September 27, 1860.
I am much obliged to
you for the copy of your brother's speech. It is an able production and marks
him, as he had already proved himself to be, a deep thinker and a strong
reasoner. I regret very much that he is on the wrong side – his premises I do
not grant him. I believe he designs no other injustice to the South than to
keep slaves out of the territories, and since the Supreme Court says that under
the Constitution they can be carried there, the mere agitation of that matter,
free-soilism (not abolitionism), is not sufficient cause for the South to
attempt to break up the Union; but I am afraid Seward and many others will
never rest till they attempt the abolition of slavery in the states, and when
that comes, then “let the Union slide" (according to Governor Banks).
As long as Seward is
the acknowledged leader of the Republicans, has not the South reason to fear
that the abolition of slavery in the Territories is but the entering wedge to
overthrow it in the States? I think, and hope, that your brother will yet
openly renounce Seward's “irrepressible conflict” doctrine. But I must say, I
like to read Seward's speeches. I have learned more politics of him lately than
from all the rest of the politicians put together. However false his position,
he talks more like a philosopher than any of them. There is nothing of the
humbug about him; he is honest in his views, and for that very reason, he is
the more dangerous enemy, first to the South, and finally to the whole Union.
However unpleasant
it is to be separated so much from your family, I think you have acted wisely
in not bringing them down to Louisiana. If you could see the Pinewoods now,
after they have been burnt so bare that there is hardly a sprig of vegetation
to be seen, you could not help exclaiming, What a picture of starvation! And it
is reported that some poor devils are actually starving in Natchitoches; but I
suppose they are of the “rosin heel” tribe, and are really too lazy to live.
Bell will certainly
carry Louisiana. Poor Breck! I am afraid he will only carry S. S. Prentiss's
“Harry Percy of the Union,” South Carolina, and, maybe, he is not ultra enough
for the Fire-eaters. . .
