Monday, July 20, 2015

Francis Lieber to the Managers Of the Fremont Campaign Club, March 17, 1864

March 17, 1864.

To the Managers Of the Fremont Campaign Club:

Gentlemen, — In reply to your favor of yesterday, informing me that it is desired “I shall take the presidency of the Fremont Campaign Club,” to be established “for the purpose of bringing forward the name of General Fremont in connection with the presidency,” I desire to say that I am simply for the country with my whole soul, and would disown my own brother were he in any way to disturb the unity of the National Men, or Country Party, whatever name may be used; that I am convinced that every personal-election movement at this time can only tend to weaken us, when, in proportion to the greatness and the breadth of our struggle, our whole undivided physical and moral strength is necessary to bring it to an end, — and it must be brought to an end soon, if ever; and lastly, that I believe the nomination of General Fremont can have no other effect than the division of our forces, but not his election. All of us ought to remember the letter of the patriotic Chase.

SOURCE: Thomas Sergeant Perry, Editor, The Life and Letters of Francis Lieber, p. 343-4

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