[BOYDTON, VA.], May
11, 1850.
DEAR HUNTER: I have
to thank you for the copies of the speeches which you have sent me. Seward's
"Execrable" is at hand! Your own speech had been eagerly read before
I received the Pamphlet, and read I assure you with pride and satisfaction. In
this part of the State, it is esteemed, the best effort which you have made. My
individual opinion might accord equal merit to previous labours but I was proud
of the last speech. The position which it assumes and to which you particularly
directed my attention, I regard as indisputable, and resting at the foundation
of the Social Compact. The Property of the Citizen is subject to taxation, and
as an equivalent for this right surrendered to Society and by the Citizen.
Society guarantees protection to property. They are just as much recognized
equivalents, as Military service and protection of persons. We feel that the
Federal Government exercises the power of Taxation, and we know of no political
arrangement or process of just reasoning by which it can claim exemption from
the obligation to protect. Property subjects itself to taxation and claims
protection as an equivalent. The right to tax and obligation to protect are
reciprocal terms and will only be controverted by those who would dispute the
first principles of the social system. When I had written thus far I was
interrupted and did not resume until my return from the District Convention. I
wrote you a short and hasty note from Lawrenceville. I was called out in
Convention before the Election of Delegates. I expressed the opinion that the
Compromise projected by the Senate Com[mittee] as shadowed forth in the
Newspapers, would be distructive of the South, that the South surrendered all
and secured nothing. I supported this opinion by examination of the Subjects of
Compromise, but expressed my readiness to take a compromise approved and
recommended by Southern Members of Congress, because I trusted them as
honorable men who would not sacrifice the honor of the South and property of
the South.
I said in substance,
California would be admitted with her present boundaries, not designed to be
permanent, but contemplating a division and future erection of two free States,
whose character was to be determined by the Casual Agency and usurped
sovereignty of the present Adventurers, designedly fixing boundaries to include
all the Land suited to Slaves &c. And I deprecated subjecting any part of
Texas to future jurisdiction and action of freesoilers. I spoke perhaps more
than an hour and awakened opposition to me. My election was opposed on the
ground of my Ultraism and alledged desire for dissolution, which allegation is gratuitous.
I do not desire dissolution. I expressed the apprehension, that California and
the Territories in one Bill might command [a] small majority of the Senate
without the Wilmot [Proviso]. In the House, they would be separated.
Cal[iforni]a sent back to Senate, would pass without the Territories. After
which Territories would be subjected to Wilmot [Proviso] or neglected. I lost
nearly all the Anti Ultra Vote. I received nearly all the Democrats present
with some Whigs. I lost [the] greater part of Whigs with a few Democrats.
Petersburg was not represented (Meade's residence). All the Counties were
represented.
I want you and Mason
and Seddon, Meade and others to inform me fully of the prospect before us and
furnish me all necessary documents. I shall prepare to leave home by 20 Inst.
if necessary. I shall be delighted if the necessity can be superceded. I am obliged
to be a little troublesome. You must talk with our friends especially those
mentioned above and write me fully and immediately, and tell them especially
Seddon and Mason, to do so too. I write in great haste, shall be exceedingly
occupied for ten days. Do let me hear from you forthwith.
[P.S.] I expect to
be in Rich[mon]d 20th Ins[tan]t: to go Southern Route.
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