Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-02-21
HON LANES BUCHANAN.

This distinguished gentleman recently paid visit
TO the Hon. ohm Y. Mason, OF Richmond, Virginia !;
and while there he was rendered the compliment OF
a public dinner, which he declined. The following
is his letter in reply to the citizens
RICHMOND, Feb. IL, 1852.
GENTLEMEN: On my arrival In this city, last eve
ming, received your very kind letter welcoming me
to the Metropolis of the Old Dominion aid rendering
me the honor of public dinner. | regret, deeply
regret, that my visit Richmond will necessarily be
brief, canno; enjoy the plea sure and the prlvi-
,lege of meeting you all, at the festive board In
tending merely TO pass day with my valued friend
Judge Mason, my previous arrangements are of such
character that must leave here Tomorrow, or at
latest, on Saturday morning.
But while cannot accept the dinner, shall ever
esteem the invitation from many OF Vrginla's
distinguished and esiimable sons, OF the
prOudeSt honors of my life. Your ancient and re-
nowned Commonwealth has ever been the peculiar
guardian of State rights and the firm supporter of
constitutional liberty, of law and of oder. When,
therefore, she endorses with her appreciation any of
my poor efforts to the country, her commenda
'on is guarantee that these have been devoted
10 righteous cause.
You are pleased to refer in favorable terms to my
recent conduct at home, in defence of the federal
constitution and laws" This was an easy and agree
able task because the people of Pennsylvania have
ever been as loyal and faithful to the Constitution,
the UDion and the rights of the sovereign States of
which 1t is composed, as the people OF the ancient
Dominion themselves To have pursued different
course in my native State would therefore, have been
10 resist the strong current OF enlig hened public
opinion.
Purposely refrain from discussing the original
merit oil dhe Compromise, because consider II, to
employ the expressive language OF the day, as as
nanny, "a hxed fdct- most important enactment OF
ld"' The agitation disturbance of Vhlch could do
impossible good, but might produce much positive
'I' our noble vessel of State, freighted with the
hopes OF mankind, both for the present and future
senedllons, has passed through the most dangerous
'"Aeis which she has ever encountered, and has
""nmphantly ridden out the storm. Both those who
supported The measures of the COMPROMISE as just
I:% necessary and those who, regarding them in
erent light, yet acqnesce in them for the sake OF
~ Union, have arrived at the concluson-that
uS' ana snail be executed. They have thus, for
very practical purpose adopted the same platform,
no nave resolved to sustain it against the common
snd Why then should they wrangle and divide
on, waste helr Energies, not respecting the main
SiNon which has already been definitely settled,
.bL iesdfo to the process which has brought them,
80 from different directions, to the same concu-
NJ ABOVE all, why shond the strength of the
dc party of the country be impaired and its
bsI;o" JeoParded for any such cause! We who
esO. mat the triumph of Democratic principles is
ev not only to the prosperity of the Union, but
:" me preservation of the Constitution, ought
n, a, to forget, and if need be forgive the
Il aug cordially unite with political brethren
DoUesdining tor the future the good old of
nocacy. 1t must be source of deep and lasting
cnU 70 every patriotic heart that our beloved
and "ds so happily passed throug the late trying
oM, dangerous crisis. The volcano has been extin-
Sv trust, forever; and the man who won Id ap-
ia5 nfeorand at the present moment to the combls-
emf materials which still remain, may produce an
Union "''A' oo'" 'he Constl'uton ana Inc
lsm %nn sentiments of high and grateful respect
''"an Your ellow-citizen,
g. JAMES BUCHANAN,
'aELToN F. LEAKE, Esq, and other gentlemen.