Year: 1860

The following letters from Mr.. Douglas were
received during the sitting of the Baltimore
Convention, and would have been used had the
seceders pursued such a course as would have
permitted their recipients to honorably present
them to the Convention. They show the feeling
and the patriotism of Stephen A. Douglas, who,
rather than destroy the unity of the great DEM
ocratic party, and thus throw the Government
into the hands of the Republican party, was will
ling TO withdraw from the contest, although
majority of the Conuention had declared him
their first choice. More noble patriotism than
this can no man show. But read the letters
In the language of the S. F. Herald, they explain
themselves


To DEAN RIcHaosD, Chairman Of Delegation, Bal


tmore:


The steadiness with which New York has sus-
tanned me will justify word of counsel The
safety OF the cause is the paramount duty of ev-
cry delegate. The unity of the party, and the
maintenance Of its principles inviolate. are more
important than the elevation or defeat Of any
Individual If my enemies are determined to
divide and destroy the Democratic party and
perhaps the country, rather than see me elected;
f'hH a. bhC ulllll VI Tie party can De preserved,
and its time-honored principles maintained and
Its ascendancy perpetuated, by dropping my
name and uniting upon some other reliable non
Intervention, Unon-loring Democrat, / beseech
you, in consultation with our friends, to pursue
that course which will save the party and the
country, without regard to my personal interests.
tSigned) S. A. DOUGLAS.


WAsHNGToX, P. n, June goth.


{Prvate.)


Ny DEAR SIR: learn there is eminent danger
that the Democratic party will be demoralized if
not destroyed by the breaking up of the Conven-
ton. Such result would inevitably expose the
country TO the perls of sectional strife, between
the Northern and Southern partisans of Con-
gressional Intervention upon the subject of sla-
very in the Territories.


firmly and conscientiously believe that there
is no safety for the country-no hope for the
preservation of the Union-except by a faithful
and rigid adherence to the doctrine of non inter
vention by Congress with slavery in the terrific
ries. Intervention means disunion There is no
difference in principles between Northern and
Southern Intervention: the one iutervenes for
slavery and the other against slavery, but each
appeals to the passions and prejudices of his own
section, against the peace of the whole country,
and the right of self-government by the people
of the Territories. Hence, the doctrine of non
intery ention must be maintained at all hazards


But while can never sacrifice the principle,
even to obtain the Presidency, will cheerfully
and joyfully sacrifice myself to- maintain the
principle. If therefore, you and my other friends
who have stood by me with such heroic frmness
at Charleston and Baltimore, shall be of the
opinion that the principle caAbe preserved, and
the unity and aseendency Of the Democratic
party maintained and the country saved from
the hands of Northern Abolitionism and South
ern Disunion, by Withdrawing my name, blend
ing upon some other non-interrenton Union
loving Democrat, desire that you pursue that
course. Do not understand me as wishing to
dictate to my friends. have implicit confidence
in your and their patriotism, judgment and dis
erection. Whatever you may do in the premises
will meet my hearty approval, but conure
yol to act with an eye single to the safety and
welfare Of the country, and without the Slight
est regard to my individual interests or aggrand-
izement. Ny interests will be best promoted
aud my ambition gratifed ana motives indicated
by that course on the part of my friends, which
W II be most effectual in saving the country from
being ruled and ruined by q sectional party
The National Demo- rats of the Charleston Con-
vention in sustaining me by so large majority
on the platform: and designating me as the first
choice of the party for the Presidency, is all the
personal triumph desire. This letter is prompt
ed by the same motives which induced nv dis
patch four years ago, Withdrawing my name
from the Cincinnati Convention With this
knowledge OF my opinions and wishes, you and
other friends must act upon your own convic-
lions. Very truly, your friend.


(Signed) S. A. DOUGLAS.