Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-05-13
MIR, RHETT,

Inc south carolina papers contain cores
pondence between the Governor of that State and
the Hon. R. B. Rhett. Mr.. Rhett writes to Gov.
Means, that in consequence of the action of the
late Convention, he does not regard himself as
proper representative of the position and policy of
South Carolina with respect to the aggressions of
the Federal Government, and therefore resigns his
seat in the q. S. Senate.
The Governor replies, urging Mr.. Rhett to
withdraw his resignation and expressing the opin-
ion, that the State has not epudated the idea of
Federal aggression. Mr.. Rhett reoins as fol-
lows:
CHARLESTON, May S, 1852.
To his Ercellency JohnH Means,
Gouernor Of the State of South Carolina:
Dear Sir: Yours of the Cd instant was delivered
to me by my son, whom you. kindly deputed to
bring me your communication requesting me to re-
consider the resignation rendered to your Excel
lency of my seat Senator from South Carolina
in the Congress of the United States. assure
your Excellency that had maturely considered
the course should pursue when | rendered YOU
the resignation of my seat, and the subsequent re-
Election which is due your Excellency's commu-
nication, has not satisfied me with profound de-
ference to your tExceency) that | could have
eellency that the people, by the vote in October
last, did decide against immediate separate seces-
sion; but l did not suppose, until convinced BY
the action OF the Convention, that they had deci-
ded in favor of absolute submission. Still less did
suppose that it was inconsistent with their will
that the Convention should vindicate in some way
the outraged sovereignty of the State, by some
measure retaiatory on our common enemies, or
preparing her in the future for the better proec-
r. bar Hho ,aG i,
right of secession, to which your Excellency al
ludes, is n mere declaration of an existing right
which from 1923 to this day all parties in South
Carolina have recognized. The ordinance neither
facilities its exercise in any way gives poten-
| cy to the right. In the condition in which the
State placed by the fall election, doing nothing
by the Convention, and assigning no reason for
non-action, is not only submission to the wrongs of
the General Government, but to my apprehen-
sion is tacit affrmance Of the policy of co-ope-
ration, which alone prevented US from acting.
need not say to your exceency that I have all
my life been a supporter ofState rights and State
sovereignty. Cooperation repudates both as
practical entities and instead of enforcing them,
for the protection ofthe citizen of South Carolina
casts him Oh the aid and strength of the other
States. Any practical vindication by the Conven-
ton of States -rightr, any measure asserting the
sovereignty of the State, would have satisfied
policy. But she has done nothing in the Conven-
ton, and am compelled to infer her position is
submission, and her policy cooperation. 1repeat
what I said in my letter of resignation toyour
excellency that I do not deem myself proper
representative of such position and policy. 1t
therefore, regret that 1 cannot comply with the
wishes of your excellency, and withdraw my re-
signation.
Sensible of the profound respect l owe the
State as my sovereign, and deeply grateful for
the many favors and honors she has conferred
upon me, bow to her declared will, and make
way for those, who with hearts less sad, and
judgments more convinced, can better sustain her
in the course she has determined to pursue
Believe me, dear sir, your most obedient SER
want, r. B. RHETT.
The Governor replies, expressing his dissent
| from the construction placed by Mr.. Rhett on the
States action, and denying that submission was
intended by it.