Southport Telegraph

Mr. Calhoun.—The following letter from Mr. Calhoun, in reply to a resolution of thanks of the Putnam whig meeting, in the state of Georgia, may be interesting to some of our readers, who, if there be any such, may have been doubtful as to the course Mr. Calhoun, intends hereafter to pursue. We have placed a portion of the last paragraph in italics, as embodying certain propositions which we consider as true in their application to the free as to the slave states:

Fort Hill, 27th June, 1847.

Dear Sir—I am in the receipt of your note of the 17th inst., covering the resolution adopted by a meeting of the whig party of Putnam county, approving the resolutions introduced by me in the Senate of the United States during the last session, in opposition to the Wilmot Proviso, and tendering the thanks of the meeting for the stand I took in behalf of our rights.

I am happy that my resolutions and stand have met with the approbation of your meeting; not so much on my account, as acceptable as is the approbation of my fellow-citizens to me, but for a reason far more important. Coming from a quarter of the state so respectable and influential, I hail it as an omen that the whigs of Georgia are prepared to do their duty in reference to the vital question involved in the resolutions I introduced.

I hope it is the precursor to the union of all parties with us to repel an outrageous and unprovoked assault on us—one that involves our safety and that of the Union. We have the constitution clearly with us. My resolutions have been assailed and denounced, but the truth of the principles they assert remains uncontested and uncontestable. In defending them we not only defend ourselves, but the constitution; and in defending, the Union itself, of which it is the basis.

We must not be deceived. The time has come when the question must be met. It can no longer be avoided—nor, if it could, is it desirable. The longer it is postponed, the more inveterate and dangerous will become the hostile feelings between the slave-holding and non-slave-holding states. With union among ourselves we have nothing to fear—but without it, everything. The question is far above the party questions of the day. He who is not for us is against us.

For your kind expression of feeling towards me, in communicating the resolution, accept my sincere acknowledgment.

With great respect, I am, &c., &c.,

J. C. CALHOUN.

Samuel A. Wales, Esq.