The Cadiz Democratic sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 1854-1864, 1860-12-19
Important Correspondence--I.e
from President Lincoln Defining
his POSitiOn!

Important Correspondenoe--I
from President Lincoln Defining
his Position!
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Dec. IL, 1860.
Hon. THOMAS EWING
Dear Sir:--Haying been elected to the high OF.
fee Of President Of the United States. under
ordinary circumstances should feel it highly
improper to indicate to the country at tLis
time the policy that il is my intention TO pur-
sue as the chief executive OF the general gov
ernment. My excuse for so doing at this time
may be found in the distracted condition OF the
country and the imminent peril in which the
Union is now placed. The great question sis
man capsule of self lfgovernment?" is involved
in the present agitation, and il this cannot be
ealmed or Quilted, the liberal and patriotic
throughout the globe are soon destined to see
their brightest hopes and noblest aspirations
perish forever. An awful future awaits U.s.
With union and harmony among the
States Of this mighty confederacy we are
destined in the short space OF fifty years to be
come the most prosperous, happy and powerful
nation on the globe. Even now it needs but
be known that person IS an American citizen
to insure his protection in any foreign land no
matter how distant The sails of our mer-
chant vessels wbiten every sea- while our Agri
cultural, mechanical and manufacturing inter-
ests have grown and are rapidly growing to 81.
gantic dimensions. While the burdens OF our
government are comparatively light, every
branch OF industry and trade has been reasona-
bly, 6stered, and every citizen, no matter how
rich or how humble. has received ample pro-
tectlon. Indeed such unparalleled happiness and
prosperity has never fallen to the lot OF any ma
lion or people. In the midst Of this bright
prospect, of sudden the country is overcast
with dark cloud which threatens the immed-
ate destruction of the fair fabric Of our govern
ment. He that does not see that the Union is
in imminent danger but po ,rly understands the
true nature cl men and things. 1t is but
vase OF time to attempt to convince one so Oh
tuse and stupid. Whatever may be the effect
Of Indicating the policy thai design to pursue
upon the Political organization which has con
ferred upon me such high honors, or upon my
humble self is of no moment OF consideration
with me compared with the existence OF the
American Union-a Union purchased with the
toll and suffering OF our foreatherS, and cemen-
ted with their precious blood. They cherished
the hope that tbs fraternal feeling then existing
between the people Of the different States wo'd
be perpetual, but unhappily dragons teeth
have been sown among the people until that
friendly feeling has been destroyed. This is
the prime and essential cause of all our present
troubles. But once more restore that irater-
nal feeling and no more will be heard Of seces-
sion or revelation. This it will be my high and
constant aim to bring about.
shall feel it my duty, under all crcum-
stances, to see that the Fugitive Slave Law is
promptly and vigorously executed. Any effort
by Congress to impair its efficiency shall feel
it my duty to meet with the executive veto.--
II the restoration Of the Missouri Compromise
line and its extension te the Pacific coast will
contribute towards restoring that harmony so
much needed, it will give me great pleasure to
recommend it. So lar as my influence can go
it will be exerted 10 cure speedy repeal Of
those laws unwisely passed in several Of the
States conflicting with the Fugitive Slave law,
and imposing fines and Imprisonment upon per-
sons lawfully engaged in endeavoring to cap-
ture their runaway slaves. Good faith to the
Southern States requires that they should be
treated as equal partners in the Union, and en-
titled to settle upon the public lands, taking
with them anything that is regarded or conce-
ded to be property by the Constitution. All
agitation of the slavery question in the North
ern and Western States should be discounte-
nanced by every patriot OF lover OF his country.
Societies having for their chief object the agita-
ton of this mischievous question should be
promptly and forever disbanded. An earnest
appeal should be made to Northern and Wes-
tern churches to dissuade their ministers from
preaching upon this exciting topic and to re
turn once more to the service of their Divine
Master. A strong effort should he made to
persuade fanatical, misguided persons from eel.
ebrating the anniversary Of the execution o
| that worat of all murderels, John Brown.
| Care should be taken in selecting men for Of
fee that they never have participated in such
| disgraceful assemblages, and have had no sym
pathy with them.. The Northern and Western
press should cease abusing the people of the
South and no longer labor to excite prediudice
against chem. The Northern and Western
people, as a body, should return as rapidly a!
as possible to that iraternal brotheily feel
ing, which characterized the early days Of thu
Republic. Finally, the people of every section
of the country should be engaged in the laudi
Bile, praiseworthy business ofattending TO thei
own affairs and oil letting others alone Thi
being done. harmony and good feeling will sool
be restored, and we shall hear no more of seces
sion or Of persons being lynched at the .Sout
on the mere suspicion OF iavoriug Abolitionism
Nothing short Of this can give peace and quie
to the country aad save the Government iron
ultimate if not immediate dissolution. ...
Very Respectfully, -s- s--
Your Ob't Servant, .F+
f4 III wy A IJNCOI "