Washington (DC) Union, "Editor's Correspondence - Organization of Slaveholders," June 9, 1850

    EDITOR'S CORRESPONDENCE.

  From our Baltimore Correspondent.

              BALTIMORE, June 8––5, p.m.

   Whig Troubles and Disappointments.––Organization of Slaveholders.––Abolition Movements.––The Census-takers.––Troublesome Questions.––The Markets, &c.

   The chagrin and mortification of the friends of Ridgely and Roman, in this city, at the nomination of Clarke as the whig candidate for governor, are openly expressed in all quarters, and, should the present feeling continue to exist, the majority for Mr. Lowe in Baltimore city may be safely set down at 2,000. To be sure, Clarke has plenty of money, and will, it is said, use it freely. The clique of Galphins, to whose scheming he owes his nomination, have also piles of gold. But depend upon it, that Enoch Louis Lowe, esq., of Frederick, the democratic nominee, will, beyond all peradventure, if he lives, be the next governor of Maryland; and no extra exertions will be necessary to secure that result. 

   A meeting of the slaveholders of Queen Anne's county was held at Centreville a few days since, for the purpose of organizing a society to protect slave property, on account of the numerous depredations that have been made by the abolitionists recently in that vicinity. Officers were elected, and a constitution adopted, and measures taken for immediately commencing operations. The number of slaves weekly lost from the border counties of this State is estimated to be equal to $10,000 in value, and the most efficient organization will be necessary to prevent its increase. That they receive money, arms, and directions from the abolitionists, there is no manner of doubt; and, after they cross the line, places of concealment are provided for them, with all the "aid and comfort" necessary to enable them to elude pursuit. The recent stampede of sixteen slaves belonging to Col. Pearce, from Baltimore county, and their arrest near Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania, proved this beyond a doubt. A reward of $2,000 discovered their bidding place in one of the out-houses of a farmer in the vicinity. They were carried home without waiting for legal process. 

   The census-takers have commenced operations in this city, but get along very slowly. One question––the age of the ladies––is not answered very freely or correctly; whilst another gives great offense, and many probably get the officials in trouble, especially among the old ladies. The question is as to whether there are any "convicts" in the family. This question is certainly unnecessary, as the penitentiary and jail records will furnish all the necessary statistics on that point.

   THE MARKETS.––In the Baltimore market this morning there were no transactions in flour. Market heavy.––Howard street was offered at $5 31 1/4, but no buyers. Offers were freely made to buy at $5 25, and some at $5 31 for straight brands. Nothing doing in wheat. Sales of corn at 64 a 65 cents for yellow, and 60 a 62 cents for white. No important change in other articles.