The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-07-22
100

Donaldson. last summer. in relation 10 the Pres
idency. Col Kings response was as follows:
Tuscaloosa, ALABAMA, July %, 1851.
DEAR SIR: Your letter reached Selma after
| had left for the mountains, and was forward
ed by the postmaster TO this place. The divls-
ions which unfortunately exist in the Demo
cratic party are indeed, as YOU 50 torcibly rep
resent, deeply to be deplored; and a serious
question is presented. can the evil be remedied
For one, must confess that can see no such
indications, either North or South, as would
lead TO the belief that the breach will be speed
ily closed up; for so long as large portion Of
the former Democracy of the North lend them
selues TO the advocacy Of Free Soil doctrines,
and make common cause icith the tuIprtncipIed
and the infamous dgitatOrs and .4bolitionisis no
portion OF the Southern Democracy will ever
be found acting in concert with them. III our
troubles hare arisen from the extraordinary con
duet of those protesting Democrats, IN whom the
Democracy OncerepOSed unbounded confidence,
and felt delighted TO honor; but for their base
abandonment If principle, AboltlonISm would
have still been confined to portion of the Wing
party, and a small squad Of ignorant fanatics.
But for them, the South would have been saved
nun AtldN uliJuHN loldNlOi NhlNh has dlOuotu
a portion of her proud and eXcltable popula
uon seriously TO contemplate a dissolution of
the Union. Now, sir, much as diSapprove Of
any movement, either in the North or in the
South, calculated to destroy this great Govern
ment, the finest, and, properly administered, the
best the world ever saw, am free to declare
that make many allowances Tor those of the
South, who smarting under a sense of MUS
,,vy,,lI
themselves from all communion with States or
people who, regardless Of their constitutional
Obligations, are warning against their rights
rights, the preservation of which are essential
to the personal security OF every SOuherner,
and which, if not respected, would make
union with those whO-tO obtain political pow
er, or for any other causc-would set them 1T
naught, a curse. certainly not a blessing
How, then, can we Of the South unite in coun-
ell with those who have not only shown them
selves regardless of our safety but, Judging
from the past, would unhesltatngy pave the
way for making our section second San DO
mngo-and coolly look on, If they did not re-
loice, 10 see the blood Of our mothers, wives,
and sisters, mUSlen their native soil, did II give
such a doubtful boon as liberty 10 such a PEG
pie as the blacks | have ever been a Demo
Graf Of the JelrrSOnlan school, aud am firmly
impressed with the belief that the permanency
Of our Government depends on its being admin
lStered in strict accordance with Democratic
principles; and yet | cannot consent TO owe
the temporary aScendency Of the Democratic
party to a union with Abononsis. With
the good and true Democrats of the North and
Northwest, am ready to meet as brother meets
brother; to stand with them shoulder to shout
der, and contend for victory. be our standard
bearer whom he may, come from what quarter
he may, only let him be faithful to the guaran-
fees of the Constitution and the uncomprOmI-
sing enemy of all disorganizers. But we must
have no pretended frlends in our camp, who.
while they cry " hail, brothers," would stab US
under the fifth rib. II the true Democracy can
not bear aolt the flag Of victory, better let it
trail in thesduSt than BE- upheld by the hands
of those who, to SubServe their nelarous pur-
poses, would as readily lrample it under feet
as wave ii to the breeze. believe speak the
sentiment Of nine tenths of the Democracy OF .
this State, when say we have no sectional /
preferences, and stand fully prepared to give
our support TO the nominees of a Democratic .
Convention, properly constituted, whether they !
reside in the North, the South, the East, or the /
West. Many Of us, however, entertain the !
would be true policy, and productive of the |
best interests OF the party and the country, to .
have Northern man designated Tor the Presi- .
dency. Individually, although | have a per
sonal preference, could give my cordial sup |
port to any Of the distinguished gentlemen YOU
have named, either for the first or second office, |
knowing, as do, their intelligence, integrity, !
and devotion To this whole country. Win not
next winter be early enough to fix on the time
for holding the Convention?
The place is Of minor importance do not
think the people of this State have, IA yet,
turned their attention to this matter For the
kindly terms in which you are pleased to speak
OF me personally, accept my thanks. hope
TO have the pleasure Of seeing you in Washing
ton Faithfully. yomr obcdicni servant ..
WILLIAM II. KING.
{. Fl, Donaldson, Esq.
The original is now IN the possession of an
active Democrat III our city.
.Ner York Tribune.