Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1860-12-04

Letter fro,r Ex-Pre.ident pierce,


We have been shown a private letter from Ex-
President Pierce to friend in this city, written, 1t
is true, in the course of friendly correspondence,
and not with q view to publication. But as we
think the people are entitled to ths views OF wen,
known and tried public servants who have enjoyed
large share of the public confidence, we have re-
Ouested a copy of this letter for this ISSUE We re-
cognze in every line of it spirit Of patriotism and
devotion to the whole country, which VIII insure
the attentive perusal OF every reader:
LOWELL, Mass, November &c, 1860
MY DEAR SIR; Your letter was received at Con-
cord on Saturday and should have answered it
while there if could have found little interval Of
leisure | am here to-day on business, and can
therefore do scarcely more than to thank you, but
let so much, at least, te said.
The approximations which you so foreibly express
did not increase mine You knew how sincerely
and earnestly have for years deprecated the causes
which if not removed, l foresaw must produce the
fearful crisis which is now upon us; and know
how Intellectual, in this section, have been al warn
ings of patriotism and ordinary forecast Now, for
the first time men are compelled to open their eyes,
as if aroused from some strange delusion, upon a
full view of the nearness and magnitude OF lmpend-
ing calamities. 1t is worse that ldle-lt is fool
bardy-to discuss the question OF probable relatlYe
suffering and loss in different sections OF the Union
In case of disruption we shall all be involved in
common financial embarrassment and ruin, and, [
fear in common destruction so much more appalling
than any attendant upon mere sacrifice OF property,
that one Involuntary turns even from It's contem-
plation. To my mind one thing is elear-no wise
man can under existing circumstances, dream of
coercion The first blow struck in that direction
will be blow fatal even to hope.
You have observed, of course how seriously com
mercial confidence, and consequently the price OF
stocks &C. have already been shaken at the North,
and vet there is in the public mind very imperfect
annrehenson of the real danger Still there are in
dications of disposition to repeal laws directed
AGAINST the constitutional rights of the Southern
States-such as personal liberty bills" etc.,-and
If we could gain little time, there would seem to
be ground of hope that these just causes OF dsrust
and dissatisfaction may be removed
trust the South will make large draft on their
devotion to the Union, and be guided by the wise
moderation which the exigency so urgently calls
for Can it be that this flag, with all the stars IN
their places is no longer to 1oat at home-abroad
and always as an emblem of our united power, COM
mon freedom and unchallenged security? Can it be
that it is to GO down in darkness if not In blood,
before we have completed singh century Of our
independent national existence?
l agree with You that madness has ruled the hour
in pushing forward line of aggressions upon the
South but / will not despair of returning reason,
and of re awakened sense of constitutional right
and duty | will still look with earnest hope for
the full and speedy vindcation of the cOequal rights
and coeoual obligations of these State, and for
stored fraternity under the present constitution
fraternity secured by following the example of the
fathers of the Republic fraternity based upon adj
mission and cheerful maintenance of all the pPOYs-
ions and requirements of the sacred instrument UNI
der which they and their children have been so sig
nally blessed When that hope shall perish if per
ish it must life ITSELF my friend, will lose its value
for you and me.
1t is apparent that much will depend upon the
views expressed and the tone and temper manifested
during the early days of the session of Congress
now near at hand. May the God of our fathers
guide the counsels of those who in the different
departments of Government are invested In this
critical epoch with responsibilities unknown since
the sitting of the Convention which framed the
Constitution. Your friend,
FRANKLIN PIECRE.