Delaware State journal and statesman., 1867-01-25

ed to some extent before being published, but |
not 80 thoroughly as could have wished. The
report was substantially correct. If had had
any idea that II would have been 80 extensively
circulated as it has been, and been republishod
in SO many places throughout the country as II
has been, should have prepared copy for the
press in the first instance. But had no such
thought, and, therefore, let the report go Ps 1t
did. There are several verbal inaccuracies in it,
but the main points appear sufficiently clear for
all practical purposes. The country is certain
ly in great peril, and no man ever had heavier
or greater responsibilities resting upon him
than you have in the present momentOus crisis.
Yours, most respectfully,
ALEXANDER H. srRPHREs.
Hon. Abraham Lincoln, Springfield, Ill.
REPLY OF Nh. LINCOLN.
For your 0pn eye Onlg.l
Springfield, ILL.,, Dec. %, ls60.-IIOn. A. II.
siephens-My Dear sir--YOur oblging answer
to my short note Is just received, and for which
please accept my thanks. fully appreciate the
present peril the country 10 10, and the weight
OF responsibility on me. Do the people Of the
South really entertain fears that Republican
Administration would, directly or indirectly, in
,erfere with their slsyesH II they do wish to
assure you, as once friend, and otill, hope,
not on enemy, that there is no cause for such
fears. The South would be in no more danger
10 this respect, than it would In the days Of
Washington. suppose, however, this does not
meet the case. You think slavery is right and
ought to be extended; while We think it is wrong
and ought to be restricted. That l suppose is
the rub. Il certainly is tho ouly substantial
difference between u.s. You're, very truly,
A. LINCOLN.
NIB. STEPHENS 70 Mr. LINCOLN.
Charlottesville, Ga, 80th Dec 1850 Dear
sr-Yours Of the 22d instant was received two
days ago. l hold it and appreciate it as you in
tended. Personally, am not your epemy-far
from IT,; and however widely we may differ
politically yet trust we both have an earnest
desire to preserve and maintain the Union Of the
States, if it can be done upon the principles and
furtherance Of the objects for which it was
formed. II was with such feelings on my part,
that suggested 10 you in my former note the
heavy responsibility now resting on you and
with the same feelings will now take the liberty
Of saying in all frankness aud earnestness that
this great object can never be attained by force
This is my settled conviction. Consider the
opinion, weigh it. and pass upon it for yourself
An error on this point may lead to the mos
disastrous consequences.
will also add that in my judgment the PEG
pie Of the South do not entertain any fears tina
Republican Administration, or at least th
one about to be inauguraied, would attempt t
interfere directly and Immediately with SLAYER.
in the States. Their apprehension and Dispute
tude do not spring from that source. They d
not arise from the fact Of the known anti-slaver
opinions of the President elect. Washington
jefferson, and other Presidents are generally ad
! mitted to have been anti-slavery in sentiment
But in those days Anti-slavery did not enter q
/ an element into party organizations.
Questions Of other kinds, relating to the foreig
! and domestic pOlcy-cOmmerce, finance On
other legitimate objects Of the general Cover
: ment-were the basis Of such associations
their day. The private opinions Of iudividua
upon tho subject of African slavery, or IL
d status of the negro With us, were not looked
It in the choice Of Federal officers, any more thI
b their views upon matters Of religion, or al
n other subject over which the Government und
10 the Constitution had no control. Bn, now th
i subject, which lie confessedly en all sides OF
is side Of the constitutional action of the Cover
to ment, so far as the States are concerned,
lie made the central idea" in the platform
80 principles announced by the triumphant par
r The leading object seems to be simply, a
r. wantonly if you please, to put the institute
n. of nearly half the States under the ban Of pt
lg ii, opinion and national condemnation. III
no upon general principles, is quite enough Of
self to arouse spirit not only Of general
dignation, but Of revolt, on the part of the ?
scribed Let me illustrate. Itis generally c.
ceded, by the Republicans even, that COngr
cannot interfere with slavery in the States.
- is equally conceded that Congress cannot est
n. lish any form Of religious worship.
Now suppose that any one Of the pres
Christian Churches or scots prevailed In all
Southern States, but had no existence in
w
stances suppose the people Of the North
States should organize o political party
upon foreign or domestic policy but with
leading idea of condemnation Of the doctri
ear and teneis of that particular Church, and v
ue- the avowed object Of preventing its cxteus
iuto the common Territories even after
highest judicial tribunal of the land had deci
they had no such constitutional powerl
suppose thst party so organized should 90
-. t. . nd atN
the general feeling of resistance TO the suco
aims and objects Of such party would ne
sarily and rightfuly ensuef Would II no
n of the inevitable consequence? And the more
riod if possible, from the admitted fact that it W
sen. matter beyond their control, and one that
last ought not, ip the spirit Of comfy between
d in States to attempt to NEEDLE with. | sui
and these thoughts to you for your calm reflect
vent We at the South do think that African SLAYER,
,eiye II exists with US, both morally and politit
, set right This opinion is founded upon the inie
bout ;ty of The black race.
that In addressing you mus Wou'u nave
live. understand me as being not personal EN-
/, re- but as Que who would have you do what
well can to save our common country. word
the ly spoken" by you now would indeed be
EIGHT apples Of gold in pictures Of silver" l en-
INIT YOU he not deceived as to I 9 nature and e.
Re mn of the danger, or as to the remedy. Ooncili
work and harmony, in my judgment, can neve
,ding established by force. Nor can the Union,
ever, the Constitution, be maintained by force.
no Union was formed by the consent of The
need peudent sovereign States. Ultimate severe
,ewed still resides With them separately, which C
asa resumed, and will be If their safety, tranq
beep aud security. IN their judgment, requi
rave. Under our system, as view it, there is no
int 10 full power in the General Government 10 {
had State in case any one OF them should
a -