The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1854-11-09
From The savannsh GsorsIan.
COY. COBB AND THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.

From The Savannah Georgian.
GOV. COBB AND THE AFRICAN SLAVE TRADE.
We publish with very great pleasure the following adj
irable letter from Gov. Cobb the subject of the
openng of the African slave trade His views in ac
orauce with those which months since found expression
in brief editorial published in the Georgian. Not the
least interesting and valuable portion of the letter are IFS
historical "reminiscences From these 1t will he seen that
ion wears before the foreign slave trade declared piracy
NV the Congress Of the United States "a law by the way
the massage OF which deprecated by more New
F,gland senators with "eas in their eyes the consttu
Ton Of Georgia had declared there shall be importa
ton of slaves from Africa or any foreign State"
On the Cuba question we are glad to perceive that his
sx-excelleney is sound TO the
RETREAT (Ga4l Sept 81, 1854.
10 The Editor of The New York Evangelist
SIR In your Issue of the 18th ultmo, which did not
see until few days ago there editorial remarks
undad on an from the Daily Times relating 10 the
brio Grey Eagle Capt Donald to which propose brief
reply feel invited to this from your saying I'VE
bonld be glad ask southern friends what they think
Of the possibility of such eyentthe revival of the
African slave trade ,
Everv ,rue friend of the Union deeply depore the
circumstances which have resulted in the elaboration OF
tha, Traterna regard which should have continued TO
Characterize the American people as one brotherhood
growing out domestic slavery But whist the absence
~ that feeling is matter of regret II Is no small grati
cation 10 us of the South to know that we are piaeless
II is impossible for any friend of the Union to point 10
single by which the
a threatened the integrity of the Union did injustice
10 any of its citizens The South has not only done all
that il could do add to our national honor and great
ness but has studiousy abstane from everything cacu-
lated TO disturb the domestic harmony Nay more when
the South has had heaped upon the most disgusting and
oking abuse when II has suffered the most wanton
acts of Injustice the North has displayed forbear
ane and patience which the people of the South only can
display Those of the sacrifices which the South
has heretofore made and is still making Tor the sake OF
peace and the Union that this torbearance is not
to be put stronger tests for they might produce prac
cal secession.
The brig Grey Eagle so far my information goes, Il
get from yours and other newspapers was owned at
The North commanded by northern captain, and nav
eaed by northern This brig went to Africa, and,
hundred slaves said and landed them the island Of
Cuba What do you in all this sir calculated 70 excite
your fears justify your surmses that the South is
about TO revive the African slave trader Southern men
had no interest in this brig her cargo that know of
Pardon when say it to me that we OF the South
might ask with more prorety whether northern men ever
intend to relinquish this traffic.
The history of the African slave trade shows that before
was prohibited by law the South participated in it. SO
far as the importation concerned to very limited ex-
tent and since its prohibition not at ALL that know OF.
The vessels engaged in the trade principally if not al
together owned by northern men lsotuy-New England
men Northern brought the slaves TO the South, and
sold them How these slaves procured-how they
suffered in the middle and all other passages &c, 6cwe
of the South only know what history relates Whatever
these suerngs may have BEEN they form the amount OF
our responsibility in the How the slaves have been
treated since they have become forms the amount OF
our responsibility, which are by means inclined to
exchange for yours such thing possible and which
we are not disposed to deny avoid.
Your inquiry is directed principally to the African slave
trade although you discuss at length, and in the
usual way another subject-domestic slavery You de-
know what southern sentiment may be as to the re-
yva of this trade will give that sentiment as under
stand it--and think understand it well the South IS
nor as has been since the trade 6ecaas natoavM
UTTERLY OPPOSED TO ITS No doubt sir it would
afford you much pleasure if the facts would permit to
say much for the North Excuse me, sir it seems sur
psng that you should entertain doubt with regard TO
southern sentiment this subject With coast extend
ing from Maryland to Texas every facility abundant and
at hand what ia there no or has there been heretofore
to prevent the South carrying this trade had II been 50
disposed And if disinclined to the direct trade with AT
rc what there now has there been heretofore to pre-
vent indirect trade by way of Cuba
On this subject with regard to my native State tGeor-
gia,l can be very eypcitpositive. Ion will perceive
that the power of prohibiting the African slave trade in
the federal constitution but an implied power Powers OF
this kind remain dormant until they put into exercise
by legislation Congress passed act In 1907 prohibiting
this trade after the first day OF January 1903 Ten
before this perod-hat is in l793Georga included in
her constitution this article: There shall he mpora
ton Of slaves into this State from Africa or any foreign
place after the first day Of October next For the purpose
ton aud the act of Congress of 1907 Georgia passed sew
al acts In of these acts passed in 1877 thirty
years ago (ony year after the organization OF the
epnjzaqp Society provision Yas made for turning over
duced into the State There in the fastener TONED
act this remarkable clause His excellency the governor
Olen views said society in such he may deem
expedient' So stand this day the constitution and law
OF Georgia. regret that not prepared to make an
Investigation Of this subject respects the other southern
States but apprehend that examination viii show as eff
Gent legislation the part of each of them as is that of
Georgia. for purpose would necessarily suggest
common action.
There are but Two places cur side OF the Atlantic
there this trade is carried Onto Wit Brazil and Cuba
raz being remote at present. from the United states
shall here say that relates to that government The
tade with Cuba and is likely to go as long as
things continue in their present position Now, SIR de-
clare and you will believe be sincere, see
remedy for this Objectionable trade nor for the Arcaniza-
hon Of Cuba) but the bringing that island into the Amer-
can Union This trust will he at distant day. This
event will not only put eud 70 those ceaseless snnoyan-
& experienced By commercial men, but the people OF the
Stand wiz be blessed With t Fiy Of cpnsriepre aa all the
benefits Of reemen May OF the South count your
cooperation in this great aud good work?
have confined myself you perceive, TO the discus
SION Of the revival OF the African slave trade, although
your editorial would Justify in abiding to the subject
domestic slavery. You will not understand me, because
have not discussed the latter subject be TO its
discussion but really sir il appears TO me TO be not only
unnecessary but work Of supereogaon to discuss the
ESptey o. "a Institution which the laws the oonstitl-
ons both State ana federal and the Bible authorize and
regulate
am very respectfully, &c,
II LOWELL COBB.