SHERWOOD FOREST,
December 6, 1859.
DEAR ROBERT: Your
letter of the 28th November is before me. I was far from inferring from your
previous letter making any application to me for pecuniary aid. No such
inference was deducible from your letter. I meant only to express the opinion
that the law profession opened more widely the door to preferment than any
other pursuit, and, in doing so, mentioned the regret I felt that I had it not
in my power to place you on a footing of perfect independence, so as to enable
you to devote your whole time to your office. It is a regret I sincerely felt,
but of course I knew that you too well appreciated my true condition to even
hint at such a thing. Under such circumstances I am desirous to see you placed
in such a situation under the government which will ensure your future
independence. I care but little what it is, so it ensures that end.
A chase after
political preferment ends in nothing but fatigue to the spirits and exhaustion
of mind. Even at the highest, it is attended with little more than traduction and
slander. In the present condition of public affairs, this remark becomes more
emphatic. A day may destroy everything. Virginia is arming to the teeth—more
than fifty thousand stand of arms already distributed, and the demand for more
daily increasing. Party is silent, and has no voice. But one sentiment pervades
the country: security in the Union, or separation. An indiscreet move in any
direction may produce results deeply to be deplored. I fear the debates in
Congress, and above all the Speaker's election. If excitement prevails in
Congress, it will add fuel to the flame which already burns so terrifically. I
hope there is conservatism enough in the country to speak peace, and that,
after all, good may come out of evil. Wise's energy receives unqualified
approval.
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