Edgefield Advertiser

From the Old Dominion.

HON. JOHN C. CALHOUN

It is perfectly well known to the public that we consider this remarkable man, not only the greatest American Statesman who now lives or who has ever lived, but the greatest Statesman in the world: thus believing it is natural that we should hold every thing that proceeds from his lips or pen, in the highest possible estimation.—

The following is his reply to an invitation to attend the late Mass Convention held in the State of New York.

Fort Hill, 29th Sept. 1841.

Gentlemen: The last mail brought me your kind and flattering invitation of the 17th inst., to attend a Mass Convention of the Democracy of the counties along North River, and of Long Island, to be held at Kingston on the 7th of next month.

The great distance and the shortness of the notice will be, I hope, sufficient apology for not attending. I am much gratified with the high estimate you place on my services in the great cause of American liberty; and nothing, I assure you, has given me more pleasure, or done more to strengthen my confidence in the success of our cause than to find, in this hour of its severest trial, so perfect a harmony among its friends, both as to principles and measures, over our wide spread and diversified territory. It was indeed cheering to behold all, in every section, in this hour of danger, when our opponents, flushed with victory in the recent Presidential struggle, rushed forward to raise the Federal standard of Federalism, simultaneously rally under the banner of the old Republican State Rights party of '98. When I saw that glorious banner waving over our ranks, and the united enthusiasm along the whole line to uphold it, all apprehensions of the result of the contest vanished. As numerous, and bold, and united, as were our opponents—as confident as they were of carrying all their measures at the late session, I never doubted, if they did succeed, but that the period of their victory would be short. I could not believe, when the real issue was made, as it was, between the parties, and the people were called on to decide between Republicanism and Federalism, State Rights and Consolidation, Democracy and an artificial monied aristocracy they would not long hesitate. Already have events proved that my confidence in their intelligence and patriotism was not misplaced. The present elections have shown a mighty change in public opinion. That change will go on, if we but prove ourselves worthy of our cause by a rigid adherence to our principles and measures, till our opponents and their cause shall be completely overwhelmed by the swelling tide.

With great respect,

I am, &c. &c.

J. C. CALHOUN.