LETTER
To the Whig Convention, (and also to the Free Soil Convention, mutatis mutandis,) accepting their respective Nominations for the Thirty-first Congress.
[One paragraph of this Letter is omitted, as referring to a subject unconnected with the object of the present volume.]
West Newton, Sept. 23, 1848.
Gentlemen;
I have received with lively emotions of gratitude a copy of the resolutions passed at a district convention, held at Dedham, on the — inst.; from one of which it appears that I was unanimously nominated by the convention, as their candidate for the Thirty-first Congress of the United States.
The convention you have the honor to represent was pleased to refer to my views respecting the institution of slavery. Some of these views were partly expressed in the remarks made by me in the House of Representatives, on the 30th of June last; in the letter to my constituents before referred to; and in my arguments before the Criminal Court of the District of Columbia, in the “Pearl” cases. These, and kindred views, I shall improve all fitting opportunities that I may ever enjoy to enlarge upon and enforce; and had I the tongue of an angel, or the pen of inspiration, I believe I could use them on no holier theme than in kindling abhorrence at the wrongs suffered by the slave, and in melting the universal heart of humanity into pity for his lot; for I hold it to be impossible for the soul of a slave,—benighted, strangled, and buried alive as it is,—ever fully to know and feel the joys of that spiritual liberty wherewith Christ maketh his disciples free.
Be pleased, gentlemen, to accept my thanks for the very kind manner in which you have made known to me the decision of the convention you represent, and believe me,
Very truly and sincerely, yours, &c., &c.,
HORACE MANN.