Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-08-28
GEN, SCOTT AND THE COMPROMISE.
"IsLAND," PARISH OF IDERvILLE,
~ August 9Th, 1852. s

Mn Dear Sir-The Democratic press South, j
much occupied with its endeavors to lead the PEG
pie of the SLGue States to believe, that Gen. Scot
is F1eeSoiler, and fayorer of the policy OF thu
Van Burens, Giddings aid Rantouls of the Nortl
in relation TO the institution of slavery, and this too
directly in the face of aspoStiUe evidence to the con
trary, as need possibly be adduced. 1t is superer
ogation almost, to add to the accumulated mass o.
testimony already existing on this subject.
When in Washington City, just previous to tn
sitting of the Baltimore Convention among tn
thousand political rumors which heard, was TIT
rumor that Gen. Scottwas favorable to, or was sup
posed to be favorableto the Free Soil party of tn
North. ,,.,,.a.,5.s ,5...... .-sss ..,5,5s
gates then temporarily, like myself, in Washington,
| To the rumor, as stated, replied that Gen
SCOTS positionmust of course be distinctly defined
That the Convention would of course adopt plat
form of principles, that would specially cover TIT
slavery question, and that previous to nomlna
ton. But that if Gen. S. refused to place himsel
properly before the people of the South, or if thu
Convention refused to adopt platform of princi
pies, and to endorse most distinctly the fnaEty
the Fugitive Slave Law, then for one, even tho
l stood alone, Southern man, would leave the
Convention, withdraw absolutely and declare tina
portion of Louisiana, that had the honor torepre-
sent, unbound by the future action of the Conven-
ton -f7
Nor was alone in this assumed position-I be-
Ieve that the Louisiana delegation would have been
unanimous nor do believe that Southern dele.
had it refused to have adopted Duncan's Resolu-
TONS or to have adopted the platform reported by
the Resolution Committee. o.,
But anxious to know Gen. Scott s real sentiments
upon the Compromise, most particularly on the
GtFugitive Slave law addressed to him mott
upon the subject on the 7rh of June last, and on
the same day, at his request had personal inter
view with him ~. The interview was long
one, Gen. Scott most unreSeryedly gave me hi
views upon all the leading topics of the day, said
that he had nothing to conceal-most particularly
upon the Compromise acts, including the Fugitive
Slave law-and his position was then, as now,
position that must be satisfactory to every southern
man Speaking of the Fugitive Slave law, Gen.
Scott used this language: .'..
elf ever as Gen. Scott, at the head of thu
armies ofthe United States, as plain MI. Scott, de
prived of my commission, or as President Scott, j
1t should please the people to elevate me to tina
high position, ifI ever do anything calculated
impair the efficacy of the Fugitive Slave law
having tendency towards its repeal, then writ
infamous before my name, write infamous afte
my name, and kick me into the gutter" .es
The language was so emphatic, SO strong, ant
made such impression upon me that quote,
think, Gen. SCOTS own words.
But Gen. Scott said, you may ask, why no
1orite this? l will anticipate the question an,
answer it before it is put. And as he said this
he fixed his eagle eye full upon me, and witt
a proud and manly tone, said: 81 will make NJ
bid for the Presidential nomination.. Gen. Scot
added "that he expressed the same sentiments dali!
known to all who wished to know them, that hi.
expressed them publicly and that l was at public
liberty to use his declarations to me as saw fit
Whatever doubts might have existed in my mini
previously were now entirely removed; andI LEFT
Gen. Scott with the determination to give him, in
the epent of his nomination, heartily and cordial
supports determination which l adhered to i'm
nediateiy after the conSumation of his nomination
by the Convention, and which every days ex-
perience only serves to teach me was determine
ton which is justified, sanctioned and ratified by
those whomI had the honor in part to represent in
that Convention.
The nomination of Gen. Scott and his accept
ance, standing upon the platform adopted by the
Convention, preserved the nationality ofthe Wing
It's success in November next, can hardly be
questioned. ForI think it now certain, that the
South cannot vote for Franklin Pierce, and it is
admitted that the North will not. s.-s
l am sir, very truly yours,
R. A. UPTON.