Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1852-05-28
To RopERT G.. ScoTT, ESQ.
LETTER FROM THos. j. RUsK, ESQ.

WASHINGTON, MAY q, 1851.
Sir have received your letter Of the 18th inst in which
YOU PROFOUND certain in,erogatorcs, respecting what are
termed The "Compr0mse acts pissed by Congress, and
especially tie Ia" authorizing the recovery OF fugitive
slaves.
In answer to the questions submitted by you, d. not
hesitate say that think il would be bad policy to dis
TUT The provisions OF the laws referred TO- and extremely
dangerous the safety OF tho Union 10 repeal or oven
tenpt TO repeal the law relating tho recovery 81 fugitive
Slaves The right recover their slave property Is plainly
guaranteed to tho Southern States by the Constiaon and
their existence never be abandoned
by ,hon The agitation Of the slavery question has
tendency to excite aud cmbtcr the feelings OF these who
compose our national councsretard our prosperity as
nation by creating sectional prejndices, and may tear II
permitted 60 on, in connection with our Presidential cleo
lions lead dissolution of the Federal Government l,
from The av ipon which tho fugitive law Shall have been
renened or rendered inefficient by any action of Congress-
and should regard any President as morally traitor @h"
would Give his approval to any enactment lmparlng any
Of the provisions OF the Federal Constitution
think any candid man. who is familiar with the history
OF the slavery asilaon will, at once, admit that II Kept
up mainly with yiew 10 personal political elevation
Deragoaucs in view of the fact that the sa'eholdng
States have majority OF The vung population, keep up
The agitation for the purpose OF producing state OF feeling
which shall 10 section all the oces and patron
ace Of The General Government
Nv opinion is That al the North rs well as al the Soulh
there is majority OF conservative and patriotic men, who
desire this contest terminated and the CONSTITUTIONS
rights n parties honestly respected Many noble exam
piles of sacrificing patriotism exhibited themselves al inc
North during the struggle which terminated In me enact
nent Of the Compromise measures or this adhesion 10
with feudke naIgnity at home, and, regret to say H.
have not been sustained they deserved 10 be, by the
South believe the time has arrived when II IS due to tha
hes, interests Of The country that should speak out an
wear no masks Ii to have peace and protection !"
our lirhts is time should know II. Every man, WHO
aspi:cs 20 political station, should show his hand boldly Han
honest determination maintain the Constitution in all ots
provisions agains, sectional dcmogogncs who are prompted
10 oction solely by hope of political power TO become
Disqualified, ton for Federal Office the sooner II is known
the better.
The man who has not sense enough that the agita
ton on the subject of slavery rapidly leading TO the most
dangerous consequences or who seeing ths has not hon
esy and courage enough TO set his face against IT, al the
risk OF defeat, can receive my vote.
In conclusion desire TO say, that am not candidate
for tn. Presidency honors OF doubtful and fleet
ing caractcr-ths duties and responsibilities beyond my
capacity 10 meet.
have on former occaaon expressed openly and upon
due deliberations my preference for OF the gentlemen
spoken in connection with the Presidency and dele
gate 10 The Bitmore Convention, under the expressed
wishes Of my State do fairly Whatever may be in
my power secure his nomination am very respectful
w. your nhcdient servant TflOS. ]. RUSK
ROBERT 6. ScoTT, ESQ.