express the strength of it. I derive my being from the early pilgrims
of New England, and I shrink from the idea of that ever becoming to me
a foreign country. You know that I have regarded my rank of an AMERICAN
CITIZEN as a prouder birthright than that of the haughtiest noble of
Europe, whose lineage is lost in the darkness of antiquity. But sooner
than suffer the Abolitionists to carry into execution their plans, I
too would go for a dissolution of this Union. I believe before God!
that justice and humanity to _slave_, as well as to master, would
require of me to do so. This is not a fitting occasion--neither is it
necessary in addressing you, my friend, to dwell on the dangers to be
apprehended from meddlesome ignorance in so delicate a relation as that
of master and slave; nor to expatiate on the unwarrantable interference
with the rights of others, nor on the violation of faith solemnly
pledged even in the constitution of our liberties, as is purposed by
the Abolitionists. In portraying the dreadful consequences to master,
and still more to the slave, with the vices, crimes, bloodshed and
horrors, that would follow immediate abolition, who would fail to
be eloquent? But immediate abolition, is an event quite out of the
question; and one of the certain consequences of any movement, either
on the part of the slaves or of the Abolitionists, is the riveting with
tenfold severity of the chains of the former. This any one may easily
perceive, by examining the enactments on this subject, made since the
distribution of Walker’s pamphlet, and the Virginia insurrection.
Do not conclude from my earnestness, that I believe the Abolitionists
as yet, form either a numerous or powerful party--but the
contrary.--Still, I wish, as much as lies in my humble self, to warn
the good and intelligent to repress in its birth, by their strong
reprobation, a visionary spirit, which, unchecked, will menace the
Union of these United States, while it consigns to a severer bondage
the unfortunate objects of their crusading folly. Especially do not
conclude that I am hostile to emancipation in every form, and ready to
give over the African race to perpetual, hopeless bondage. No. But in
this matter the South must take the lead; there exists among us on this
point, a jealousy--shall I not add, well grounded? _The Colonization
Society is operating a great change in public opinion here--it is
gaining the confidence of the whole South._
I rejoice that the Abolitionists are running tilt against it; and if
not discredited by the mad zeal of misguided philanthropists, it will
lead, I am sure, to the adoption of judicious measures on a much larger
scale to rescue from servitude and degradation the unfortunate Africans
amongst us.
I greatly desire to learn from you the extent of any disposition
that may exist in your section to attempt directly the abolition of
slavery in the south, and whatever else of interest, you may have to
communicate on this subject. Could you furnish me any information
calculated to remove the suspicions and quiet the apprehensions of the
South, (for I hope and still believe that right feelings concerning
slavery prevail at the North,) its publication in our newspapers here,
I feel confident would be productive of great good.
Hoping to hear from you at your earliest leisure, I am, very truly,
your friend and humble servant.
---- ----
[Transcriber’s Note:
Page 10, “Mr. Rusworm” changed to read “Mr. Russwurm”.
Page 11, “In New York 1 out of 2191” changed to read “In Pennsylvania 1
out of 2191.”
Page 14, “The name of Lot Carey” changed to read “The name of Lott
Carey”.
Page 16, “Montserado be made again” changed to read “Montserrado be
made again”.
Obvious printer errors corrected silently.
Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation are as in the original.]