The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1855-05-17
LErrER IRON Mr.. PARK.

To THE PUBLIC: When our printing Office
was destroyed, was absent in Kansas Terrific
ry, and returned forthwith on receiving informa-
ton of it. l am filled with the deepest concern
for the events that have transpired and the pas
sions that bear sway-premeditated as they have
been by large and powerful secret association.
| am happy to know that the citizens of Park
vile and vicinity took no part in 1t; and why
my life and property should be destroyed by
any portion of this community, cannot tell.
The charge Of AbolitioniSm is false; | have
never harbored thought nor meditated su
action detrimental TO the honor, the interests,
or institutions Of Missouri; but have labored
increasingly to promote her prosperity. Ii Is
true have not believed the honor and interests
of Missouri to be in that course OF policy mark
ed out by some politicians. Duty has compel
led me to cross their path, which has brought
on my devoted head the bitterest persecution.
Our paper can be read-it will speak for
itself. 1t does not claim perfection. The lead
ing objects have been to promote the principles
of temperance, morality, and virtue; to take a
conservative political stand, and, by moderatiug
the extremes, and by softening sectional asper-
tiles, to promote the general good of the coun-
try. and the perpetuity of the American Union.
l love the South, and have spent the best en-
ergies of my life to advance her interests and
her glory. The battle-feds of Texas are eter.
nal evidences Of the fact; where individual en-
! terprise gathered around the gallant Houston,
and by incredible hardship and almost super.
human exertion, the independence of that vast
| country was acheved-now one Of the brightest
| stars in the constellation of States and refer
to my felow-citizens to attest the fact that,
while | have resided in Missouri, have labored
| increasingly to promote her interests.
| love the North, too. Never, while life lasts,
sball foroat tho hills Of Nar,,,ovt ,-bar,
rests the grave of my mother; nor the deeds Of
the men of l776; nor the virtues and energies
| of the men who have made those States a hea-
| con light-the wonder and admiration of the
world-snd shall ever look upon their glory
| as the common inheritance of every American
| citizen.
| With regard to leaving this community, I
| would do so cheerfully, soon as | could dis
| pose Of my interest here, were | satisfied that
a further residence was not agreeable; but to
| leave the grave Of my wife, the home | have
toiled years to embelsh and improve, and
many interests interviewer with the growth and
prosperity of the country, and flee for no of.
| fence, like base culprit / cannot. / would
| rather prefer death at my own home, amid the
| flowers and trees planted and consecrated by
| affection, and upon the soil of the country /
have toiled to build up. Our press has been
thrown into the Missouri river-I may be buried
there too-an humble individual is in the power
| of hundreds Of armed men-but his death will
not destroy the freedom of the American press
independence of thought and action is Inherent
in the bosom Of every freeman, and it will gush
| up like perpetual fountain forever God has
impressed on his universe the principles Of truth
and justice, and they must prevail.
If there is no security in the land of Wash
| ington; if an American home affords no pro-
| lection; if the time has arrived when this
Union must be dissolved, and all its kindred
ties and mighty interests broken and destroyed,
and our land drenched with fraternal blood,
| then let me buried beneath the turbid waters of
the Missouri rather than live to behold such
scene. God save our country.
| GEO. ). PARK.
| D,.L,,;yo IL. In4J % IS,.