safety. My Numerous engagements will fully
engross every moment OF leisure in the short interval
between this and my departure tor Washington.
take the profoundest interest in the object of the
meenng. amuuder deep and solemn conviction, that
the time has arrived when we must meet and put down
the abolition movements at the North, prepare for
inc most calamltous events that ever beell people
1t has been too long delayed. The movement ought to
have been met from the first. with fixed determine
perfect equality and rightHn property ought never
to be permitted to be questioned, OF disturbed. The
Constitution, which guarantees Them guarantees their
quiet and undsurbed possession Such has ever been
| my opinion, and if my council had been followed the
evil would have been arrested the start But the past
u past; and the question is: What shall now dog
1t IS solemn question. My impression is deep; if we
DO not now meet and put down abolition effecualy
the opportunity will be lost to return. 1t is not
sufficient to defeat the Wmot Proviso. As insulting
ana PAD as That 49, no means the and
| Q0fn fho .orIcl a1f
pennsylvania relative to fugitive slaves and those of
the other -saveholdng States of similar character
more pa pable, it possible, violation of the Consu-
ION, and dangerous in its effects than even the Wilmot
ffoVso go further, and regard the establishment of
societies and presses in the non-slavehoding States
win the express intention of questioning and dis
t9rplng our right in property which the Federal
Government has no control, and which is expressly
guaranteed to us by the Constitutional compact as d.
rect breach OF iath and violation Of the terms OF the
these acts ard the spirit which they origin ate unre-
sisted and in full operation, would in my opinion, be
victory more fatal than defeat especially if its defeat
Selves and carried, mainly, through Congress by our
votes such result would be the most disastrous of
ALL 1t would put off our guard, without removing
| or even diverting, the danger.
The next question is this: Shall we meet and put it
down! Nothing would be more easy fthe slavehol-
dng States should agree to forget their wreched par
~ stries, and to unite for the purpose The uni
on Itself, In my opinion would enable us to dictate
terms, Or II not would put into hands ample means
to compel the non-sayeholdng States to respect our
rights to the full and to fulfil the stipulations of the
Constitution in our favor. The mere right of realia-
| hon, ii they refused, would be efectual There are
more spulaons in their favor, and of vastly greater
| Importance, than in our favor. Union among our
selves would enable US to to retaliation, if af
ter due notice, they should refuse to respect those in
our favor. But have no idea, il we were once united
IN liked resolve to put an end these assaults on our
rights that would be necessary to resort to higher
measures. The power of resorting to them, and the
certainty they would be resorted to- the assaults were
not deslsed rom and the adopted tor the pur
| pose OF making them abandoned
Inc great question then, is: How can we be best
united! ! regard the proposed Association which the
meeting 10 be convened to consult about, as great
ana indispensable step. hope will be approved by the
meeting and that measures will be adopted 10 extend
throughout the entire slaveholding States That and
the establishment Of able and trustworthy press at the
seat OF the Federal Government to watch over our in
terests and rights, and warn against approaching
dangers, with the determination to sink party consid.
erations below what relates to our rights and honor
would 90 mueh very much, to bring about the desired
UNION That, done, will underwrite the rest
With great respect, l am yours,
]. G. CALHOUN