Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1861-01-03
Letter of Hon. Geo. w. Hughes, of Md.
TO MY CONSTITUENTS.

TO MY CONSTITUENTS.
Ever since the meeting of Congress, I
have watched with intense, at times hope
full, but now fearful interest, the progress of
events and I feel that the crisis has arriy-
ed when should be derelct to my duty. as
your Representative, if l did not solemnly
warn you of the perilous situation of the
| Federal Government.
1t is not my present purpose to enter up
on discussion of the unhappy causes which
have led to the dangers that surround US on
every side, but simply to announce to you
the existing condition of our public affairs,
in order that you may, in conjunction with
our fellow-citizens in other portions of the
State, prepare to meet the gathering storm,
which, in my judgment, nothing but Gods
providence Chat has been so often hereto
fore interposed for our safety can turn from
its destructive course. l have almost lost
all confidence in human power to avert the
calamity which threatens us. I can see no
ray of hope, to soothe or allay the Justly ex-
asperated feelings of the South, in the ante
cedents of the President elect, or in the
opinions Of his confidential friends and alyi-
sers, or of the representatives of his party
upon the floors of Congress, where they pre-
serve either moody reserve Or an ominous
silence. 1t is true there have been some
isolated movements recently, amongst the
Northern people, of an encouraging charac-
ter, but no expressions of conservative or
conciliatory sentiments from their recogaiz-
ed political authorities.
In the meanwhile we are drifting with
fearful rapidity towards revolution. and pro-
baby civil war, with all its attendant hor-
rors. And there is literally nothing being
done, in the only quarter where anything
can be done, to avert, or even Temporarily
to stay our onward course to dissolution of
the Government 1t is my firm conviction,
based on information Of the most reliable
character, that, unless there can be effected
speedy adjustment of the existing difficult
ties between the two great sections of the
country. on basis satisfactory to the South,
and conservative Of the rights, before the
constitutional termination of the present
Congress, six States of the Union, aud pro-
badly seven, will no longer remain members
of the confcderacy. And yet, in the midst
|of this revolution, ;as yet hloodlsss'
whilst eur political rs q rsiIulbliI1g into
.ssai1s 61aless ase ii tse "a 81 acs ols
ments Of natioaslity vhieh sxill pro e6lY -:
followed by the internal disintegr Atloa -
other States, Maryland is left bound hand
and foot. without the power of acting through
her legitimate authorities, and almost de-
fenceless, save in the stout hearts and naked
hands of her brave and gallant sons.
In this emergency, do not hesitate to say
that it is matter of Imperative necessity
that our Legislature should be convened
without delay for the purpose Of calling a
Convention, through which the people may
act in their sovereign capacity, and decide
for themselves when the exigency may exist,
the future of Maryland to interpose. if pos
sible, for the preservation of the Union
but if unsuccessful ia that patriotic effort,
then to determine what other course of ac
ton would be most consistent with her au-
cient renown, her interest and her dignity.
Surely the people may be trusted with tho
exercise of these high prerogatives. lfnot.
to whom shall we con6de them3
It is yet possible, nay probable, that if
by forbearance and moderation civil war at
the outset, can be avoided, a new, powerful
and homogeneous confederacy may be farm
ed by the gravitation towards Maryland, as
a common nucleus, with Washington as its
capital, of numerous States. under the im
pelling force of mutual interest aud com
mon policy. excluding those States fren.
whose barbarism, misguided enthusiasm and
fanaticism, have proceeded ''all our woes. .
thus rendering it possible, that we may yet
''pluck the flower safety from the nettie
danger"
In view of all these considerations and Of
the imminenccs of the danger by which VIC
are threatened, I respectfully suggest that
primary meetings, without distinction Of
party, be held as soon as practicable. in each
election precinct of the Sixth Congrcssiona:
District, in order to secure full and fais
expression of public opinion on the propriety
of calling the General Assembly together.
On that question all may unite withou'
pledging themselves to future policy.
AS for myself, I shall remain at the pos
of duty to which you have called nc, wit.
the earnest desire, as becomes your repre
sentative, to use every effort to restore peace
and tranquility within the borders of th
| Republic, and to exhaust every measure o
Cancellation to preserve the Union, not in
compatible with your rights and honor Bus
the day of Compromises" has gone by, /
trust never to return. We must have the
Constitution as it is, and the Union as VI
received it from our fathers.
More than quarter of a century ago,
voluntarily and through choice. cast my l.
in life for veal or for woe, with the State ~
Maryland and most assuredly shall not d.
sert her in whatever of trial may await he.
In the war with Mexico | held higher
military command than any one Of her no. e
native sons; and in peace, with a genero {
confidence. You have honored me far beyol
my merits. Come what may, go wi
.old Maryland" Butt must be permit,
to say, in all frankness and candor, that n
feelings. sympathies. and the dictates OF II
Judgment are with the South
Your friend and servant,