The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-12
ExEcUrrvr DEPARTMENT, s. c..
Mav7 1870

Dean Sin; Your letter of May has Just reached
me. Although must regret the views you enter.
tain Of the action Of the convention, (and with all
duo Difference think them erroncous.) yet feel as
sured they are honest and cannot but respect the
course you have thought II your duty to pursue.
Justice, however, TO my own honest convictions,
and also TO the convention, requires that should
cypress in decided terms my dissent to the con-
was never intended by 1t. IL met under circum.
stances peculiarly embarrassing. II was composed
Of largo majority Of those who believed, and
still believe, that secession" was the only efiec
tual remedy for our wrongs, and that any step
short Of that would not only be tusmaniy. but i'm
practicable. Against the exercise Of this remedy,
at this time, the people had pronounced their solemn
verdict. and u would have been criminal 70 have
most deplorable one. Il was completely Frustrated
and paxalyzcd by the party dissensons 10 which IL
bad fallen victim. Under these circumstances,
would II have been the part Of wisdom, Of prudence
or Of patriotism have attempted to foist upon the
people any which would have bad the effect
Of kindng the fires Of party strife, and ofput-
ing the State in the road Of certain ruin
structonl The very first step which enlightened
patriotism pointed out for the convention 10 pursue
to unite the State, and heal the fearful breaches
an angry controversy bad made in its heretofore
solid phaIanx. In that spirit Of courtesy and kind.
which 10 the proud characteristic Of our peo-
pie, the convention acted. The past was forgotten
and forgiven. and the State scas united. Nor did
this union involve the slightest sacrifice of those
principles which have ever been cherished dear
amongst ~. The sovereignty Of the State was 20
fully vindicatcd as the solemn ordinance OF the
convention Of the people could vindicatc IL. The
wrongs we had received from the Federal Govern.
ment were acknowledged, and the Fight Of the
State 70 the remedy Of secession, without "le"
or sshindrancc," was full declared. The exercise
of the right vas prevented by erpedisncy slone and
Of that szpsdseney the State, AZ sovereign, has
ght TO judge.
must confess that the members of the conven.
ton meeting together, just ne we had emerg ed
from the most bitter and angry controversy we
have ever known, and sacrificing all party feeling
upon the altar Of their common country, exhibitsa
spectacle Of the moral subimc, which, ne Caro-.
inian. cannot contemplate but with the proudest
emotions.
am sorry TO inflict 20 long letter upon you.
should not have said one word on the subject Of
your views az 70 the notion Of the convention,
Il mot that silence on my part would have been
construed into an ecqoicscence in them. My only
object II 10 express my dissent on this point, and TO
endorse the action of the convention.
Your resignation IL accepted, 70 take date from
to-day. Suffer me, in conclusion, 10 express 10
you my high appreciation Of the distinguished
services you have rendered the State, and Of the
bold and manly stand you have ever maintained
in defence of the down-trodden rights of the South
Be assured, my dear sir, that you carry into
your retirement my ardent wishes Tor your happi-
ness and prosperity.
with high regard. am. dear cir. your obedient
servant, y. H. MEANS.