The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1862-08-27
RESPONSE OF SECRETARY SEWARp
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WAsHISGToE,
Auouaf IQth 1890

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, WAsHIEGToE,
August l9lh, 1862.
To w. Hughes, Esq Headquarters of
the Democratic State: Central Committee of
pennsylvania, Phiadelphia-Desr Si.:-I
have had the heaor of eceiving your le,-
ter of The 14th instant, together with three
papers 10 which it refers, two of them being
appeals written by yourself, ard addressed
by The Democratic State Central Committee
"to The Democrats and all other friends OF
the Constitution in Pennsylvania" and the
other being call for a mass meeting OF
the citizens of Philadelphia, the objects OF
which meeting will be Ito express a firm
purpose 10 stand by the maintenance of the
National Constitution with devotion 10 the
American Union," and, further, "lo declare
hostility to the policy and measures OF all
who seek 10 prostitute the country to the
purposes OF Abolitionism and formalty TO
express the intention of The Democrs
party 10 do as il has always hitherto done,
namely, 10 support the Federal Government
in The exercise of its Constitutional power,
and TO defend il, a; whatever peril, against
The insidious and treasonable teachings OF
Aboliiionists"
You tell me that some influential Jour
nails, conducted by political friends of mine
censure one of these papers as reasonable.
and that the others are conceived in the
same spirit with the one which is so harsh
ly judged. You desire me 10 read them
and weigh them for myself. You further
intimate hope that the perusa OF the pa
pers will have the effect OF producing exer-
,Ions on my part to induce the President 10
favor a policy 10 put down the demon oI
Aboliiionism.
] have read The documents thus SUBMIT
ed TO me, with high respect for the author
lily by which they were issued, and with a
full confidence in the sincerity of the devo-
ton 10 the Union which, as their author,
you have avowed.
You will allow me 10 say that this nation
is now engaged, not in political canvass
between opposing parties about questions
of civil administration, but in civil war,
carried on by opposing armies on an issue
of national life or death.
If The revolution prevail there will be no
questions of administration left to settle. If
il fail there will be time enough to settle.
all such questions.
am not TO dictate course for others TO
pursue in this crisis. But | may say for
myself, that neither as a public officer, nor
as citizen, can | know with favor or dis
favor, parties among the supporters of the
United States, any more than ! can make
distinction between factions which unite
in aiding the Rebellion.
A nation, like an individual, can do only
one thing effeciually at one time. II can
not wisely turn aside from the chase of the
fearful demon oil Disunion, to pursue any
inferior demon, whether imaginary or real.
think that the wrangles which occur.
ed among the Crusaders about their respect.
i've creeds, when they sat down TO the siege
of Jerusalem, where just as rational and
just as wise as disputes about Abolition
would now be in the Army of The Potomac
in front of Richmond. What is unwise in
the camp at such moment cannon be wise
in the Cabinet or in the assemblies of the
people.
am occupied here either in meditaling
between differing parties and jealous sects,
or else in watching and counteracting the