ALEXANDRIA, Nov. 10,
1860.
. . . We have had a
week of cold rains but it has cleared off, and to-day is bright and warm. I am
going into town today and will leave this at the post-office. The election came
off on Tuesday and resulted in Alexandria in a majority for Breckenridge, next
Bell, next Douglas. Of course there were no votes for Lincoln. Indeed he has no
ticket in this state.
I received a note
from a friend advising me to vote. I thought the matter over and concluded I
would not vote. Technically I was entitled to a vote as I entered Louisiana
just a year ago, but I thought I ought not to vote in this election, and did
not. I would have preferred Bell, but I think he has no chance, and I do not
wish to be subject to any political conditions. If I am to hold my place by a
political tenure I prefer again to turn vagabond.
I would not be
surprised to learn that my not voting was construed into a friendly regard for
Lincoln, and that it might result in my being declared a public enemy. I shall
however rest under a belief that now as the election is over all this hard
feeling will subside and peace once more settle on the country. We have no
returns as yet. Maybe the mail tonight will bring some returns from New York,
Pennsylvania, and Ohio, those large states that determine this election, but I
do not count on any clear knowledge till next Monday.
We began our
recitations last Monday, and things have settled down into order and system. .
.
No matter which way
we turn there arise difficulties which seem insurmountable. In case Lincoln is
elected they say that South Carolina will secede and that the Southern States
will not see her forced back. Secession must result in Civil War, anarchy, and
ruin to our present form of government. If it is attempted it would be unwise
for us to be here. Still I hope for quiet. . .
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