as we had no discussion in 1852, the reference must have been made to
the canvass of 1851, quoted from the resolutions of the State-Rights
Democratic Convention, and from an address published by myself to the
people, to show that my position was the reverse of that assigned to
me. Before proceeding, I will advert to a reference which has been
made to him, as my "organ." He is no more my "organ" than I am his. We
have generally concurred, I and have been able to understand and
anticipate his positions as he has mine. I am indebted to him for many
favors. He is indebted to me for nothing. As Democrats, as gentlemen,
as friends, we occupy to each other the relation of exact equality.

Notwithstanding that irrefutable answer to the charge, it has been
reiterated, and, as before, located in the year 1852. It is known to
you all that our discussions were in 1851. I then favored a convention
of the Southern States, that we might take counsel together, as to the
future which was to be anticipated, from the legislation of 1850. The
decision of the State was to acquiesce in the legislation of that
year, with a series of resolutions in relation to future
encroachments. I submitted to the decision of the people, and have in
good faith adhered to the line of conduct which it imposed. Therefore
in 1852 there is no record from which to disprove any allegation, but
you know the charge to be utterly unfounded, and charity alone can
suppose its reiteration was innocently made. Neither in that year nor
in any other, have I ever advocated a dissolution of the Union, or the
separation of the State of Mississippi from the Union, except as the
last alternative, and have not considered the remedies which lie
within that extreme as exhausted, or ever been entirely hopeless of
their success. I hold now, as announced on former occasions, that
whilst occupying a seat in the Senate, I am bound to maintain the
Government of the Constitution, and in no manner to work for its