Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1856-08-02
Col. Fremont in 1s4s--Interesting Letter
from Hon. r. G. Peters.

Col. Fremont in Isis--Interesting Letter
from Hon. T. G. Peters.
! From the Buffalo Republic
The editor Of this paper, recollecting that
Mr.. Peters Of Genesee, who is well known as
a devoted and intelligent friend of agriculture,
and as a citizen who has filled important pub
lie stations with fidelity and ability, travelled
west with Col. Fremont in 1913, and had fire.
quent opportunities Of learning his views then,
addressed Mr. p. note, to which the following
is the response
DAmES, July /, 1850.
My Kind Friend Your favor is Just re-
ceiyed You say that, "having a lively recol-
lection Of your enthusiastic admiration OF Col.
Fremont. when, in 1913, you were fellow
traveller Of his, you desire me, in view Of the
fact that the opposition are endeavoring to pre-
iudice his claims to the popular regard Of the
North because he is a South Carolnan BY birth
and that they declare that his avowed opinions
against the extension Of slavery are assumed for
the occasion. to write you, for publication. so
far as il is proper to do so, what his opinions
were ihen on the great question of slavery ex-
tension which now convulses the country. or
course cheerfully comply, because wish to
do justice 10 the man who seems to have been
proyideniially selected for this crisis.
met Col Fremont and his wife early 10 the
autumn Of lsis on the steamer Saratoga, which
was then in the Buffalo and Sandusky line.
made their acquaintance soon afler we left Buff
ialo, and as we were detained by head-winds
and other causes, we were together nearly or
quite two days. Owing TO peculiar cireum-
stances, not necessary now to mention, our ac-
quainlance bssame very intimate, pauaking
more of that winch is the result of years than
Of days. II was Of the most confidential kind /;
indeed, had belonged 10 their own family, il
could scarcely have been more so.
lie was then on his way TO the western from
tier, 10 sci out on another and final overland
journey to California by new route, for the
purpose Of making an exploration of section
Of the continent which was yet unknown, ex-
cept to the irapper or Indian. His wife was
accompanying him as far as Wesipori, on the
confines Of Missouri, 10 cheer and comfort him
with her presence ill the last moment. And
much did he need her comforting pres ence.-
There had been no time during his whole ca
reer, when his prospects really looked so gloo-
my as then. or when the siouiest heart might
quail. lie had nearly drained the bitter cup.
He did indeed drink its las. bitter dregs before
the journey ended. 1t was on that dreadful
journey that he lost so many of his brave and
ever faithful companions, and nearly perished
himself.
He had but recently got through with his
court MARTIAL trial which, from its inception
TO its close, was one Of the most unjust and dis
graceful that has ever been held in this coun-
try. Instead Of an honorable acquital, and high
commendaiion for his glorious services, il found
him guilty, and, in carrying out judgement, he
had been dismissed the service. lie knew that
great injustice had been done him, and he felt
it keenly. He was poor, having only the
amount Of his salary for his own and falnily's
support. But this was not all for Congress
having refused to assume the debts he had con-
tracied in the conquest of California, he was
going back empiy-handed, and with the certain
prospect of every species Of arrogance from that
source.
He was returning 10 California as a private
citizen, and with the intention Of making there
his future home. Some kind friends ia New
York had enabled him TO send round the nee
essary machinery for mills which he intended
10 erect upon his ranch, since so famous, and SO
valuable, hut then only valuable as alfording a
fine property for agricultural purposes.
Both he and his noble wife looked forward
10 the time when they would be able to enter
tain their friends in their own house, and upon
their own farm in that then far-of territory
Gold had not yet been discovered, and he ex-
pected to conquer success by the same indomi-
table perseverance that had thus far sustained
him in one of the most remarkable careers ever
run by any man Of his age in this or any other
country. And ii was very pleasant to see how
he was cheered on and encouraged by his wife,
whose notions of independence were gratifed
by the vast prospect Of doing good which was
opened to them in that new country. Neither
had any other thought or expectation than to
obtain an honorable and respected position by
their own industry and economy. | mention
these facls to show you, that whatever opinions
he then entertained and expressed were the re-
suit of settled conviction, and not Influenced
by any motives of policy. Those who know
the man thoroughly, know that he is capable of
giving expression TO any other than his own
well-setted and thorough convictions upon any
important subject brought to his notice OF dis
cussion.
Feeling great interest in having California a
free stale, and feeling satisfied that wherever his
lot was cast he would exercise great influence
over those who were associated with him, the
subject of slavery was often freely and thorough
ly discussed, and in the most unrestrained and
confidential manner.
In all cases, found Col Fremout's opinions