Year: 1860

| Gov. Letcher sent his first message to the Leg


islature on Saturday last After referring to the


objects of the Constitution and the Union the


tranquility that for many years reigned, the first
| disturbance OF this peace by the people of the


North by interfering with domestic institu-


tons; the present attitude of Massachusetts, and


other States in resisting the Fugitive Slave Law,


the 'irrepressible conflict, &c, &C.. the Execu-
| tive of the Old Dominion continues thus:
tits readily and cheerfuly conceded, that


lage portion of the citizens of the nOn-slayehod-
| ing States loyal to the Constitution and the


Union but it is not to be disguised. that large


number Indifferent to both, and would prefer


a dissolution of the Union to the extension Of


slave territory, the increase of slave States


They desire to confine slavery to the States in


which it now exists, and the sympathy manifest


ed for John Brown and his associates in crime


gives reason to fear that they not prepared to


aid in putting down attempts to interfere with


the institution, in the State. where it is
recognized and protected by law


| This lamentable state of things, between the


two sections of the country has its origin in the
construction placed by the Northern people upon


the Constitution of the United States They


construe it to the pre- judice of the honor, rights
and institutions of their Southern brethren. They
insist that the Constitution authorizes the adop
tion of measures for the exclusion OF slavery
from the Territories-the common property of all
the States-and they spare effort to affirm their
construction by the legis latIon of Congress. In
the earl history of the government territory was
acquired, and territorial governments were organ
lied, without enquiring whether they were free
or save-free and slave States admitted in
to the Union pari passu. The Constitution was
constructed fairly and justly according to its terms
and spirit-we lived in harmony-and our pros
perity as nation was steady and unparalleled.
When the Northern construction began to pre-
vail strife arose, bitter feelings were engendered,
elimination and recrimination followed; and now
find that the ties of brotherhood have been
sundered, mutual distrust has succeeded and the
kindly feelings of affection have been smothered
by bitter sectional hatred that now bids fair to
outlive the existence of the Union. The only
foundation upon which the government can rest
in security, is the affections of the people. Ii
this foundation has not been entirely undermind-
ed it is nearly gone that it becomes the con-
servative patriots of the nation to unite and de-
termine upon line of policy that shall govern
their future action. / greatly fear, however, that
the disease has taken such hold upon the North
mind that it is almost impossible now to era
dicate it.


In this deplorable condition of things, with all
the evils incident to a dissolution of the Union
prominently before u.s. the enquiry presents itself
what can be done to avert the danger? The
Supreme Court cannot settle this question OF con-
struction because it is not recognized by the par
ties as an arbter. This has been but too pal
paby manifested in the utter reputation of
the Dred Scott decision, by the Republican
party.


The only mode, therefore. of remedying the
il that TO me- under the Constitution, is pro-


vided in the fifth article thereof. Summon Con-
vention of all the States, that full and free con-
ference may be had between the Representatives
of the people, elected for this purpose. and thus
ascertain whether the questions i'll controversy
cannot be settled upon some basis mutually satIs
factory to both sections. If such convention
shall assemble and after free and full consultation
and comparison of opinions Ahey shall find that
the differences between the slaveholdlng States
are rreconcilable, let them consider the question
! of
all questions relating the disposition of the
mon property between the two sections. 1t they
! be reconcied let them adjust the terms and
give them such sanctions as will render them eft
fective.


/ 1 suggest therefore, that you adopt resolutions
in favor of the call of such Convention and ap-
peal to the Legislatures of the several States to
unite in the application proposed to be made to
Congress, in pursuance of the provisions OF the
article aforesaid. If the non slaveholding States
shall fail refuse to unite in the application,
such failure refusal will furnish conclusive ev-
ilence of a determination on their part to keep
up the agitation, and to continue their aggressOns
upon us. If the Convention shall meet, and the
question cannot satisfactorily adjusted, it will
furnish evidence equally conclusive of their de-
termination In either event the people of the
South will clearly understand what they are to
expect in the future.


+ 1t will, doubtless, be objected to this suggestion
that it looks to dsunion. Grant it if you please
Is not the danger of disunon imminent now. and
is not the public mind, North and South, deeply
agitated by the apprehension that the days of the
Union are numbered? Disunion speeches are the
order of the day in deiberative bodies, State and
National and the press teens with the same sort
of matter, editorial. communicated and selected
Southern Legislatures are employed in consider
ing the best modes Of protecting the honor and
rights of their States and in making provision for
arming and discipl,ning the militia with sole re-
ference to their protection and defence, either in
or out of the Union. Every man and feels
Do irnn md hat
union is not only possible but highly probable
event, and at no distant day. When these things
are so, surely the country can look upon disunion
from the standpoint which l occupy. 1t men
cannot calmly look upon it, at this distance, they
ought to the utterance of disunion senti-
ments and permit the public mind to settle down,
preparatory to submission, on the part of the
South.


also suggest that a commission, to consist of
two of our most intelligent discreet and experience
ed statesmen, shall be appointed, whose duty it
shall be to visit the Legislatures of those States
which have passed laws to obstruct the execution
of the Fugitive Slave act, and insist, in the name
of Virg ginia, upon their unconditional repeal. In
support of the appointment of a commission, a
precedent is to be found in the history of our own
State, in the appointment of the distinguished
Benjamin Watkins Leigh, who commissioned
to visit the Legislature of South Carolina, at the
time of the controversy between that State and
the Federal Government The existence of the
Union was then greatly imporilled, and the action
of Virginia exerted most happy influence, in
bringing about settlement that averted the dan
ger and restored peace to the country. That cri-
sis in public affairs was almost as serious and
alarming as the present


This controversy has now reached point
which demands a speedy settlement, if the Union
is to be saved from dissolution If the agrees
sions to which we have been subjected for SO
may years, are to be repeated, if mutual distrust
and suspicion are to continue and if the election
of sectional Republican candidate to the Presi
dency in 1860, is to be superadded, it is useless