The Organizer

_South-western Convention

Memphis, April 24, 1849.

To the Editor of the Organizer:

Allow me through the medium of your courteous and highly popular journal to call the attention of the citizens of North Mississippi, and especially the citizens of Lafayette County, to the contemplated Convention, which is to be held in this city on the fourth of July next, for the purpose of considering upon the ways and means and expediency of a great Atlantic and Pacific Rail-road—of which Memphis is to be the grand central terminus.

When we reflect upon the greatness of the enterprise, and the stupendous results, both commercial and sectional, the vast avenue of wealth on one hand, and the firm bond of the union of the South on the other, placing us (of the South) in an attitude of more complete and thorough independence of the monopoly and aggression of our Northern brethren, we think all Southern men should co-operate heartily in the movement; and by one determined effort, bring about the end of the great and glorious project.

Such a Rail-road from Charleston, S. C., to San Francisco, Alta California, via Memphis, would draw the rich commerce of Asia and the East Indies, from the channel in which it now flows, directly among us—thus affording safe and easy roads to wealth to the enterprising, but poverty-stricken sons of the South. It would serve as the connecting link between the two Oceans, and bring men of different nations, habits and speech into commercial intercourse with each other—and would form a strong fraternal bond of union upon the States of the South and West.

And all that is required to do this, is unanimous and determined spirit of action in the Southern and Western States; let the journals of the day urge it upon the people, let the people associate themselves in primary assemblies and appoint delegates to the Memphis Convention, and with one great, united spirit hurl back the glove of insulting defiance into their very teeth, so ruthlessly thrown at our feet on the floor of the 30th Congress, by our brethren of the North. The aims of the Convention are obvious—its intentions are self-evident. It has high and noble intentions—a few of which have been named above. Independence in trade, freedom and equality in Government.

You should from time to time remind your readers of the duty they owe to themselves, their families, their future prospects and posterity in a hearty support and co-operation of and with the congregated South in this city, on the 4th of July next.

Hoping that you will do so, and lend your influence editorially and individually, I shall close.

ADRIAN.