Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1861-01-04
GEN. wo1L's LETTER 70 FRIEND ~ VA HING
ION.

JON
Troy. Dec. 81, 1850.
NJ Dszr Su South Carolina, after - years
Mr.. Rhett says 30 years, Of constant and incTeas-
ing efforts by her leaders 10 induce her to Sc
cede has declared herself out of the Union, and
this too without the slightest wrong or Injustice
done her people on the part Of the Government Of
the United States. Although she may have seized
the revenue cutter, raised her reasonable Palmet
10 Flag over the United States Arsenal, the Gus
tom House, Post OfEco, Castle Pinckney ard Fort
Moultrie, fhe is nc out Of the Union, nor beyond
the pale Of he United States. Before she can get
out Of their jUrisdotion or control, rcconstruc-
ton of tho Constitution must be had civil WAY
ensue. In the latter case It would require
prophet 20 ioretell the result.
a It Is reported that Mr.. Buchanan has received
Informally the Commissioners appointed by the
rebels Of South Carolina 90 negotiate for the pub
lie property in the harbar # Charleston AID for
other purposes. 1t is also reported that the Pre-
sident disspproved OF tle conduct q Major Ander-
son. who being satisfied that he would not be able
to defend Fort Moutre with the few men under
his command wisely took possession of Fort Sumter,
where he could protect himself and the country
from the disgrace which might have occurred, If
he had remained N Fort MoultIie. Being the com
mander in the Larb0r he had the right 70 occupy
Fort Sumter, act which the safety Of the Union
as well as his own honor demanded. 1t is likewise
stated that approximations are entertained that
Major Anderson will be required to abandon Fort
Sumter and re-occupy Fort Moultrie. There can be
no foundation fox such apprehensions, Tor surely
the President would not surrender the citadel Of
the harbor Of Charleston TO rebels. Fort Sumter
commands the entrance, ard in few hours could
demolish Fort McuItrie So long as the United
States keeps possession # this Fort, the lndepend
enoe Of South Carolina will only be in name and
not in fact. IT, however, il should be surrendered
TO South Carolina, which do not apprehend, TIE
Il > - G.
roused beyond control. 1t would not be in the
power Of any one to restrain it. In tweHty days
fIrO hundred thousand mud be readiness 70
take ueaqeancs on Oh ,rb3 could beiray fhs Urio1
info ii, hands Of as enemies. Be assured that do
not exaggerate the feelings Of the people. They
are already sufficiently excited at the attempt to
dissolve the Union, for no other reason than that
they consltutionally exercised the most precious
right conferred on them, Of voting for the person
whom they considered the most worthy and best
qualified to FL the Office Of President Fort Sum
ter therefore ought not, and 1 presume will not,
be delivered over TO South Carolina.
an not, however, pleading for the Free States,
for they are not in DANCE, bu, for The Union and
the preservation Of the Cotton states. Those who
SOW the wind must expect TO reap the whirlwind.
The leaders Of South Carolina could not have no
iced hat We live in an sge Of progress, and that
all chTistcndom is making rapid strides in the
march Of civilization and freedom. If they had,
mert Of every victory obtained by the Hero Of The
18th century, Garibaldi in favor Of the oppre sci
Of Italy, did not fail t. clcctriy every American
heat with joy and giadness. where liberty
dwells, there is my country the declaration
Of the ilnstrious Franklin This principle is too
strongly implanted in the heart and mind Of every
man in the Free State, TO Be surrendered becsus sc
South Carolina desires it in order to extend the
area Of slavery. With oil christanized Europe
and yearly all the civilized woIll opposed 10
slavery, are the Southern States prepared 10 set
aside tho barriers which shield and protect their
institutions under the United States Government
Would the separation Of the South from the
North, give greater security to slavery than it
has now under the Constitution Of the Union >
What security would they have for the return Of
runaway slaves l apprchend none, whilst the
number Of runsways would be greatly augmented
and the difficulties Of which shareholders complain |
would be increased tcn-fold. However much in
dIviduas might condemn slavery, the Free States |
are prepared to sustain and defend it as guaran-
tied by the Constitution.
In conclusion, Won avoid the bloody nd des |
Olsting example Of the Mexican States. I am |
row, and forever, in favor OF the Union its pres
ervation, and The rigid maintenance Of the rights
and interests of the States. individually as well as
collectively. Yours, DC,
JOHN E. WOOL.