Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1856-09-12

fFrcm the Buffalo Republic, August ISL
VIRGINIA INTOLERANCE-AN IN
TERESTING LETTER FROM J. c.
UNDERWOOD, THE VIRGINIA
REFUGE.
As1oR HOUSE, N. T., August IA, 1855.
| j. T. STEER, Eso.,-Dear Sir: =
l had been staying at the Astor with my
wife and boy so long that began to
fear that my credit was suffering, and
supposed ] owed nearly hundred dol
lars. when | went to the Office to settle
my bill, but found there was no charge
against me. appealed to Mr.. Stetson,
the proprietor, who positively refused to
accept any compensation for the trouble
and expense had caused him. He said
he might himself be placed in my cir
cumstances, and require the aid of stran-
gers. Ihope the friends of freedom will
remember the great-hearted proprietor Of
the Astor, when they come to the city of
New York.
Ny expulsion from home was intense
feeling in favor of extending slavery.
ard the hope of large increase in tho
price of slaves resulting from the extern
sion of the slave market. Governor
Wise had just infamed this avarice by
saying, substantially, in his ratification
speech at Richmond select Buchanan
and spread slavery over the western tor
ritories, and you will increase the price
Of slaves from $1,000 to from $4,000 t.
$4,000" But had no idea If the mad
ness which the Governors cxtravagant
declaration had prodaccd. Besides, we
had, not long ago, transaction which
had suppose had produced some calmness
reflection and even moderation On the
part of our pro slavery men.
The case refer to was this. One of
the most worthy men df which any coun-
try can boast, Samuel N. Janney. Qua
ker minister, residing near me in Lon
don county, Virginia, had been indica-
ted for what was deemed Il seditious pub
lication in one of our newspapers. But
It was found, on examination, that tn.
words complained of were almost literal
quotation OF Je.farsoa and John Wesley,
md the Common wealth attorney be-
zane very willing and anxious to enter
noAe prosequi and let the Quaker go.
Having this case before me, | confined
myself, in my Philad lphia Convention
emarks. TO quotations from jefferson,
nd s.udiously avoided even his harsh
r expressions. You know, says, ..if
he slaves should rise in arms against US,
he Almighty has no attribute which
ould take sides with US in the contest
certainly said nothing that could COM
,are with this.
| have just received letter from
'oor neighbor, asking when will return
nd promising an armed and mounted
scort OF at least fifty of my neighbors.
rom the railroad depot to my farm,
istancc of ten miles. l can hardly re-
ist the strong inclination l feel to 90
ome. But have thus far yielded to
he advice of friends, and the unqualified
emonstrance Of my wife, who believes
would be rushing upon certain destruc-
ion. She points to our little children,
nd claims her right to my aid in their
are and education, and tina. appeal is
| have written great many letters
lone to try and allay the excitement,
nd nay wife has, through Gen Spinne.
ppealed to Gov. Smith, an old friend of
er family, and the representative in
congress Of the district, where the most
iolent proceedings against the have been
ED. The General informs us that h.
resented the letter to Gov. Smith, who,
i returning it, the General says. seemed
4 common with other Virsinians, to be
oSs ,ssed with the idea that had for.
ted my right Of residence III Virginia
nd that where there was no statute law
0 meet the case, they had right tale.
y on common law. What common law
5 meant, l don't know perhaps it is
he ''higher law, though 1 am rather
Inclined to believe it must b. "a lower
aw.
| have promised to attend a conyen-
ion at Wheel.n, for the nomination of
Fremont State ticket for Virginia il,
and will try to see you onmy
Fay. Very truly and sincerely yours,
J. G. CNDERwooo.