Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1866-07-31
Letter from Hon. Alex. II. Stephens-His
Views on the Philadelphia Convention.

CRAwFoRDsNILLE, GA, July %, 1865.
Hon. NOhstgomery Blair, Wusafn1fon d. e
Dear Sir: Your letter of the Eth instant is he =
tore me. L thank you heartily for it, Noman
In the United States did or could, more cordi-
ally approve and endorse the objects OF the
proposed Union Convention at PHILADELPHIA
(as understood them) than i did: and vet
from considerations of expediencv, / doubted
the propriety OF lay taking acting part in it.
was also III doubt, TO some extent, whether
with other views Oh The part of those who
made the call, the words were not so phraseo
III the call as 10 exclude all who occupied a
similar position TO my own, and from other
considerations as those which had occurred TO
me.
Your letter relieves me from the last class
OF doubts, but those of the other class still ex-
LIST, Notwithstanding your strong views TO the
contrary Individually, my whole soul is en-
listed in the cause of a speedy, full, and per
feet restoration OF the government under the
constitution, and Its permanency under that
constitution as 1t now stands. There is nothing
within my power that am not willing cheer
iully 10 do 10 effect and accomplish that end
!, 10 , 6yOn Wiii excuse me IN saying IT. but
my life If by SO doing this great result could
be OBTAINED. and peace, union, harmony, pros
perity, happiness and constitutional liberty be
thereby secured to the millions now IL wing and
the unfold millions herea fter to live on this
continent . CD .....
There are many personal embarrassments or
dih1eulties in the way Of my going to the con :
vention-these alluded to before-but am
resolved to be there If can. In no even [ shall
it be ever truthfully said of me that failed 10
do everything in my power TO save the conn
try and It's institutions
did in 1854 exert my efforts TO their utmost
extent 10 avoid the late mosl lamentable war
ana 10 save the Union on constitutional prn-
ciples without a conflict of arms. This did.
too, while many Of those now so clamorous for
what they call 'fhe Union cause'' were giving
announcement, al least, to the extreme men at
the South by. clearly and decidedly intimating
II not fully expressing a perfect willingness,
on their part, that ..the Union might siiden il
the people of the South so willed IL. i was
even TAINTED with endeayoring to EoId our
people on 10 Union that was no longer cared
for by leading men of the dominant party at
the North. i withstood these taunts even
when knew (or was informed truly, as l be!
iieved) that there was an organized body of
men in savannah to seize the custom -house.
cede. :,
All this stated to you. and to which Won
allude IN your letter before me: nor should 1
have any hesitancy in stating il TO the public
II any public good could be thereby be effected.
The pubic good is my only object How best
to subserye that, consistently with truth. honor
and urrightness. is the only question with me
Personal interests have no in n uence with me
whaiever--at least think so, and may be ex.
personal feelings, should have had nothing
TO do with the late troubles, further than en-
terlng my earnest protest against them The
mad l been governed by personal feeling
should not now be in the situation am
II the Union shall oe restored under the Con-
stitutioD, as earnestly desire TO see il done.
(and am willing TO do all can towards that z
md, rs my liked pnrpose to retire forever
from all connection with public affairs So
that while IL would seem that INV nressnt
Efforts are tendingto result in which have
more less personal interest-that is, nv admis.
sion as a Senator in Congress-yet assure Won
! never expect or intend 10 hold that position
long. even u the seat should be awarded TO me.
Yours, truly, ALRxANDER IL SrPeprrs