Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1866-08-07
MONTGOMERY Co, MD, July 20 3, i 1iNiA

CRAwF0RDvILLE. Ca, July %, 1866.
Hon. NOntyOmerV Blair. Washington, D. G..
DEAR SlR:-Yuur letter of the 18th inst.
is before me. thank you HEARTILY for it
No man in the United States did, or could.
more cordially approve and endorse the OBJ
Jects of the proposed Union Convention at
Philadelphia (as l understood them) than I
did; aud yet. from considerations of expe-
dlency, doubted the propriety of my taking
active part III It, was also in doubt, to some
extent, whether, with other views on the part
OF those VIII" mnde the call, the words were
not SO phraSed in the call as to exclude all
who occupied Il simlor 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
exist notwithstanding your strong views to
the contrary Individually my whole soul is
enH9teu IN the cause OF speedy. full and
perfect restoration Of the Government under
the Constitution, aud its permanency under
the Constitution it now stands There is
nothing within my power that | am not will
ling cheertully to do to effect and accompIish
that end. Indeed, (you will excuse me in
saying it, but it is the truth.) 1 would be
willing to offer up my life itselfif by so doing
this great result could be obtained, and peace,
union, harmony, prosperity, happiness, and
constitutional liberty be thereby secured to
the millions now living, and the untold mil
lions hereafter to live on this continent.
There are many personal embarrassments
or difficulties i'll the way of my going to the
COnvention--these l alluded t. before-but
L am reSO|red to be there II can, In no
event shall it be ever truthfully said of me
that L failed to do everything in my power to
save the country and its institutions
L did IN 1860 exert my efforts to their MI
most extent to avoid the late rrOst iamentabIe
war, and t" save the Union on constitutional
principles without conflict of arms, This T
did, too, while many OF those now so clamor-
Gus for what they call 1.-The Union cau<e,
were giving encouragement. at least, to the
extreme men at the South by clearly and de-
cidedIy Estimating, if not fully expressing a
perfect Willingness. on their part, that s.the
Union might slide if the people of the South
so wIlled 1t. L was even tuuntrI with en-.
deavoring to hold our people on to Union
that was no lorger cared for by leading men
OF the dominant party OF the North with
stood these taunts even when knew Tor was
informed truly, as | believed that there was
an organized body of men in Savannah IN
seize the Custom House, Fort Pulaski. &c.
In case the State did not secede. All this 7
stated to you, and to which you allude in your
letter before me; nor should have any hes
itancy in stating it to The public if any pub-
lie good could thereby be effected The pub
lie good is my only object. How best to sub
serve that, consistently with truth, honor, and
upr'Shtness. is the only question with me-
Personal interests have no influence with me
whatever-at least think so, aud NAV be
excused for saying so. Had 1 been gov
erncd by personal feelings, l should have had
nothing to do with the late troubles. further
than entering my earnest protest against
them. And had L been governed by per-
sonal feeling l should not now be in the sit
uaton | am.
If the Union shall be restored under the
Constitution, as l earnestly desire to see it
done. (and am willing to do all | eau to-
wards that end.) it is my fixed purpose to re-
tire forever from all connection with public
affairs. So that white it would seem that
my present efforts are tending to result in
which L have more or less personal interest
that is, my admission as Senator in Con-
gress-yet l. assure you never expect or in
tend % hold that position long, even if the
seat should he awarded to me-
Yours. truly.
ALEXANDER FL. STEPHENS.