The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-08-01
A Noble Act.

Miss Cornelia Barbour, Virginia lady of tai.
ent and character, daughter of the late Hon.
James Barbour, Governor of Virginia, and
member of J. .. Adams's cabinet, has emancipa-
ted all her slaves, and has given them homes in
free States, whereupon Mr.. Underwood, free.
dom's refugee from Virginia, writes as follows
NEW York. July .. 1850.
Miss CoKNELIA BARBOUR: Ii was my happi.
ness many years ago to pass portion of two
DAYS at the house and in the society of your
honored father in Orange County, in the Old Do
minion. | still cherish very distinct recollec-
ton of him, your mother, and yourself, and Of
the pleasure and instruction derived from that
visit. Recent Information that you, in concur
renee with the sentiments Of the great men OF
Virginia at the period of the Revolution, of the
great and good men of all Christian counties ex-
cept only our Southern States, had resolved TO
give freedom to your bondmen, has awakened
anew the memory of that interview for which l
was indebted 10 the kind introduction Of our
mutual friend, Judge Field Of Culpepper. Allow
me to rejoice and 10 thank you for your practi-
cal devotion and self.sacrifce in a cause now
doubly dear 10 me, since it has cost NE years OF
exile and banishmen. from all the fond ties OF
wife and children, and happy home. In my
wanderlngS since my ostracism from the great
State of Virginia in 1856, have often dweli
with delight on the recollections Of the noble
person and the still nobler sentiments of your dis
tinguished father. These feelings are aroused
with increased intensity 10y an extract inclosed,
which l have lust cut from the y. Y. Tribune
OF this DAY IS date. Such sentiments are worthy
Of one of the great lights of our country-s
man who conferred honor upon every station he
occupied, whether in the Executive OF his ma
tive State, in the Cabinet Of one OF the puresi
National Administrations, or as Representative
at he most mighty Court Of Europe.
Go on, esteemed daughter of Virginia, and Of
q most noble sire, in the work of patriotism, Of
freedom and of humanity. Others shall be in
6uenced by your bright and heroic example
And may We not hope for the speedy coming o.
that good time when the State We love shall re
sumo Der ancient position, the foremost among
her sisters of this glorious Union. Her centrs
location, her unequaled natural resources ant
capabilities, demand this at her hands. She
should be first in agriculture, in commerce, il
arts, in manufactures, ard escepially In intellec
tual culture, and in the higher developments o
mind and heart which give elevation of purpos,
| and dignity Of character, and spread the kint
charities and sweet amenities Of Christian civil
zation through all the activities Of social and do
mestc life.
know you will have one earnest sympathize
IN the person OF INV wife, who, like yourself
born 10 the condition of ease and indulgenc,
amid large circle OF servants, has, ike your
self, chosen to secure the consciousness of doins
justice and loving mercy at the expense OF in
curing the reproach of folly and fanatacism
The names of those equal TO the surrender 0
| arbitrary power are few indeed, and worthy O
eternal conservation. Who can forget DiOcleSian
Charles V, Richard Cromwell, La Fayette, OIL
| the Russian Alexander III, who has alread,
achieved greater glory by the emancipation o
his seris than did his Grecan predecessor by the
| subugation of the world. Yours shall be kin
dred glory. God grant that you may be spared
the cruel persecution, spite, threats and denun
citation, which my poor wife has been compelled
to endure. Through the medium of that gOot
| wife, in her premature and enforced widowhOoG
at Culpepper, send these brief words, assuring
you of the sincere respect and great regard will
which remain, Your friend,
JOHN c. UNDERWOOD.