Columbus, Jan’y 20, 1860.
Dear Sumner, There
are a few Republicans in the Legislature who think decided opposition — especially
of a practical character — to slavery & its domination somewhat heretical,
if not fanatical, and they do not like the idea that such a man as I am should
be made Senator. They are few; but it has been feared that, if excited to
factious action by disregarding altogether their wishes, they might be able,
with the aid of the democrats, to defeat an election. I doubt whether they
would do so in any event; but it was probably wisdom to give them no pretext.
At least the majority thought it best to give them time; and accordingly the
nomination was postponed to Feb. 1, when it will doubtless be made, & the
election will follow very soon — perhaps the next day. There are no indications
of serious opposition. It gratifies me exceedingly that the true & earnest
friends of our cause — among whom I count you chief — seem to desire so much my
return to my old post. I confess however that I have myself little or no desire
to return to it. I weary of political life & strife. Nothing but the
clearly indicated will of the Republicans & especially of the most earnest
& faithful among them would induce me to think of entering it again. Even
that higher post to which you alluded would attract me less by its distinctions
than it would repel by the apprehensions, which its responsibilities must
awaken, of failure in effecting that elevation in tone, object, & action at
home and abroad, which alone makes change of administration desirable. It would
be a great thing indeed to reform administration at home; to infuse it with the
spirit of liberty, justice, & equity; to enable our diplomacy to fill its
posts with men whose hearts are sound as their heads; & by these means add
dignity to national character & permanence to national institutions. But
who, knowing himself & knowing the time, will dare to promise himself that
he can do this?
Cordially &
faithfully,
[SALMON P. CHASE.]
My little Nettie has learned to admire you as much as her
sister Kate. Your picture hangs in my dining room & in my library, and they
think of you as a near friend.
SOURCE: Diary and correspondence of Salmon P. Chase, Annual
Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol.
2, p. 284-5
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