The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-01-23
THE STATE CONVENTION.

- TOTHE VOTERS OF HENRISe.
~ ~ Sass me pass.gS Of ee ,n ProyfiSVlih 4s
ginia. have been approached by many of you
with the, INJURY whether ! would consent to
serve In that body the delegate from THIS coun-
~; and on yesterday a communication to the same
effect, asking an expression et ~, Jews upon Ihe
questions Thcs MI s a. ann pP
formed from sources entitled to my most respect
fnl consideration. Its propcrthat should reply
The great responsibility attached 10 the, place Of
delegate 70 Convention, the most inro'inat, pro-
baby, which has over asse,ahltr III the Common
wealth, charged. - u will be- with the decision oil
questions neot Ing the very existence OF the Fede-
raj rioh and the honor and safety of Virginia pre-
sition and feel that tn - who know me well
Will credit the sincerity OF the declara.ion ti'ai
its acceptance. But here sfc great occasions IN the
history Of every people in which it becomes me I'M
peratve DIT. OF every citizen to render bis services
in whatever capacity his country may cal for them
Recognizing this as eminently such an occasion,
| do not feel at liberty to shrink from the per-
Torrance of any duty which may be assigned TO
me by the people of my native county 10 whose
owe no mar ba if fs If S% o.sess
be your wish ny shontt serve o{ IL the hon =.
and bring TO the discharge of it's duties whatever
of ability or fidelity may possess.
Ii seems to be agreed on all hands that the I'M
happy controversy which has 50 long distracted
cur country, and now threatens its total d1smem-
Derment; must in some way be now hIonght 10
limits in sincerity of devotion to the great Union
established by our Fathers, every sentiment
of my heart impels me to desire It's presefva-
ton. And ! should deem it a sacred duly, IN
whatever position | might occupy, to embrace
aud sustain any adustWTenf pi hg tH Hasss nnfh
ern States, which may be permanent ana non
orable, so as to perpetuate the Union upon
the principles upon which It was formed -
To render such an adjustment satisfactory TO the
South, It should, in my Judgment, be radical IN It's
character and be sanctioned by constitutional pro-
/ visions which shall forever deprive the Natl0nil
Congress OF the power to leSislate ~ all IN refer
ence to slavery. The Legls aturc of Virginia has
! with great uranihiy originated measure IN
vitlng an assembly of Commissioners from the
different States, with the view of ascertaining
: whether any such settlement can be made: aud
! THINK we SHAH now be ahie to see "hether the
people OF the Northern States intend to make pro-
per concessions I" or J0St demands. IL tIeI Sftu
no Commissioners, or those sent sh0ula ldli ~
agree upon any basis of settlement, the Conyen-
ton will be able TO decide. IN the light OF those
Idcts, upon the course proper for Virginia 10 Puf
sue. If, on the contrary, any plan of adjustment
can be devised, either by them or in any other
mode, with fair aud rea>?hHt.e prospects Of
! Interests o. tie south can be etiec;ualIy
/ guaranteed and protected against future Gu
result with more satisfaction than myself
! But in view OF the developments which are occur
ring every day in reference 10 the state u public
sentiment AZ the North, we are constrained 10 con :
fempiatc the failure Of any such adjustment aS an
vent Probable to occur. IN seen case the guy
! cannot have peace aud security n the Union, we
must seek them outofit Virginia cannot post
| none the exercise of this right for an indefinite
| time. The Convention cannot finally adjourn,
with safety or honor until this question shall IN
! rights of the South, and then to adjourn without
! day and without action for our own preservation,
! would be a direct invitation to further aggression.
! 1t would do more. Five States have already left
/ the Union. and there is every reason to believe
/ Legis ature has determined that coercion against
! a seeding state Will he regarded as an attack