Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1851-09-24

to place herself at the head of the column of seces-
sion. Her declaration of disunon 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 in the face. Do not understand
me as ntimating that such disaster is upon us -
Far from it. Heaven forefend it, But it is neces-
sary that should tell you that our people are deep
y and justly eXasperated. 1t is proper that you
should be frankly assured that nothing cam or will,
or ought to satisfy them but the prompt thorough
and severe reribution upon the perpetrators of the
murderous treason recently committed in Pennsyl
vania. am rejoiced that those worthy and patri-
otto 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 punished 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 power of the federal
government, as well in its good intentions, will
necessarily be governed by the result
Nor is this all. Ifpassion and prejudice should
control the verdict of Pennsylvania jures, in the
trial of this issue, tremble for the Union. One
thing is very clear, and it is this, that Maryland
would not remain day in the confederacy. if
finally assured either that the powers Of the Fede
raj Government were inadequate, or that the pub
lie opinion of the non-slayeholding States adj
verse to the protection of the rights, liberties and
1
Ily union OF minority slaves to majority tyrans,
then, indeed, government has failed in the end
of its creation, and the sooner 1t is Dissolved the
better. This. assure you, sir, is the sentiment
Of the patriotic South, the conservative South, the
Ua,;on-louing South. l not obtrlding upon your
EKcellency my views and opinions. | am plainly
unfolding the views and sentiments of a people
with whom am well acquainted. 1t is important
that should do so-it is necessary that l should
do so. fear the latent causes of dissolution more
than those which have heretofore agitated the sur
face of the waters. fear that the North does not
believe in the possibility of disuuion. Fatal mere
dulity! If they could only be made to believe it
possible, it would then, ndeed be impossible. But,
their disbelief renders it even probable. Beev
ing it to be afar off and ever receding, they act in
manner which will precipitate the crisis ,.as sure
y, as it will be, to them, unexpectedly. do not
know of single incident that has occurred since
the passage of the compromise measures, which
tends more to weaken the bonds of the Union. and
arouse dark thoughts in the minds of men, than
this late tragedy. Nor will its influence and effects
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 Seces-
sionlsts. They will enter into the agitations Of
the next Congress ; and weaken the public hope,
everywhere. For all these evils, there is but a
single corrective, and that is, the most complete
vndication of the law and the fullest retribution
on the criminals.
had intended to 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 officers of the Federal Gov
eminent have already been engaged in making the
proper Investigations, upon the spot the result of
which have been, or will be placed before you.
hope that your Excellency will regard this letter
as, by means, indicating any lack of confidence
in the Federal authorities, on my part-but as a
proper and necessary exposition of the views en-
tertained by the citizens of this State, for which
feel justified in vouching, in regard to the charac
ter of this atrocious occurrence, well the gene
raj attitude ofthe country, in connection Herewith
If, under any circumstances, your Excellency
should deem it advisable to require my official sevi
ces, in any way connected with the pending inqui-
ries, it will give me great pleasure to place my
time at your disposal.
have the honor to be, very respectfully, your
Exceuency's obedient servant,
E.. LOUIS LOWE