The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-04-21
MR.. CoRWIN AND THE ABOuTIoNIsrs

Washington correspondent of the South
sTn Patriot lately wrote letter for that paper
repeating certain remarks which he says he
heard Mr.. Corwin make at dinner given by
him to IL few friends, in which he denounced
the Aboliton,sts in the most contemptuous and
bitter style. We observe with deep regret that
Cassius M Clay has made this anonymous let
ter the occasion for very severe and unjust
attack upon Mr.. COrwin, in which he charges
him with deliberate treachery to the Cause of
Freedom, for which he was rewarded by seat
IN the Cabinet, &c. sc.
Mr.. Corwin il ono of our friends. We
know him intmately-we know him to be
humane, generous to fault, and from the
very constitution of his nature opposed to Sla-
very and oppression Of every form. Why did
not Mr.. Clay, whom Mr.. Corwin had supposed
his friend write 10 him and ASCERTAIN whether
the representation ia the Southern Patriot
was fair one, before making war upon him
Why take an anonymous newspaper report as
the ground Of so fierce an attack upon tho
reputation Of man DESTROYS Of retiring quietly
to the shades of private life!
Mr.. Corwin, it is well known, is given TO
badinage. Frank, humorous amusingly ny
periodical, he is constantly uttering sentiments
in the social circle which solemn man, un.
able to appreciate jest is very apt to nisun.
derstand, and which, if reported MS in earnest
would lead to wotul misapprehcnsion. We
have heard him say as many extravagant
things as this Southern Patriot reports, but We
knew what be meant. We have heard him
with the most ludicrous gravity and terrific
hyperboe, anathematise all humanity, al
philanthropy, and affect the forocity of Q
Nero-and in an hour afterwards havo seer
him blazing with indignation at somo tale o.
injustice and oppression and contributing hun
dreds of dollars towards the redemption of a
fellow creature from bondage. The very SODA
qualities that make him the life of the private
circle, lay him open to the most abomnablt
Misrepresentation.
The unfortunate act of MIR. Corwin's life
was, consenting TO tako seat in the Cabinet
OF Mr.. Fillmore, This act is utterly misunder
stood and misrepresented by Mr. Clay He
attributes il to premcditatcd treachcry! Speak
ing of the Wilmot-Proviso agitation, and tho
discussion of the COMPROMISE in the Senate, hi
says
He gave way when the peltings Of tn,
storm he had raised came on. He determined
at once to desert to the enemy. During tn,
long time that the friends of freedom unde
the lead Of Gen, Taylor fought for the Jeffer
son idea and against the platform, Tom, wh'
was now ht for anything but speech, spoke not
His treachery was anticipated and developed
in bis reward-a Cabinet appointment
Now, we happen to know that all this il
wholly unjust. Mr.. Corwin was acting witt
the friends of freedom all through the struggl,
against the Compromise He was never absen
from his post, he always voted with the oppo
nente of that batch of mongrel measures Mr.
Benton was recognised by general consent, a
the leader against it and Mr.. Corwn wa
anxious to DO nothing that would derange tn,
order OF battle. lie had his speech prepared
against Slavery and Slavery Extension, wa
ready at any time to deliver il, but was re
strained by the advice of friends who wishe,
TO zee the Compromise defeated. and fearot
that such demonstration as he would be sur,
to make might disahect some of the Southern
men who were opposed TO Omnibus legislation
He acted Ia good faith, from the best Of mo
tives There was no treachery about him
although We thought and still think that h,
was III advised by his friends.