Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1852-10-29
IIUIH VIC NOTlH OdTOIInINn.
Letter from Ex-Governor Steele.


The following communication to the Editor of the
North Carolinian, is from Ex Gov John H. Steele, of
New Hampshire, Cen Pierces native State. Gov
Steele is native of North Carolina, and for many
years lived in Fayetteville. His testimony proves
Gen Franklin Pierce 10 be friend 10 the South
and fearless advocate Of her rights:
The New Boston Libel.
New Boston is the residence of John Atwood Mr..
Atwood had been nominated BY the Democrats as their
candidate for Governor and before the election came
on, had written or signed letter condemning the
/" Fugitive Slave Law" Mr.. Atwood had succeeded
in carrying with him large portion of the Democrats
of New Boston, which had hitherto been strong
Democratic Town and in order counerac Atwood's
influence, Gen. Pierce called meeting at that place,
and it there he eXerted himself to disabuse the
minds of the Democrats of that place in regard the
Compromise Measures, particularly in regard 10 the
Fugitive Slave Law. His success was seen and felt
at the next ensuing ee cton. Atwood was almost en-
tirey deserted by his former Democratic friends
These being the facts, any one for moment be-
lieve that Cen Pierce caused this change by joining
with Atwood in denouncing the Slave Law, or that
he made any such declarations those ascrbed &c
him by Elder Foss: No, not cannot be. Foss's
story is not only absurd the face of ii, but is mali
! cousy FALSE. am aware that variety of cerf
have been procured for the purpose of sustaining
Foss have carefully read them, and endeavored tc
recollect, if could. the individual sgners vain eor
not of those sigrers do personally know
Elder Foss is has been a clergyman, and if repor
speaks true, never long at any one place He is, tc
my certain knowledge open -mouthed brawng alb
oIitionst Of the reckless kind, and is constantly
in The habit of disturbing, or causing disturbance II
every gathering within his reach. | know not how
far his word or oath would be taken among hi
political associates, but this much do know, tina
neither would be believed by any honorable man whC
is al all acquainted with his political character. AS tc
the two abolition papers which it the frs
to give currency Foss's libel their characters ar
too well known TO require anything TO be said. Fog
and Goodale, the Editors, it is we'll known, NEFEl
TOLD THE TRUTH if they could find or make
talsehood.
On the other hand, am personally acquainted will
at least one half of the hundred sgners O
the denia of Foss statement, and do not hesitate +
say that they are among the most worthy men in GU
community, and that there is not here doubt of III
truth of their statement In short, Fosss story toge
Their with other ISLANDERS against Gen. Pierce, ar
here laughed to scorn. We here know Gen. Pierce
and know that he would scorn TO do thing an
saw another and it would take regiment Of Aboiitio
certificates to make believe that Franklin Pierce
any tme or for any purpose falsfed his hitherto un
blemished private as well as political life. He ha
too long been thorn those political fanatics not
he believed and slandered by those.
Your friend,
JNO. H. STEELE