The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1856-10-15

AN- u
IMPORTANT CoRREspeNDENcE.--The is
scarcely an individual in the south west who is
not acquainted, personally or BY reputation,
with doctor Stephen Duncan, Of Natchez, the
largest STAKEHOLDER in Mississippi, and one of
the largest in the south. The immense stake
owned by DR.. Duncan in southern property, as
well as his high standing and widespread in
i fluence, renders bis opinions peculiarly valua-
Bile; and the fact that at one time he arrived at
conclusions Numerically opposed to those now
enunciated by him, imparts enhanced interest
and importance to his views We invoke, there
fore, the attention Of southern men, and espe-
cially of shareholders, to the annexed cores
pondence: StSaA IL 4 H k#AlfIs
NArcHEz, September 9s, f856.-Hon. F. H.
/ Farrar: DearSir-In conversation, some weeks
ago, you stated that it was reported, IN portions
of Louisiana, that doctor Stephen Duncan, Of
this city, had avowed himself supporter of
Mr.. Buchanan for the presidency; that this re-
port was operating injuriously to the interests
Of Mr.. Fillmore, among Mr.. Duncan's friends;
that it was argued by the opponents of Mr.. Fill
more that doctor Duncan, being one of the
largest shareholders in the south, would natu-
rally feel deeper interest in the slavery ques-
| ton than any other issue now before the coun-
try; and, hence, that he must regard Mr. Buch-.
anan as safer for the south than Mr.. Fillmore
Being satisfied that Mr.. Duncan's position
was not understood in this matter, SO inform
ed him, and requested permission TO give pub
city to his opinions on this subject. His let
ter, given herewith, will explain itself. com
muncate to you, through the Courier, as the
most ready mode Of accomplishing our object
Respectfully and truly yours, &C., zasa
u G. L. DuBu1ssoN.
New YORK, September 13, 1856.-My dear
Sir-I received your letter and learn from it
that some letters addressed by me to friends in.
Mississippi, in June last, have created the i'm
preston that now favor the election of Buch-
anan. It is due to myself, and especially due
to my old friends, that l should explain my
course in this matter. When / arrived in this
city in May last, l found the public mind much
disturbed, and much feeling excited | be-
came alarmed for the consequences, and when
wrote my friends in the south in the early part
of June last thought the crisis demanded that
the first consideration, with the conservatives of
all parties, should be tie preservation of the
Union-and for the attainment of this great and
good object, that no sacrifice would be too great.
| thought this could only be attained by allay
ing the sectional strife, which so disturbs the
whole country, and which, if continued, must
produce the most calamious results. | then
thought and so wrote to my friends in the SOUTH,
that for the accomplishment of this end it might
be wise and proper for the wings to sustain the
election of Mr.. Buchanan-and thus make his
majority so triumphant, that he would feel him
self, and be, the president of the nation and not
of party. Besides, being advanced in years..
hoped he would have aspirations for a re-
election, and would therefore be likely 10 adj
minister the government with purity, and with
out party or sectional bias.
never commended him to the wings as
choice, but only as an alternative-as the least
of two evils; for then thought the contest would
be between him and Mr.. Fremont alone. Very
soon afterward, however, my views underwent
an entire change. | became satisfied that the
success of Buchanan would in no wise tend to
allay sectional strife. On the contrary, that
his election would most likely aggravate and
prolong it, through the violence of his oppo-
nents-for it is undeniably true that he is as
much a southern sectional, as Mr.. Fremont
northern sectional candidate. With Mr.. Buch-
anan's election the agitation would be contin-
ued-with Mr.. Fremont's election the crisis
would be more speedily brought to the culmi-
mating point-not simply by his election, but
through the measures of his adherents.
Since Mr.. Fillmores return from Europe, his
prospects have so strengthened and improved,
that think no true whig can hesitate in his
choice. He is the only one of the three suited
to the crisis. He is national in tone and sent-
ment.. On him, and through him, national
party may be built up, strong enough to over
ride all others-and especially all sectional par
ties His friends may confidently rely on his
obtaining the vote of this State. entertain
the opinion that the success of all parties here
tofore has depended. more on their organisation
than on their principles. If this be so, then Mr..
Fillmore ought to carry New York, for the party
that supports him is much the best organised Of
the three. .H-#-y
am much averse to appearing before the
public in any way. 1t would, however, be un-'
Just to Mr.. Fillmore man for whose public
and political course l entertain so profound
respect-to withhold from him any influence,
however small, may possess. l seek not to
obtrude my opinions on others; but seek to be
fairly quoted and represented in the present can
vass. Icould not conscientiously withhold from
my friends my present views. have advised
all to whom wrote in June of the change sta
ted above, and the reasons for it. They are
satisfactory to myself, and hope will be so to
;hem. 5" 1 am yours, &c,
z a. STEPHEN DUNCAN
~~->~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-
The strifes and bitterness of century, usu-
ally die out and lose all power over the public
opinion; but affection keeps fresh, what anger
1ever would have preserved.
No man was ever SO sincerely loved, or so
low hxyf fbn orl