Columbia Democrat and Bloomsburg general advertiser. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1850-1866, 1860-12-22
Letter from Ex-Fresident fierce


this city, written, it is true, in the course
of friendly correspondence, and not with a
view to publication. But as we think the
people are entitled to the views of we'll
known and tried public servants, who have
enjoyed large share of the public conf
dence, we have requested copy of this
letter for this issue. We recognize in cv-
cry line oft spirit Of patriotism and, de-
votion to the whole country, which will
insure.the attentive perusal of every rea-
der:
LOWELL, Mass, Nov. 90, 1850.
Ny Dear Sir: Your letter was received
at Concord, on Saturday, and 1 should
have answered it while there, if 1 could
have found little interval of leisure.
am here to-day on business, and can there
fore do scarcely more than to thank you;
but let so much, at least, be said
The apprchcnsions which you so forci-
bly, express did not increase mino. You
know how sincerely and earnestly have
for years deprecated the causes which, if
not removed, l foresaw must produce the
fearful crisis which is now upon US; and l
know how Intellectual in this section, have
been all warnings of patriotism and ordi-
nary for, cast. Now, for the first time,
men are compelled to open their eyes, as
II aroused from some strange delusion up.
on a full view of the nearness and magui-
tude Of the impending calamitics. 1t is
worse than idle,-it is fooll-Lardy to
discuss the question of probable relative
suffering and loss in different sections OF
the Union. In case of disruption, we shall
all be involved in common financial em-
barrassmcuts and ruin, and, l fear, in
common destructon-so much more appal
ling than any attendant upon mere sacri.
fee Of property, that one involuntarily
turns even from its contemplation. To
my mind, one thing is clear,-n wise men
can, under existing circumstances, dream
Of coercion. The first blow struck in that
directionwill be o blow fatal even to hope.
You have observed, of course, how Sc
riously commercial confidence, and conse-
quently the price Of stocks, &C., have al
ready been shaken at the North, and yet
there is in the public mind . very imper-
feet apprehension of the real danger. Still
there are indications Of disposition to re-
peal laws directed against the constitution
al rights of the Southern States-such as
personal liberty bills" &c.,-and if we
could gain little time, there would Seem
to be ground ofhopo that these just causes
Of distrust and dissatisfaction may be re.
moved.
trust the South will make a large
draft on their devotion to the Union, and
be guided by the wise moderation which
the oxigoncy so urgently calls for. Can it
be that this flag, with all the stars in their
places, is no longer to float at home
abroad and always as an emblem of our
anited power, common freedom and un-
challenged security? Can it be that it is
to 20 down in darkness, if not in blood,
before we have completed single century
of our independent national existence!
l agree with you that madness has rul-
cd the hour in pushing forward a line Of
aggressions upon the South, but will not
despair of returning reason, and of rea-
Weakened sense of constitutional right and
duty. | will still look with earnest hope
for the full and speedy yindication Of the
coequal rights and coequal obligations Of
these States, and for restored fraternity
under the present Constitution-fraternity
secured by following the example Of the
fathers of the Rcpublic-fratcrnity based
upon admission and cheerful maintenance
of all provisions and requirements of the
sacred instrument under which they and
their children have been SO signally bless
ed. When that hope shall perish, if per-
ish it must, life itself, my friend, will lose
its value for you and me.
1t is apparent that much will depend
upon the views expressed and the tone and
temper manifested during the early days
of the session of Congress now near at hand
May the God of our fathers guide the
counsels of those who in the different de-
partment, of government are invested in
this critical epoch with responsibilities un-
known since tie sitting Of the Convention
which framed the Constitution.
Your friend,
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
A ,,-,D,,,r l.1,r s;ttino, lv q cbnar6il