Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-08-13
LETTER FROM SECRETARY GRAHAM.
RALEIGH, July 26th, 1851

RALEIGH, July 26th, 1851.
GENTLEMEN; deeply regret, that the necessity OF
pursuing my journey, on my return Washington with
all convenient dispatch, denies me the pleasure OF
cepung your very kind and obging invitation in behalf
oil my friends in Raleigh, to a public dinner l. how
ever beg those, by whom it rendered be assured
that lreceived IT. as new manifestation oftheir friendly
regard, and OF the hospitality OF community towards
which shall ever cherish grateful recollection not
merely account of The kind Offices of good neigh
borhood experienced during my residence among them
but OF social intercourse which dates back almost to
my boyhood, and enros among the citizens of Raleigh
many oil my most esteemed and trusted frienGs. TO
retain their good opinion will be to me- always among
the comoits OF ite well assurance that what
my fortune may bestow, has been obtained by no
derogatory or unworthy means.
You have been pleased, Gentlemen to refer in terms
more complimentary than deserved, to humble SER
vices. in the administration of department OF the Co.
vernment, and in the of the Con tituon and tie
Union. Called suddenly aud Unexpectedly rom the re-
trement Of private life, TO important and responsi-
sble trust, at time OF much excitement National
affairs, did not hesitae to accept Distinction which
conceived to be rendered in my person. to the stead
fast and loyal character of my native State rather than
| to the qualifications OF the individual. And if there
has been anything IN the manner of dschargng the
duties OF my post, which is at all worthy Of the com
nendatlon in which you indulge, it is attributable MAIN
y to the lessons learned in her schools, and some little
experience in the conduct OF her Affairs
| My leisure will not allow such presentation OF nv
views on the present state ofthe country as would be
agreeable to me, were 1t In my power meet you as
proposed by your invitation, | cannot however for
bear to say that in my opinion the settlement of the
vexed questions arising out OF the acquisition of terrific
ny from Mexico, and the relations between the slave
holding and mons laveholdng States commonly called
the compromise OF 1885, ought to be regarded in
all sections, final adjustment as upon It's faithful
observance mainly depend the peace and Quiet al
| the country. Whilst has not effected everything which
our own section might have insisted on, or desired it
still in Judgment places our peculiar interests under
sccurer protection than they have enjoyed for the last
twenty wears. Not TO mention the rejection of the
Wimot provso from the Territorial bills OF Utah and
New Mexico by decisive vote of the House of Rem.
resentaves, after the long protracted contest year
after year, upon abolition petitions it an acquisition
of no trlhing importance to obtain such an enactment
as the Fugitive Slave Law True it does nothing more
than enforce the covenant Of the constitution. But il
1t is Legislative acknowledgment OF rights and
the provision of sanction for their observance such
as fear could not have been procured for many years
preceding.
But this is but part of the benefit The Judiciary of
the United States sustain this law in spirit and intent
The Justices and Judges both of the higher and inferior
courts everywhere met the responsibilities imposed
upon them by it, in Manner and with ability, earn
ing and oitude, worthy of the disciples and successors
of John Marshall. They have not only maintained
in execution, but vindcaed it in elaborate charges to
the uries which they have caused 10 be published for
general information. We are people of presidents,
and of habual reverence for the opinions OF the Judi
cary, under the high sanction OF official oaths. These
Judicial addresses will do tar more to correct vitated
public opinion the North than all the arguments of
statesmen politicians on the floor OF Congress
Nor, is this all. The executive OF the United States
stands ready in every case ega y requiring it, to bring
the military power to aid OF the officer in the execution
OF this Law. And here shall not be restrained by an
apprehension OF being thought guilty of aduation by
the serious few, from doing an act OF justice the
Chief Magistrate OF nation, IN bearing my testimony
to the "clearness 10 his great ofice which he has
trodden the path of duty, in regard this statute with
out usurpation ostentaton or evasion, without vanity
fear reproach. Such concurrent action the part of
every department Of the Federal Government not only
gives to us the protection of Public authority but can
not but have saluary effect, in bringing back the peo-
pie OF the non-savehoding Statest to OF their OBJ
legations under the constitution, and convince those who
are sincere that instead OF conscience requiring their
aid in the escape of the slave, passive indifference
in regard him. it demands that they shall give their
assistance in all proper for his recapure and sur
render. Need add that large part of the PRESS the
pulpit and the public of the North, at the head OF
whom stands the great expounde of the constitution
are also side in this contest
While these good influences are at work be-
half IN the non saveholdng States and the Government
throws over the shield otts protection in maintaining
the compromise it with unfeigned regret, that per-
ceve in section OF the country, who,
while protesting willingness to abide by it, disparage
it in such terms to persuade all others not to do so
others who regard it OF no effect and ready to
reagtate the whole subject OF slavery ad infnitum
others denounce it, most intolerable grievance
making real casus belL; and justfying revolution
ofthe Government under the name of secession.
L cannot now discuss these various positions. But it
cannot escape observation, that the advocates OF all
three OF them are most anxious TO obtain recognition
OF the doctrine that state may at pleasure secede
from the Union, and that after such declaration of
cession, there is no longer any power in the Govern
ment OF the United States, to enforce the laws of the
United States within limits. Their anxiety and
zeal tor this doctrine in theory. places the two classes
of persons first adverted to the category with
the practica secessonsts. If the fact be undeniable
that one is for immediate secession, and another soil
ctous to have his right recognized to do with i'm
purity it is difficult to perceive how he could more eff
ectually aid and encourage him to that fatal result
Nor can dwell on The doct inc of secession further
than say that it is utterly inconsistent with and re-
pugnant to the constitution of the United States; and
that fully discussed and in my opinion refuted
along with notification in the wnte 1928.
Iccunse 20 abatement of vigilance the true
rights Of the South and shall be the last surrender the
right of Revolution should aggressions and grievances
arise to justify it. trust, however, that it such
of things shall ever occur shall make out and
out Revolution, which shall leave room for doubt
and entrap mans conscience In the mea ntime
by faithfully adherng to the terms of adjustment agreed
in the compromise acts by the exerons and sacrh
Of patriots of both the parties which shall have
divided the country shall enttle ourselves to have
them in like observed and kept the part Of
Northern brethren, and in the event of last ap-
peal alter failure in just expectations, would
stand justified ourselves and before the Judgment of
mankind. I tondy hope, however, that there is yet
patriotism enough in all sections to preserve union
in its spirit and transmit the blessings of the
| stitution to the latest posterity.
| am, gentlemen,
With sincere respect,
Your obt servt
VIM A. GRAHAM