Year: 1861

UNlrRp srArSs srgAN-ERlsArE MINSgsorA


on Cape Hatteras, Aug 70 l8ol'


DrAR FRIExp. i have received yonr note, as well
as those Of many others of my true friends in Massa
chusetts asking my opinion about political questions
and some kindly suggesting my name as a candidate
for Governor at the ensuing election. reply to you
as representing them all, because orr intimacy will
permit more frankness than would seem meet toward
those less closely connected


As have stated TO you, and OF have publicly re-
peated when left home left all politics, in party
sense of the term behind me, and now know no poll
ties in any sense represented by the question
How best 10 preserve the Union andres the country
in its integrity Peace is desirable 10 all, and TO none
more 80 than the soldier who has left bis friends and
bis home to do his duty to bis country.


But however desirable il is not TO be purchased upon
any terms save the recognition OF the authority Of the
| Federal Government over every inch Of territory
which ever belonged to it. Upon no condition what
ever, other than tbis, would consent TO peace.
peace involving the disntegraon OF the Union, or
until the supremacy of the Government is forever
established would be simply decsI alton of perpetual
war OF sections.


Were the Southern Confederacv to-day echnowl-
edge in the fullness of good aib, two months would
not elapse before Of would arise, sufficient
not only 10 Justify, but 10 demand renewal OF the
conflict. No two months have passed. in the last ten
years at least in which onrages have not been COM
uitted npon Northern men in the South, which, had
they been perperated by foreign nation, would have
demanded redress OF grievances, under PAIN OF sue
pension Of diplomatic relations


But we have borne these ourSges because there was
no tribunal to tie arbTameDt OF which could sub
nit them and i was s9ains LIE genius Of people
70 appeal TO arrns. Therefore, mitS pam upon
the part OF Of those with whom have acted 10
ponrivs Organizations disposition 70 advocate peace
full settleehts wherein there be peace, There
FORE this war must go on not for the purpose Of
cation, but, il those who have commenced it bring
upon themselves that condition incident il will
only be another illustration of the fruit of sowing the
wind. Beside these there other politics.
On the matter of the nomiDaton--I cannot consent
that NV name sball be used by any party. While on
some things as you aware do not agree with the
principles upon which both the State and the national
administrations were lnaugurated yet we are long
way past that The Republican party, having won
political victory both in the State and In the nan,
entitled TO the patriotic endeavor Of eyerv nan give
it fair trial in the administration OF the government,
and in that 1t should as it does take the lead in Official
| positions.


And now there Is left nothing for us TO contend
against save any corruption, iDefcieney impro-
prety Of administration, which doubt not would at
once be rebaked as well by republicans as by demo
crats. But far regards the personnel Of ad1i-
nisratlta in the State, believe Governor Andrew has
epdeavored faithfully zealousy and efficiently TO put
our commonwealth on the side of the nation and to
sustain the Union. ] therefore, for one would not
desire TO change Ia the executive, although
doubt not the people viii demand changes in some Of
the minor offices.


j do not say that would vote for Gov. Andrew,
but were at home | would not vote against him.
Let be understood tnat without distinction Of party
aud without raising party Issues all who love the
Union are determined 10 stand by il and the country
until this rebellion shall be queed and then may
hereafter divide please upon the minor differ
eDces Of administration Of Government.


To you, my dear friend, need urge no justification
for this cOurse. You will appreciate it, for you
of the sacrifice both of feeling and Of position
made. year ago, in the earnest eudeayor to
| the country from this calamity winch 1 then partly
foresaw and acting in the best light had endeavored
! 10 prevent. And ready to make like sacrifice
now to repel that which then sought TO avert. l
need to thank you and others of my friends for this,
among many other hndnesses you have shown me.
Very truly yours, BENZ y. BUTLER
Ufrt