The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1860-12-07

I ding States which have passed statutes, now IN
full force and effect, designed to obstruct the
execution OF the lvItve-siave law. This Is
one of the grieI ances Of which The Southern
people have complained for years and
although earnest and respectfully appeals have
been addressed to you to remove this cause OF
irritation ard complaint, those appeals have
passed unheeded.
As a conservative man, who are ardently
desires the perpetu'ty OF the Union, under the
Constitution, appeal 10 yon, and TO the con-
Servative element OF the North, TO aronSe your
selves al once, aud initiate the proper meas
nFeS to secure repeal OF those obnoxious laws.
Such action on the part OF your Legislature
will have most happy influence in relieving
the Southern mind, and restoring peace and
quiet throughout oar now fearfully excited
country.
The South asks only for the fair and faith
iul execution of the laws passed for the re-
covery and protection of her property-that
you will cease TO embarass aud lend your aid
to effect their execution, according to their let
ter and spirit-that If herproperty shall escape,
and be found IN the non-Siaveholdlng States,
YOU will see that it is promptly restored TO the
rightiul owner. Surely there is patriotism
enough IN Pennsylvania, and the other nom
Siavehoding States, to grant what the law has
declared to BE- our due, especially when tn"
preservation OF the Unlon depends upon It,.
In concluding this branch OF the subject, per-
nit me to add, that if the North will respect
and uphold the rights OF the States, the Union
will be perpetual, our country will continue
TO grow in power aud influence, the people of
70 ha
of peace. quie., aud order, and a prosperity,
such as has never been known or appreciated
in our past history, will be the necessary re-
suit.
Il will require prudence, wisdom, and pat
riotism, to avert the evils now impending over
our country. elimination and Inhammatory
language can have no other effect than to eX-
asperate aud thus preciPilate result that IS
already imminent. In tins hour Of danger to
the Union, II is the duty OF patriots 10 all sec
lions OF our country to cultivate kind, gener-
Gus, aud conciltatory spirit one towards a
mother. Your letter, however, breathes moth
ing of this kind you tauht the South with your
superiorit, Of numbers and threaten to crush
them by your fancied power.
You assure me that "two hundred" Virgl-
mans have agreed 10 place themselves under de-.
that YOU are at my eservIce," and await my
.eorders" VirgInians owe allegiance to TINS
Common wealth, and have too much respect
for nv fe.low-citiz-us OF all parties TO suppose
that "twon hundred" OF them, in any part OF the
State, are willing 10 90 10 Pennsy wanna ior
comm 1ader, even it they had determined 10 a'd
in the ungracious work of reducing Southern
sister State to the affect condition OF conquer
ed irlrince of the Federal Government. True
Virgiuiaus will, am sure, recognize their
oblIg ations 10 the State, and VIII hoid 'hem-
selves in readiness te respond TO the call Of her
constituted authorities We now have IN
! Virginia duv and legally organized, eighty
| eight troops OF cavalry, !wenty-slX compares
| of artillery, one hundred and nine compares
| of infantry, aud one hundred and ten compa-
MES Of riApmen, uniformed and well prepared
| for service. Think you, my dear sir, unueF
these circumstances that any "two hundred
! men in Virginia would seriously propose 10
| import a commander from Pennsylvania =
| No, No! You have been cruelty hoaxed oy
some wag, who desired 10 play of good JOKE
at your expense.
You nave no right to come into Virginia L
raise troops for any purpose whatsoever, and
take the occasion to say to you IN the klndes
spirit imaginable, that such course VIII o'
taker al your peril. 1t IS made my cniY (
se4 that the laws are executed, and 10 the con-
tingepcy referred to, they will BE- executed to
the letter. If you desire to march against
Southern State, for purpose mentioned IN you
letter, raise your troops at home, and presen
them 10 the sons Of the South, as stood tor gun
powder" We have other and better uses 10
VirginiaEs.
| As your letter is of a public character, an'
as the neople of this State may feel some in
terest n your views, / have thought it advisa
bic to publish it, accompanied with my reply
A number o. the Enquirer containing the'coE
respondence will BE- scot 10 your address.
Respectfully,
JOHN LETCHER.
JAMES s. BRrsBN Esq, Belltonte, Centre o.