The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-08-30
Political.
Letter from Hon. II. G.. Win
thrOp.

thrOp.
The following letter from the Hon. r. c.
Winthrop, Of Boston, will explain itself. 1t
was received on Saturday morning by the
gentleman to whom it is addressed:
BosToN. August II, 1856.
My DEAR Sir: Your obiying communica-
ton of the It'll inst, inviting me to address
a mass meeting of the friends of Mr. Fillmore
at Brooklyn on the evening of the Goth inst,
was duly received. | lose no time in saying
that it will be impossible for me to be present
on that OCCASION, and that can only return
my grateful acknowledgements to the COM
mttee for the compliment which the invita-
ton contains.
As member of the old Wing party Of
Massachusetts, | have acquiesced in the ar
rangcment of the state central committee of
| that party for postponing any definite action
in regard to the Presidential election until the
usual autumnal convention. | do not know
| whether | shall be in the way of attending
that convention: or if am, whether | shall
he called on to take any part in its proceed
mgs. But intend to keep myself free from
| any absolute committals, and to leave myself
open to fresh impressions and convictions. at
least until the date which has been fixed for
that convention shall have passed
AT the same time | have no hesitation in
admitting that you were entirely right in the
| belief which your letter expresses as to my
present opinions. Those opinions have been
| already set forth by more than one of your
distinguished fellow citizens of New York,
with clcarness and fullncss which leave
nothing to be supplied. | refer particularly
| to the published letters of my valued friends,
Mr.. Barnard and Governor Hunt, which |
have read with the greatest interest and graft
tication. From their general views Of public
affairs and Of existing political parties, have
not been able to withhold my cordial concur
renee and sympathy. Nor can easily escape
from their conclusions.
| You are doubtless aware that have never
associated myself with any branch or order
of what is now known as the American party.
So far as their organization has been secret,
OF their objects proscriplire or intolerant they
have never had my appreciation or assent.
| But have seen no nomination for the Prcsi-
dency which seems to promise so much of
peace and harmony to the country at large,
and go much Of assured stability to its inst-
tutions, under existing circumstances, as that
of Mr.. Fillmore.
| certainly have not found myself able as
yet TO give in my adhesion to either of the two
other parties, which are arrayed against each
other so stcrnly and so angrly upon qucs-
tons involving the most exciting and danger
Gus issues. Nor do perceive how the sue
cess Of either of them is to bring relief to the
country from the pernicious agtations and
controversies which are now shaking 1t to its
centre. In resisting, as | always have done,
and still must, the organization Of such &C.
ographcal party as Washington condemned
! | al tl,,f hN xyh so al
plorablc an occasion has been furnished for
its formation. And il it were possible that
a majority Of the American people could still
he reused up to come bcireen contend'ns sec
lions. and TO put an end to strife and diScold
by the election of a candidate of known mod
Grafton and experience, it would be, in my
judgment. n triumph worthy Of the best days
of the republic.
While the great State of New York holds
out so strong hope of doing hcI share toward
the accomplishment of such a result, it Ger
tanly is not for the to despair of it, At any
rate. I firmly believe that if every man who
thinks in his honest soul that Mr.. Fillmore
would be the safest and best pilot in the OK.
listing cxigency, would act as Inc thinks, and
give him a vote he would be elected beyond
u question.
These are my deliberate views to-day, an
modified by any returns OF recent elections,
and regardless of any spcculations on the doc.
trine of chances. | have no disposition to
conceal them, and they are not likely to BE-
changed. But am quite willing to await
the developments of another week or two, and
to reserve a final decision as to the best course
to BE- pursued until those with whom | have
so long been proud TO cooperate, and to whom
such an act of Difference seems justly due,
shall have had an opportunity to consult to-
gether freely and fully, and TO pr onouncc Their
Ultimate judgment on the question. do this
the more readily, as it will be entirely out of
my power to enter largely or actively into the
present campaign, and nothing therefore can
be lost in any quarter by such delay on my
own part.
Indeed have only been led into this of
hand explanation of my views at this moment
by tho urgency ofyour unexpected invitation.
1t seemed to demand reply, and that reply
could only be a frank one You are at liberty
to make any use of it which you may see fit,
and | have given the same liberty to friend
in this quarter, to whom have furnished q
copy. With no disposition to obtrude any
views of my own upon the attention of thu
public, owe it to the Wing party, the only
party to which | have ever acknowledged any
allegiance, not to suffer these views to remain
the subject of injurious Misrepresentation.
am dear sin,
Respectfully, rand truly
Your obdt serv't,
RoBT. &. WINTHROP.
&C. Egan, Esq, Committee, &C.. New