Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-13
PUBLIC OPINION IN MISSISSIPPI.
LETTER FROM JUDGE SHARKEY.
JACKSON. Dec, "a. 1850.

JACKSON, Dec. "a, 1850
DEAR SIR-1t affords me pleasure to acknowledge
the receipt of your esteemed favor OF the 7th inst
reply would have been forwarded earlier day, but
for temporary absence. You express desire to
know the true state OF public sentiment in Mississippi
| can only give you my own opinion, formed from the
best lights before me. That the Union party has a
very large majority at present think beyond dispute
Indeed this is conceded by many of the opposite par
ty but they expect an accession OF strength from north
| ern agitation and the movements elsewhere Public
opinion Tor time very much unsetted but the
element is yielding to disposition for quiet
quiescence in the recent compromise measures passed
by Congress. The result of the Georgia election has
| had considerable Influence in bringing about this
state ofthings. Notwithstanding the general excite
ment which for time prevailed, public opinion
was not truly reflect ed &c, by the Legislature in its
| resistance measures. That body composed
of ultra materials. The members had not been electd
| with view to the exciting questions then before
| the country; and as public opinion not defin-
| itey known, few leading spirits welded the action of
the body suit their views. 1t is very certa
that some ofthe members from the central and south
ern portions OF the State did truly represent the
wishes of their constituents; and this was doubtless the
with some OF the members from the northern part
of the State The session characterized by mark
ed determination to lead public opinion. The Cover
nor you know, had taken high stand, and course
desired TO be taned and he aided by the pres
euce and influence of many prominent gentlemen from
different parts OF the State, who seemed, strangely
enough TO have happened to be here at that particular
time circumstances oon, rh,ts vsrv GREATLY t. sws
the number of dscontents In the first place. the dem
ocrac party has, as you know, a large majority in
the State. Party leaders, with few exceptions, have
taken stand in favor OF resistance, and they are sus-
tanned by the party press, with only few exceptions.
Under such circumstances, it is difficult for many who
have been in the habit OF uniting with their party to
| break off, though many have honorab'y done so. In
the next place. the true issue is kept out of view. Dis
union is presented as the necessary end OF resist
| ance In this way many who not satisfied with
the admission Of California are induced to unite with
l tho marty md &c hat but
few, very few, who entirely satisfied with all the
measures Of the Adjustment. Thus stands public
| opinion now and if things continue in their present
state, have doubt our convention will be con-
sentative body, probably by an overwhelming ma
jory. But, in view Of the existing feeling, it is
easy 10 foresee that this prospect might be changed
entirely by the ac ton OF the present session OF
Congress. We acquiesce in the admission of Cali
fomia because believe the constitution was not
violated, and not because full justice done to the
South This, believe, is very general sentiment
The fugitive slave bill we had constitutional right to
demand this has been conceded us, and the Wllmot
Proviso attached to the territorial governments
In this, too, our demand was complied with. 10 the
adjustment of the Texas question we can see no valid
objection. We cannot submit to the features OF the
Compromise which we did not approve, and which we
think preudical to us, and at the same time con-
sent to be deprived Of the clear constitutional rights
which secures to us. We are constantly told by our
opponents that the fugitive slave bill will be repealed.
and many are induced to believe it. Congress might as
well at dissolve, and break up the Union An ex-
plosion would not more certainly follow the application
OF lighted match to the touch hole OF loaded can
non than will disruption OF this Union follow the re-
peal OF the fugitive slave bill. There is no division OF
opinion this subject, The most conservative men
will not pause then; and say this advisedy, and with
much devotion to the Union as amy one enerains.
] have heard but one opinion on this subect-all
men of all parties speak the same language. An
actual repeal of the law | do not fear as long MIR.
Fillmore is President. His message has given great
satisfaction, and has aided us much but the le-
peal of the law by the two houses of Congress
would in all probability be equally fatal its
al repeal. Any serious modification which might tend
to weaken the law would have the same effect. In
short an Interference with t any Of the &C., compromise prom
the South would be fatal to the Union. And the
same consequence will follow if the fugitive slave
bill cannot be enforced. Thus it will be seen that
the northern people hold the destnies OF the ma
ton. They put down the abolitionists, we can
not; and if they will not, the Union is lost The South
cannot yield any further Even the agitation OF the
slavery question, either in out Of Congress, would
be exceedingly dangerous Many OF US are prepared
TO make allowances Tor the agitation OF few fanatics
in particular localitiest is nothing more than had
expected but these things are used here by the press
to excite the public mind which is not in the best
| don to look dspassionaely at passing events ofthat
character. The Boston affair and the movement in
Vermont have had an unfortunate effect: They are
couneracted in great degree, to be sure by the great
Union movement throughout the North We rejoice at
the spread of the grea movement which commenced
in New York If the whole North would but follow
that patriotic example, might defy our opponents.
Our people would become satisfied that the whole
North was not against them. We stand in critical
situation and need the aid ofthe North. If
ceve it, the Union may be saved and we sincerely
hope that it may be cheerfuy accorded as it is
IDENTIFY desired. My dear sir, if you can exert any in
fuence do SO. We not yet responding though we
see the danger, but will struggle on, hoping that may
avoid the catastrophe which, OF all others, smost to
be dreaded If the present session of Congress should
pass off quietly, will strengthen the confidence OF the
South But they must also abstain for the future, it
is but question to time. The South will be nent
will abandonment O
puted ground.
have thus. my dear sir, given you general outline
OF the state of things in Mississippi, and believe it is
a true one Your knowledge OF the people of the State
will aid you in Judging Of the probable course OF things
from what have said. shall be pleased to hear from
you when it may suit your convenience.
Your friend and obedent servant,
| w. l.. SHARKEY.
| Hon, LUKE LEA.