The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1858-09-22
Gen. Mcoueen's Letter.

Among other letters published in re-
sponse to the invitation to attend the COM
plimentary dinner to Gen. Bonham, wo find
one from Gen. Mcqueen. 1t is written in
his usual plain, straight forward style and
bears upon its face evidence of an honest
and independent spirit.
The General first addresses himself to
defence Of his vote upon the Kansas Bill,
and saysit is easy for those who look on, to
find fault, and censure their representatives
who acted under the NEST difficult and pain.
full circumstances. lie did not believe that
the matter presented was sufficient issue,
or that the South would have resisted in
single State. He foresaw that the North
would violate the Kansas Act-would at.
tempt TO bring Kansas iu Us a State without
the number of bona fide settlers, which this
Act requires, and he conceives, upon the
violation of this law, there will be much
better issue before the country aud one
which ought to unite the South in resis.
tance. Those who condemned that bill will
have an opportunity Of proving to the
South their fidelity and patriotism, and ho
fol one, if n single State outside Of South
Carolina will act, twill be found among The
foremost taking any consequences that may
follow" He believes that the day that
witnesses n violation of the late Kansas
law should witness n dissolution of the
Union bnt If this does not afford incentive
enough for the South to act, she should be
ready to strike, and strike at once, 80 soon
as Black Republican power is elected to
preside over the destinies Of the present
roniedcrncy. The concluding portion Of
his spirited remarks we submit entire
lu the mean time, while We should not
consider ourselves of, or in the National
Democratic party, we at al. times, can but
support such measures of the party, as are
in accordance with the Constitution and
the principles which We maintain, rs the
only party with whom we can at all co Cd.
crate. II they are sustained by the party,
then the difficulties Ne appehend may be
postponed Tor seasea, OF possibly avoided
until reason may assume the throne once
more. But although in the cid world, there
are some indications Of il on the subject Of
Slavery, am sure there Me none in this.
and 1t would seem to me 10 be wisdom in
us, to prepare for the worst. There is no
cause tor disun:on among ourselves; and
trust in this State ~e shall have none no
good can come from it, much harm may. /
am not one of those who has despaired O,
resistance by the South TO the arrogance Of
the North. Ii seems 10 me that although
the power OF fanaticism is increasing, yet
the feeling of resistance at the So,th is
keeping good pace. Ten years ago 20 talk
Of n dissolution of the Union was almost
treason in the opinion of nine tennis Of the
people out side of South Carolina. Now
you will find in any Southern State thous.
ands who do not hesitate TO declare their
belief that il is not only inevitable, but de-
sirabe ut the earliest practicable moment
and although there may De those In the
South, who from political aspirations, would
endure gSat deal in the present Union,
rather than sever, YET we have too much
nt stake. both property md honor, to allow n
lew aspiring men wherever they may be, 10
muzzle, much longer that spirit which is
".anifesily increasing IN every State South
OF the Potomac. Cur people are neither
Ignorant or cowardl, and when once sat
isiied it is NECESSARY, rs think ere long
they will be, do rot despair that they will
do as ;heir ancestors did.
have made this already much longer
than intended and will conclude by ex
pressing the hope that nothing I have writ
ten will be construed into the slightest re.
Election upon the vote given by your dis
tinguished aud faithful Representative who
differed with me on the Kansas Bill. He
exercised his judgement honestly,-I but
claim to have done the same,-and make
no aliusion to him nv one who has censured
those who voted as l did. lie has q right
to vindicate his cOurse,-I but claim the
same. lie deserves your confidence, and
rejoice to see you do him honor.
Allow me TO offer the following sen,i.
ment:
The Federal Union-Whenever IL be.
comes Black Republican, let the South sew
er from It. and remain ichne Republican.
Please accept for yourselves and for those
you repre- sent, my sincere thanks for your
kind invitation, and my sentiments of high.
est regard.
Your obedient servant.
John McQUlEy.
To Hessrs. =. S. Tompkins, T.. Seibels,
j.. b. Griffin, J.. Butler, J. w. Hill, Com.
miItee.