Harding, Daniel F.

quarto, two pages of a bi-folium, formerly folded, small tear into foredge of integral address leaf, not affecting text, very good, clean and legible condition. Harding, a lawyer from Union, Maine, writes to Robinson petitioning for the recognition of Haitian Independence and the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. Robinson served as a Representative from Maine for two years 1838-1839. "Dear Sir, The petitioners for the recognition of Haitian Independence herewith entrusted to your efforts - have no pecuniary interest in any condition of that country. - But being the descendants of freemen who asserted & established their rights by insurrection they have a peculiar sympathy for every nation which has obtained their rights & established a republican form of Government by means of insurrection against oppression. They think it an injustice to the memories of their fathers to omit to enter into friendly nations with all nations which have obtained their rights by insurrection against tyranny. In regard to the petition for the abolition of Slavery in the district of Columbia, "The Guinea of America" the petitioners are aware, that right of petition is of no value, and they feel somewhat of the mortification of the slave in his bondage when we reflect that our rulers have nullified a right, which they were appointed to protect. A right to petition for the security of inalienable rights is that above all others we are reluctant to give up - when compared with this right all others sink to nothing.- We feel in the condition of the land proprietor who has been thrown out of his possession by squatters - He must continue to assert his right to prevent the appearance of abandonment - in the hope it may at some time be restored. .".…