Monday, September 1, 2014

Senator William P. Fessenden: December 29, 1860

Political matters are as dark as ever. The President is frightened out of his wits, and in the hands of traitors. It is rumored that Mr. Lincoln's inauguration is to be prevented by force, though I can hardly believe the secessionists so mad as to attempt it. In that event we shall have a civil war and perhaps a bloody fight at the Capitol. Be it so, here we are and here we shall remain, unyielding and inflexible. What I have left of life is at the service of my country. I hope, however, that the storm will blow over and that these Southern fools will not attempt to pull down the fabric which, if it falls, will surely bury them in its ruins.

The meanness of these Southern senators is beyond all power of expression. With their States out of the Union, as they say, in open rebellion, they remain in their seats with the avowed design to obstruct legislation and receiving pay for it from the government they are striving to overthrow.

SOURCE: Francis Fessenden, Life and Public Services of William Pitt Fessenden, Volume 1, p. 119

No comments: