Union County star and Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1859-1864, 1860-08-10


We are indebted TO Wm Howlaud, Esq
Of Sherwood's Corners, in this county, f.
the privilege Of perusing and transcrlbln
for publication this veritable original lie;
ter from Patrick Henry. Itwas addresse'
to John Alsop, venerable aud worth.
member Of the Society Of Friends, thel
residing at Hudson, n. Y, whose sol
Thomas subsequently married Mary, sis
ter Of Humphrey and SiOcum Rowland
of this county, iu whose family it has ev
er since been carefully preserved.
HANOVER, Va, Jan. Is, 1888.
"Dear Sir: | take this opportunity t.
acknowledge the receip, of Anthony Ben
eze,,'s book against the slave trade.
thank you for it. 1t is not little sur
prising that Christianity whose chief ex-
cellence consists in softeuins the human
heart, in cherishing and improving its
finer feelings, should encourage practice
SO totally repugnaut to the first impress
sions of right aud wrong. What adds to
the wonder is, that this abominable prac-
tice has been introduced in the most en-
lish,ened ages Times that seem to have
professions to boas, Of high improvement
in arts, sciences and refined morality, have
brought into general use and guarded by
many laws species Of violence aud ty-
ranny which our more rude and barbarOus,
but more honest ancestors detested.
"Is it not amazing that time when
the rights Of humanity are defined aud ~
ders;ood with precision, in country,
above all others, fond Of liberty-tha; 10
such an age and such country we find
men protesting religion the most human,
mild, meek, gentle and generous, adopting
a principle as repugnant to humanity as it
is consistent with the Bible and destruc-
tive to liberty? Every thinking, honest
mau rejects it in speculation. How few
in practice, from conscientious motives.
"The world, in general, has denied your
people share Of its honOrs but the wise
will ascyibc to you just tribute Of the
virtuous praise for the practice Of a train
Of virtues, among which your disagree
nent to slavery will be principally ranked.
[ can not but wish well to people whose
system initiates the example Of Him whose
ifc was perfect; and, believe me, shall
louor the Q1akers for their noble efforts
Q abolish slavery. /, is equally calcula-
ed to promote moral and political good.
"Would any one believe that am mas
er Of slaves BY my own purchase? lam
lrawn along BY the general Inconvenience
f living without them will not, can
lot justify it, however culpable my con-
uct. l will SO far pay my deyoir to viz
1e as 20 own the excellence and rectitude
f her precepts, and to lament M want Of
to them. | believe time will :
one when an opportunity will be afforded {
abolish the lamentable evil. Every t
ling we can do is to improve it, if it hap {
ens in our day; if not, lie. US transmit to q
II descendants, together with our slaves, l
pity for their unhappy lot, and an ab- :
,rrence of slavery. If We can not re- !
ice this wished for reformation to prac- r
ce. lie, US treat the unhappy victims with 5
nifty. 1t is the furthest Advancement We h
IN make toward justice. 1t is debt We b
We to the purity of our religion to show p
lat it is at variance with that law which II
arrauts slavery. u
"Here is an instance that sileu. meet :.
gs (the sccff Of reverend doctors) have ~
'De that which learned and elaborate
'eaehing can not effect; SO much prefer 81
lie are the general dictates of conscience, n
ID a steady attention to its feelings, 5
ove the teachings of those men who pre- h
I'd to have found better guide. l ex. II
rt you to perseyere in SO worthy reso. -
,ion Some Of our people disagree, or n, n
least are lukewsrm in the abolition Of n
very. Many treat the resolution Of e,
Z; meeting with !,iicu.s; a3d among A