Letter from H. O. R. to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; November 18, 1860

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Letter from H. O. R. to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; November 18, 1860

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People

H. O. R.Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826.Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865 McGill, Thomas O'Conor, Charles, 1804-1884 Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867

Events

Emancipation and self emancipation Military Events--Insurrections Political elections Political elections--Election of 1860 Secession. American Civil War

Organizations

Clubs and Secret Societies Clubs and Secret Societies--Democratic Club

Occupations

Booksellers and Bookselling Clergy Lawyers Printers

Places

Europe Great Britain New York--Bronx County. New York Washington (D.C.)

Social Identifiers

Abolitionists African Americans African Americans--Enslaved People Christians Enslavers Impoverished People

Page 1

private. Nov. 18. 1860
Hon. John J. Pettus—

Dear Sir—I send by this mail a copy of my book—"The Governing Race," etc.. Will you read this carefully and see if I am not right in placing the root of the false doctrines respecting the equality of all mankind, in the false dogmas of Mr. Jefferson, found in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence: (see my book pages 63 to 69—and all the Fourth Part.)

Now the bold and false assertions that "slavery is sin"—that holding negroes in servitude in an evil and crime"—"a damnable wrong & sin" etc. must be met and reputed by the authority of God. The Bible laws establish slavery—it is recognized and enforced by the Savior and the Apostles. All these truths are set forth and proven in my work—see 1^st of 2 parts:—see also what the Savior says, p. 28 to 29.

Southern states men, patriots, clergymen, Christians of all denominations must be somed to bring out and set before the word their righteous as well as rightful claim to their negro bond servants. You must prove that slavery is the ordinance of God, therefore not only not "a sin or an evil," but the [berth?] condition the Africans can be placed in and the condition their Crea=tor settled for them. You must urge and prove this, or the seccession and Independence of the Southern States would not relieve them from the

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ban of public opinion as wicked slaveholders; and the people, even Christians of the Northern States would still be led on by [?] fanatics, to do wrong and violence to the South under the pretext of abolishing the sin of slavery.

Both Great Britain, should her Government ever so ordently desire it, strike hands with and sustain your secesion while her priests and people are denouncing negro slavery as "an assured sin."

You must ^bring^ out fully and fearlessly, your [?] and proofs that God's Word sustains your institution Even Christians of the South need enlightenment on this subject: some are greatly troubled in conscience by the continued reiteration that "slavery is sin"—and free their slaves. Thus the Abolitionists ~~are~~ are constantly gaining strength and credence for their infidel philosophy; while Bible Christians are covering up the oracles of God and shrinking from this contest that must come between Bible truth and infidel falsehood.

Lincoln has been elected because these truths have not been held up before the world. Now instead of going out of the Union at once, why not begin the preparation by putting forth "a Declaration of the rights of man" and of "State Rights" as served by the Constitution? You would not have this "Declaration" on the dogmas of Mr. Jefferson, which I have shown (see pages 63 to 69) are false

and impracticable. You would have to eliminiate, as I have done, (see pages 75 to 79): then put forth an Appeal to the citizens of the free states, another to the people of Europe. In both pa-paers firmly and clearly setting forth and asserting your rights and duty of holding your colored servants as your property and proving your rights to this mastership by the Bible, the Constitution of the U. S.—and the laws and [images?] of all Republics.

By united action in this course, which I have briefly sketched, you can, in a short time, so affect and change public opinion—both in Europe and in our Country that, as I believe, the great major=ity of the free states will be glad to maintain all the requirement and compromises of the Constitu=tion faithfully. Then the Union would be a benefit and [bleming?] to our whole Country, to the whole world. The dangers that now to threaten of war, insurrections, rivalries, hatred, that will, if not soon prevented, deluge our land in fraternal blood, would be no no more. Will you not have patience and try this way?

I have written my book with the purpose of helping this country of [righteousnes?] and peace. "The pen is mightier than the sword" when it promulgates truths that will destroy errors and falsehoods. But to be known my book must be read. Will you, Sir, aid in this circulation—if you approve the principles it sets forth and supports?

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I sent a copy to Charles O'Connor, Esqr of New York whom you, probably, know as a staunch patriot and upholder of Southern rights. He says, in his reply, "The doctrines of your book have my full con=currence," etc. He took 500 copies for the "National Democratic Club" of the City of New York.

How many copies will you take for your State? If encouragement is given me, I will at once have my book stenotyped—altering the two lost pages, as the election is over—and adding sufficient to make up 108 pages in all: and have it ready for sale by the meeting of Congress. I think it can be afforded for 18 cts per copy by wholesale, say 1000 copes for $180—sent me. It should retail for twenty five cts. per copy.

So sure do I feel of the good it will do both in this disseminating truth and destroying error that had I the means I would scatter it broad cast through the land. But I am poor living on a small salary. I can think and write, but not out.

Mail your reply to this soon!—

Address—H. O. R. —
Care of Thos. McGill—
Printer and Bookseller
Washington City
D. C.

Any enclosure will come to me surely thus directed.—

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P.S. Should you wish to have copies sent by mail to your friends, it shall be done—post paid— for '25 cts pr. simple copy. For $25—I will send 100 copies done up simply, directed—post paid— you send—ing me a list of names and addresses in full.

The clergy of your State should have one, have a copy. And ladies need to have this book.