Year: 1860

representing respectively the dominant sectional


ideas will, at the ensuing election, in all probabil-
ity, be supported by pure geographical vote
In other words already brought to a pass
at which North and South cannot and will not
cooperate in the periodical reorganization of the
government.


Can such a state of things long continue espe-
cially with the ever present risk of new causes of
evaporation ? I own that it seems to me impos-
sibie, unless some healing course is adopted that
the catastrophe, which the mass of good citizens
so much deprecate, should be much longer delay
ed. spirit of patriotic moderation must be call
ed into action throughout the Union, or it will
assuredly be broken up. Unless the warfare of
indammatory speeches and incendiary publica-
tions is Abandoned and good citizens. as in 1776
and l777, North and South, will agree to deal
with the same elements of discord (for they exist.
ed then now as our fathers dealt with them
shall but for few years longer be even NOM
inally brethren of one family. The suggestion
that the Union can be maintained by the numer-
cal predomnance and military prowess of one
section exerted to coerce the other into submis-
sion, is, in my judgement, as self-contradictory
as it is dangerous It comes loaded with the
death smell from fields wet with brothers blood
If the vital principle of all republican government


is ''the consent of the governed,' much more
does a union of equal sovereign States require,
its basis, the harmony of its members and their
voluntary cooperation in its organic functions.


In adopting as its platform the consti ution
without note or comment, the convention, as it
seems to me, pursued wise and patriotic course
No other course thought of in the earlier days
of the republic Electioneering platforms are
almost without exception equivocal and delusive.
1t is objected that differ as to the meaning of
the fundamental law; but they differ not less as
to any gloss commentary. The constitution,
in its fair and natural Interpretation, is the only
basis on which good citizensin every part of the
Country can now unite and any attempt to 60 fur
ther will usually have other effect than to cause
those who agree on great practical principles to
differ metaphysical suptleties or to bring to-
gether by artfully constructed phrases from sell
fish motives, those who have nothing else in COM





Believing, for these reasons, that healing coun-
sells must be listened to- if we are much longer to
remain one people, I regard the late National
Union Convention as movement in the right
direction. I could wish that it had been earlier
assembled with less exclusive reference to official
nominations and with a more comprehensive
representation, if possible, of the conflicting opin-
ions of the country. On general principles and
in ordinary times I admit that third parties
Objectionable, but in the existing state of
affairs, if there is to be any escape from the pres
ent ill-omened conflict it would seem that a
commencement must be made with such meet
ting as that of the 9th and 10th at Baltimore. It
was fair REPRESENTATION of the conservative opn-
ion of the country, and the calmness, gravity and
good feeling with which its proceedings were con-
Quoted cannot be too highly praised.


The candidate for the Presidency presented by
the Union convention is every way worthy of
confidence and support. 1 speak from personal
knowledge and long association with him in pub
lie service. His distinguished talent, large ex,
perience in affairs, proved integrity and sterling
patriotism furnish the amplest pledge for an hon
est and efficient administration of the govern
ment at home and abroad. citizen of the South,
and loyal to her constitutional rights, his Impair
tial and conciliatory a public man af-
fords ground on which he can be supported in
either section of the country, without destruction
of principle and by men of all parties, without a
painful sacrifice of former preferences.


Deeply regreting that the convention has not
put it in my power to pay equally cordial and
emphatic tribute to some worthy candidate for
the Vice Presidency, but feeling it a duty to
give the desired proof of sympathy with their
patriotic efforts to restore the happy days of
brotherly concord between the different sections
of our beloved country remain, dear sir, sincere
ly yours,