Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1852-05-17

between Main and Third Street, adjacent Geo. NJ.
Ruekcr's Dry Good. Store and the Washington Hotel.
Gen. Scott and the next Presidency.
The readers of this Journal have not been
left to doubt, as to its preference for the Wing
candidate for the Presidency. Repeatedly
and distinctly, have we urged that the signal
ablity-the purity of purpose-the fidelity tn
all constitutional and legal obligalions-the
national spirit and the regard for Southern
feelings and rights displayed by Mr.. Fillmore.
and those who are associated with him in the
government, give him higher Claim than any
other man. 1.-The be not acceptable to every
portion Of the Wing party. it is because he has
not pandcred to the pref udces of sections. but
has discharged the duties of his office, in
impartial and catholic spirit. We have no re-
spec, for the opposition he may have incurred
by pursuing such course. We can conceive
no objection to him, except such as should not
he deferred TO. because it can have been ex-
cited only by his fidelity to the constitutional
rights Of the slaveholding States But while
these are our views, We have no disposition to
withhold from the readers of this paper, the
claims Of the other distinguished men. whose
names are mentioned in conncxion with the
Presidency. Accordingly. we publish an i'm
portant letter from Mr.. Bolts. intended to
show that General Scott is entirely unexcep-
tionable in respect Ito matters in which the
South feels the deepest interest. After "a
full interchange of views" with him, Mr. Bolts
declares that Gen Scott, Occupies no doubt
full or equivocal position on the compromise"
that she has never hestatcd to say that he is in
taror Of the Compromise measures in ALT
parts, and opposed to any disturbance. agita-
ton, or alteration efthe Fugitiee Stare Lar"
Nothing can be more explicit than this. nor
can there be any doubt. that Mr.. Bolts has
correctly reported the views of Gen. Scott
Indeed. We have never doubted that this was
his position The clamor that the locofoco or
gans have kept up. has been for the purpose Of
Withdrawing public scrutiny from their own
men, and defeating the nomination of man
whom they dread more than any other.
We give the letter of Mr.. Bolts entire. be-
cause we regard every portion of it important
to proper understanding Of Gen. SCOTS po-
sition. 1t was addressed toa member Of the
Virginia Legislature, and is published in the
Richmond Wing.
WASHINGTON, May Sd, 1882.
My Dear Sir: You have no doubt been
looking for letter from me for the last sever
al days, but did not reach here till Yesterday.
having been detained by indisposi,ion at home.
This morning l called on Gen. Scott and
stated to him all that had passed between U.s.
l had very long. free and full interchange of
views with him. and found his position TO be
precisely this in reference to writing: ne is diff
ferently advised by friends North and South
(whose counscls entitled TO consideration
to write. and not To write; large majority, in
GLIDING many from the South, urging him to
remain silent This condition Of things embar-
rasses him not little, as his individual pre-
ference would he TO publish his views at large,
while he does not feel himself at liberty. in his
present position, to take the bit between his
teeth, in disregard of the advice of much the
larger portion of his friends from both sections
of the country. If he writes. he oblises ii
small, and perhaps ofcnds large number of
those whose counsels he ought to listen to;
"hiiC IL hS iC'hdiuo puSsi'c, HC SlStS Ho DGTu-
cular cause of offence to either.
Gen. Scott occupies no doubtful or equvo-
cal position on the Compromise, nor does he
desire TO do so and if he did would not sup
port him, even if nominated. His views ar,
freely expressed TO every respectable in
the country, who chooses to approach him. and
he has never hesi,ated TO say that he is in favor
Of the Compromise measures in all their parts,
alteration of the Fugitive Slave law; and he en-
joins confidence and secrecy or no man to
whom he makes this communication.
Now, what more could we ask Suppose
he was to write. Would it satisfy any of those
now opposed to hin,l l venture to say not
one! For they cannot now doubt his perfect
and entire soundness that question. He has
expressed himself to hundreds Of the first men
in the country, and no man has yet been found
who has said he ever held any other language
to any human being.
1t is an outrage upon decency, justice and
fair dealing. that any man should at this day.
pretend to question the nationality or patriot
ism of Winfield Scott. did not expect him
TO escape the anmadversions, misrepresenta-
tions and abuse Of the more INSCRIPTIONS por-
lions Of the Democratic press. but do think
his reputation is entitled to the respect and
protection OF every true and honest Wing.
Under the circumstances mentioned. Re has
come to the conclusion land incline to think
acisely) that the true course for him to pursue
is to publish nothing. unless he shall be the
nominee; when. if the Convention shall a 1opt
a course that will make his acceptance neces-
sary otherwise afford him the opportun.
ty, he will speak on, freely and fuliy--and
this would place him, in my opinion in more
| elevated position than if he were to permit
himself now to be bullied into writing to re-
ceive the nomination.
His condition is indeed hard one. If he
writes. it will be at the dictaton of those who
are not his friends. many of whom desire an
opportunity of going over to the other party.
| land God grant they may have ill., and he will
thus be made to verify the predictions often
and early made, that he would write himself
to death; whereas, If he don't write, he is to
be killed by the denunciations of protesting
friends for no, writing. Ger. Scott 10 too good
soldier TO he frightened by bugbears. or bull
he'd by his enemies.
For my own part. l cannot perceive the
wisdom of the South agitsting this question at
all. and especially Of our agitatng for the ben
eft Of those we have labored for more than 90
years to defear. think the Compromise has
no business in either the Wing or Democratic
National Con, en,ion. The Fugitive law has