Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1856-05-03
TO MY CONSTITUENTS.
WASHINGTON, April,

AshlNOToN, hpfii, Q, looo.
Regarding it the duty of public servant to
confer fully and freely with his constituents
touching all matters of public interest," ad-
dress you this letter. This duty becomes the
more necessary at this time, from the anoma-
lous condition Of political parties, and the neces
silly imposed upon me to respond to the inquiry
so frequently addressed to me by my political
friends, "What shall we door rather what
do you intend to do in the present complicated
stale of things2"
shall not so far forget the relation sustain
to you as to presume to dictate to you what
you should or should not do, can only sug-
gest what seems to me to be the course proper
to be pursued, and to declare what it is my
purpose to do.
IN addressing this letter, intend to embrace
my entire constituency, without distinction OF
party or name, because have neither the right
| nor the disposition to separate myself from the
| obligation under which feel to be the repre-
sentative Of the entire people of the State. But
| frankness requires me to say, that the necessi-
| ty which imposes upon me this present duty
grows mainly out of the interest manifested by
| that portion of my constituents with whom
| have heretofore acted; and by whose agency
was called to occupy the position | now hold,
| in knowing what course / shall pursue in the
coming political contest.
| 1t is my purpose to deal plainly and candidly
with you; yet, in the strange and unprece-
dented revolution of things, | can scarcely
| hope to find that community of sentiment and
| feeling existing between myself and the party
| with whom | have heretofore acted, and to
| which / am indebted for all that am as pub
| lie man. that has hitherto characterized our in
tercourse and guided our actions. Whilst this
fear is source of painful regret to me, yet, if
should, in the fast approaching end of my Of
| fetal connection with you, hesitate to speak
| plainly and honestly, should not only prove
| myself unworthy of all the honors you have
conferred upon me, but also secure to myself
| convictions of merited contempt.
1t is we'll known to you all that have been,
ever since my entrance into public life, Wing
of the old school, taking the patriot sage Of
Ashland as my political exemplar-the star by
which ! was wont to be guided. In looking
back through the long vista of the past, and
calling to my aid all the advantages which an
increase of years and experience are presumed
| to bring, find nothing to regret in the adop-
| ton of that political creed. 1t commanded my
approval and by that chart l was content to
steer my bark, amidst the storms and breakers
| by which it was surrounded.
| The proclamation is being daily made by
three prominent and leading parties of the
country, "that the Wing party is dead" This
| annunciation may be grateful to those who
make it, but it brings no pleasure to my heart.
| believed in its principles, was ever ready to
abide its fortunes; in its prosperity and trumphs
rejoiced, in its misfortunes and defeats wept
If others can march with rude and careless
step over its remains, /, for one must be ex-
cused from participating in any such strange
unnatural vocation. would rather bedew the
sod under which it is said to repose, with tears
| of grateful memory.
Whether this declaration, so exultingly made,
be true or not, shall not stop to enquire. 1t
is enough may, more than enough for me) to
know that this great party, which once com
manded the affections of its followers and
challenged the respect of its enemies, if not
now dead, has fallen from its high and proud
estate, and is now in disorder and confusion.
BY what agency this result was produced
by whom this great wrong to the affections and
sympathies of the living and the memories of
the illusrious dead was done-it is not neces
sary that should enquire; only rejoice to
know that no stain Of the blood of the victim
is to be found on my garments.
Public position always carries with it its re-
sponsibilities, and the obligation of fidelity to
those from whom we receive them is either e1-
brought its responsibilities, and acknowledge
It's obligations. The questions submitted to
me daily, almost hourly-Why stand weeping
over the grave Of your buried political affec-
tons why not join the American or Demo
cratic party2-I am ready to answer ;-because
] do not agree with either of them, and because
the obligation / assumed in accepting the posi-
ton hold contemplated no such result
was elected to the United States Senate as
Wing, committed TO the support of Wing
principles and Wing men, and i have ever felt
myself bound, by every consideration Of duty
and honor, to vindicate and sustain them in my
official position. ! have endeavored faithfully
TO redeem the pledge thus given, and trust
shall be faithful to the end. Soon ] shall re-
turn my commission to those from whom re-
ceived it, and trust in God no stain of dishonor
or unfaithfulness will attach to it.
Thus much for the past. Let US turn to the
present and the future.
With feelings such as / entertain, and have
endeayored TO present under ordinary circum.
stances, when no great public interest was at
stake, should be inclined TO take no part In
the contest but would content myself with the
quietude and retirement Of private life. But
under the circumstances that surround us
amidst the dangers that threaten not only the
peace and happiness Of the country, but even
the integrity Of the Constitution and the sta.
bity Of the Union-no patriot can feel indif-
ferent, no patriot has a right to fold his arms
and refuse TO do all he can to arrest such evils.
cannot be a silent or Indifferent spectator Of
scenes fraught with such momentous conse-
quences to all that is held most dear to the
lover Of constitutional liberty.
1t cannot have escaped the observation OF
the most casual that state Of things exists at
this time wholly unprecedented in the history
Of parties. Obtuse, indeed, must be the man
who does not read, in the signs of the times,
dangers most imminent the perpetuity of the
country. Circumstances seem to be combining
together, which, if not arrested, must eventual
ly end in the overthrow OF this fair fabric of
human liberty. To avert a calamity so full Of
all that is fearful, 30 full Of an utter overthrow
Of all the hopes Of the lovers Of freedom
throughout the world, the best energies of the
wise, the good and the patriotic, are invoked,
In order fully to appreciate the difficulties
and dangers that surround us, it is necessary
to look at things as they are. And he who,