leaves me numerous business engagements which cannot be deferred, and I must decline it. The Democracy of Bradford certainly stand in a relation peculiarly conspicuous. Their representative, doubtless believing that his constituents could not be taxed into prosperity by exorbitant import duties, voted for the reduction of an unjust and oppressive tariff; and now manfully appeals from the clamors of the interested and the prejudices of the uninformed to the elevated judgment of the masses for his justification. If there are those who believe that the consumers of our country can profitably pay thirty millions of dollars annually on imports, and that industry would languish and labor “pine in want," if it were dispensed with, an appeal to them must be vain and idle. But to those who believe that a tax is onerous, though its features are concealed by the veil of protection and its designation sugared over by the euphonious name of tariff, the issue may be properly presented. It is the same great struggle between the few and the many which has marked the footsteps of man from the earliest periods of his history: buried deep, to be sure, under artful disguises and obscured by imposing drapery, but nevertheless the same. The recent attempt of Congress to adjust more equally the burdens resting upon the people has especially aroused the energies of politicians whose stock in trade is panic, and its action has been denounced in the sacred name of labor; and overgorged capital, alarmed at the progress of equality, turns from its banquet of dividends, and essays to counterfeit the cry of breadless industry, which it has borrowed without leave for the occasion. Even in monopoly-ridden England, where a system of protection has so long drunk the life-blood of toil under unequal and murderous laws, the wave of reformation has rolled, and “famine is permitted to purchase its crust in the markets of the world." May not we then indulge the hope that this system of palaces and hovels, of splendor and misery, and of gross and alarming inequality be no longer tolerated by our people or fostered by legislation, but that all may unite in one that shall leave to capital its legitimate functions and its profits, to labor its employments and rewards, and to all freedom from the operation of restrictive and unequal laws? Be pleased to accept my acknowledgments for your kind allusion to the part I have borne in the councils of the nation, and believe me to be, with high consideration and regard, Your friend and fellow-citizen, Col. S. SALISBURY, Chairman Committee. D. S. DICKINSON. MR. CLAPP TO MR. DICKINSON. OXFORD, October 24, 1846. MY DEAR SIR-Your daughter Virginia, I learn, has given herself in marriage to Mr. Murray. Allow me to congratulate you on this event, and to hope that your daughter will find in her new state the felicity which is sure to follow the union of hearts and hands in matrimony. Mr. Murray stands high in this county as an active and thriving merchant. He possesses, in an eminent degree, all the business qualities which lead to consideration and fortune. The prospects of the young couple are full of promise, and I trust nothing may occur to mar their happiness. Make my felicitations on this occasion to Mrs. Dickinson. Our adventures at the White House in Washington, last winter, interested Governor Tracy and myself in Virginia, and the pleasing impression she then made will not soon be obliterated. I have to acknowledge the receipt of "Fremont's Expeditions;" a valuable work, full of incident and interest. Accept my thanks for this new proof of your friendship. I was previously much your debtor for important documents from Washington. I fear much that the opportunity will never be afforded me to reciprocate these acts of kindness, but be assured I duly appreciate them. Governor Tracy and myself are beginning to think of another visit, the ensuing winter, to Washington. Should we appear, we shall cast ourselves again on your friendship to help us along in high places. Very sincerely your friend, JAMES CLAPP. LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR TRACY TO MR. DICKINSON. OXFORD, N. Y., October 26, 1846. MY DEAR SIR-Please accept my thanks for the copy of Captain Fremont's report of his Exploring Expeditions," sent me by young Mr. Clapp. I am also under obligations to you for sundry interesting documents you sent me from Wasbington. I recur with great pleasure to my visit at Washington last winter, and particularly to your polite and courteous attention. Both Mr. Clapp and myself feel ourselves largely indebted to you for your civilities. But for you, we should not have seen Governor Marcy at all. I congratulate you on the marriage of your daughter. She has honored us with her card and the usual accompaniment. Since my return home a few days ago, I have noticed a remarkable quietness in regard to the coming election. The doctrine of supporting the regular ticket prevails in Chenango, as far as I have heard any expression. Very truly yours, JOHN TRACY. MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. VIRGINIA E. MURRAY. MY DEAR VIRGIE-We were all pained to hear of your illness, and are much rejoiced that you are better. I should have gone up to see you to-day, but cannot well leave, and the news of your convalescence enables us to hope you will soon be well. Be very careful, and not attempt to go out, even to come here, where we are very anxious to see you, until your health is firm again. That is of the first importance, and should control all else. Your mother has concluded, with the advice of your grandfather, to spend the winter at home. After full consideration she decided that she would be most comfortable here. If she took the little girls it would cause her much care; if she left them at home, a great deal of solicitude; the journey down would be hard, and the return harder; and then, if ill, she would miss the kind attentions of dear friends here; and, on the whole, it would seem to be much the best for her to remain. I expect to come home about the middle of the session. Your grandfather spends the winter with your mother. I intend to leave for Washington about the first of December, and shall probably pass through Norwich. Love to Henry. Your affectionate father, D. S. DICKINSON. MR. MURRAY TO MR. DICKINSON. close of the mail. NORWICH, December 5, 1846. MY DEAR SIR-I intended to write you yesterday, but a press of business demanded my undivided attention till the Virginia remains just about the same as when you saw her. She felt very sad indeed the day of your departure, and her thoughts were of you continually in your lonely ride that inclement morning. From the liveryman we were happy to learn of your safe arrival at Hamilton, and the favorable prospect of reaching Utica that night as you desired, which we hope you accomplished. Be pleased to let us hear from you often. Affectionately yours, H. K. MURRAY. MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. MURRAY. WASHINGTON, December 7, 1846. MY DEAR VIRGIE-I reached here yesterday morning, and stopped temporarily at Gadsby's. It is, as usual, raining hard, and I have not been anywhere. I see many of your old friends, who inquire for you with congratulations, &c. Hoping that you are on the ground of recovery, with love to Henry and yourself, I am, Your affectionate father D. S. DICKINSON. MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON. WASHINGTON, December 9, 1846. 66 } MY DEAR L.-I came on Tuesday morning to our rooms," and it looked so much like home compared with any others I could find, had so many pleasing associations for me, that I forthwith took them again. Our mess is the same as last year, except that there are no ladies (there are very few in town, I believe). Mrs. Niles is in New York, but is expected on in a few weeks. I have called nowhere except on the President, who was looking well. Many are busy in getting settled, which some do not do, you know, but move once a week during the session. All our "mess" think you did wisely in staying at home, considering the short session and bad travelling. I could scarcely see a bonnet in either gallery to-day, though the weather was pleasant-rather a change from last year. My regards to your father, and love to the dear children; tell them all to write me. Yours affectionately, D. S. DICKINSON. MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON. WASHINGTON, December 23, 1846. MY DEAREST LYDIA-I received yours yesterday with dear |