The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1860-06-20
Hon. WV. II. SEWARD.
THE LETrE K.

| am indebted 10 Senator Seward through Mr.
Thurlog Weed for the manuscript of nv private
letter to Gov. Seward written soon after the con-
clnsion of the canvass of 1854. 1t is printed
verbatm in the preceding column. IL might be
made clearer on some points by notes, but
have not felt liberty to add any. The only note
appended to the letter is a part of the original.
Ii can hardly be necessary to explain that the
morning Oh which / proposed to dissolve the
partnership Of Seward, Weed and Greeley, was
thai following the day on which / trusted, and
with good reason, that Gov. Seward would be
elected for Z second term of six years 10 the L.
s. Senate.
Under the circumstances, do not feel reauir-
ed TO apologize TO those who will be surprised to
ind their names figuring in this letter. They
will know that, when wrote il, did not dream
that it would ever be printed and thatthe person
al controversy which has constrained NE 10 de-
mand and publish it has been forced On me. Had
the letter simply been shown to certain Of nv
enemies for their private edifcation, should
have been silent; but when found in TIE Times
statements impeaching my personal integrity,
dated at Auburn, and coUched in terms pointed
Enthusiastically 10 this letter as their basis, felt
constrained 10 call for and print the text. And
| am glad 1t has been sent me at last
Let me here apologize to Nessrs John II
misapprehension OF their respective characters
under which that letter was written. | then
thought Mr.. Wheeler true man and a reliable
champion OF Free Labor and Free SOIL and that
Mr. Marshall was the opposite. How previously
was mistaken IN regard 10 each, Ineed not stop
u show.
Deg the reader to be assured that the forego.
ing letter Is the very one on which the imputa.
tons OF The Tunes and The Courier d Enquirer
were founded. Scrutinize it closely, and Judge
between me and my assailantsl
Remember at the The 2Tmes-its Editor
fresh from the perusal OF this letter. and writing
at Acknowledged that had, in Nov, 1854,
not only privately but distinctly repudated all
further political friendship for and alliance with
Gov. Seward but "menaced klna nth has (myl
hostility rhen az could be made mot Elective, for
the avowed reason that Gov. S. had never aided
nor advised his my election TO office"
Remember that Tie Times, in thst same arti
Gle, resting On this letter, asserts that NJ opposi-
ton to Gov Seward at Chicago vas "the long
boarded revenge OF disappointed off ce seeker"
The letter will show whether L breathes spirit
OF revenge" or whether it was not written
more in sorrow than in anger
Remember that The 1imes-untruly promising
that professed at Chicago to desire Gov. Sew
ards nomination there for Presiden. upon the
strongest grounds OF political aud personal friend
SHIP, asserts that | would have been completely
d!S2rmed there had the contents of this letter
been generally known And Gen. Webb saws
that Gov. Seward had exercised, and continued
TO exercise, 1.-THE greatest forbearancen toward
me, In Keeping this letter private. | must say
tina: feel tar more obliged 10 the Governor for
his tatdy surrender Of the letter for publication
than ever did or could for any at-o1nt of his
"forbearance in keeping it TO himself and his
intimate friends.
Gen. Webb in his attack Oh NE remarks tina,
when, at our request, he [Gov. read the
letter 10 Mr.. raymond aud the gentlemen who
accompanied hiG' to Auburn, the Governor dis
tincty stated that, while he though, i, proper
they should know the cause of Mr Greeley's en-.
nifty, and were at liberty to re er to the fact that
he was disappointed aspirani for Office, 10 ref.
ereuce must be made TO the existence OF sucu q
letter" Now | shall no, hold Gov. Seward re-
sponsioie tor the language her attributed to him
oy his impul-ive and chivarous friend, We, mus,
say that cannot appreciate the distinction here
set up. II my private letter was 10 be used to
my prejudice, why should it not be referred 10
II i, Was night to read it to Mr.. RAYMOND in Or
der that ne might, on the strength Of il, charge
NE with hatred and false preten.es, and
'wreskns the long boarded revenge Of a disap-
pointed othce-seeker," canno. appreciate the
" fo bearance" evinced in torbiiding all allusion
70 the letter on which these charges we're based.
1t seems 10 me quite as delicate and far more
manly TO refer at once and frankly to the ground
work Of these charges-nay, TO give the letter
itself TO the pubic-and let each Judge for him.
self as IL lis spirit and purpose. And especial.
ly regret that Gen Webb-sinca, be thinks he
could have used this letter with such annihiiating
effect against me at Chicago-had no: lad i. il
his possession, and then AID there asked me to
LEI him print il. Twas not for to seek nor hard
to find, and assure him tina, be would no, have
waited minute for the required permission.
Enough Of this aid these. A single word
of Improvement to the young AID ardent politi-
Clans who may read nv letter and this comment.
The moral l would inculcate is trite one, but
rome the less important Ii is summed up in the
Scriptural iriuDction-"Put not your trust in
princes Men, even the best are fail and mu-
table, while Principle is sure ard eternal Be
no mans man but Truths and your count-y'a
You viii be soreiy tempted a, times to take this
or that great man for your oracle and guide.
is eeSy and temptiup to lean N follov and 20