We look on the great question as now settled, and all
political movements in Kansas as having chiefly a local interest. Some of us
stood ready to have made a much greater sacrifice had it been necessary, somewhat
commensurate with that made by yourself and others. For months I felt as though
I held my property and even my life by an uncertain tenure; but with a numerous
family of children and a loving wife, I did not intend to part with either
until it was necessary to bring up the “forlorn hope.” But I have never had the
least doubt about our carrying it ultimately. Please not show this to any one,
for I never wrote it before, and never reflect upon it without devout gratitude
to God for having spared me so great a sacrifice. Now we must be magnanimous to
the South. Slavery cannot be extended. Whether it can ever be got rid of in
this country is doubtful. It is a curse imposed by the sins of our ancestors,
and we must bear it patiently.
SOURCE: William Lawrence, Life of Amos A. Lawrence:
With Extracts from His Diary and Correspondence, p. 111-2
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