The Highland weekly news. [volume] (Hillsborough [Hillsboro], Highland County, Ohio) 1853-1886, 1861-01-24
A Patriotic Letter from the Cover
nor Of Maryland,

- 1900 y 'N'--e-'
Gov HICKS Of Maryland, in recent
letter declining to call an extra session
of the Legislature of that State, uttors
the following wise, manly and patriotic
sentiments:
What could the Legislature do in this
crisis, if convened, to remove the pres
ent troubles which beset the Union2--
We are told by theleading spirits Of the
South Carolina Convention, that nei-
thor the election of Mr.. Lincoln, nor
the noD-oxecution of the Fugitive Slave
Law, nor both combined, constitute
their grievances They declare that the
real cause of their discomfort dates as
far back as 1888.
Maryland, and every other State in
the Union, with united voice then de-
clared the cause insufficient to Justify
the course Of South Carolina. Can it
be that the people, who then supported
| the course of General Jackson, will now
yield their opinions at the bidding of
modern Secessiouists? l have been told
the position of Maryland should be de-
fined, so that both sections could under
stand it, Do any really misunderstood
her position? Who that wishes to un-
derstand it can fail to do so2 * X
That Maryland is a Southern cOnserv-
ative State all know who know her peo.
pie or her history. The business and
agricultural classes, planters, and mer.
chants, mechanics and laboring men,
those who have the real stake in the
community, who would be forced to pay
the taxes and do the fighting, are the
persons who should be heard in prefer
once to excited politicians, many Of
whom, having nothing to lose from the
destruction of the Government, may
hope to derive some gain from the ruin
of the State. Such men would natural.
ly urge you to pull down the pillars Of
this accursed Union" which their al
lies at the North have donominated O
covenant with hell.
The people of Maryland, if left tc
themselves, would decide with scarcely
an exception that there is nothing il
the present causes Of complaint to justi
fy immediate secession; and yet agains
our judgments and solemn convictions
of duty, we are to be precipitated int,
civil war because South Carolina think,
differently. Are we not equals? or shal
our opinions control our actions? Afte
we have solemnly declared for ourselves
as every man must do, are we to b.
forced to yield our opinions to thos
of another State, and thus, in cttec
obey her mandate? She refuses to wal
for our counsels, arc we bound to obcy
her commands?
The men who have embarked in thi
scheme to convene the Legislature vii
spare no pains to carry their point. TIL,
whole plan Of operations in the event o
the asscmblage Of the Legislature is, a
% I have been informed, already marke,
out. The list of Ambassadors, who ar,
, to visit the other States. arc 0lread,
agreed on; the business which they hop,
will be passed by the Legislature, full,
- committing this State to secession, i
said to be already prepared.
In the course Of nature, canno
e have long TO live. and l forvently trus
e to be allowed to end my days a citizel
O. of this glorious Union, but should L b
G compelled to witness the downfall OF
o that Government inherited from ou
fathers, established as it we're, by tn
e special favor of God, I will at least hav
= the consolation at my dying hour, tina
D l neither by word nor deed assisted i
D its disruption.
(Signed) THOMAS H. HICKS.