Pittsburg, Pa., December 12, 1859.
Mr. C. M. Clay
—
Dear Friend: —
I am still in the free States, being detained longer than I expected. My health
is better than when I left home. We shall raise money enough to pay for our
land, and open the way for other more extended interests.
I find Republicanism rising. The Republicans in Philadelphia
have separated from the “mere peoples’ party.” They are going into the work in
good earnest. I stopped with some true friends of yours, Wm. B. Thomas and
Professor Cleveland. Many inquired for you. I told them you were still in the
field, and the true friend of freedom. I believe this, and I am pained when I
hear Republicans talk of such men as Bates, Blair, etc., and omit your name.
I have repeatedly spoken of you in public and private. I
think the spirit is rising in the Republican ranks, and will yet demand a
representative man. If you or Chase or Seward are on the ticket, or tried men,
I shall expect to work with the Republicans. I shall continue to do all I can
to urge a higher standard. Wm. B. Thomas of Philadelphia says he will thus work
and expend money to induce a higher standard; but, if the party “flattens down”
below what it was last time, he is off. Hundreds of others will do the same — yes,
thousands; and that class of men the party can not well do without.
Dr. Hart of New York proposed that I address a letter to
you, calling you out. I thought it not best to do so until I should see you
personally, or write to you, and have an arrangement. I am having encouraging
audiences — staying longer than I had intended — perhaps ’tis all well. I learn
there is some feeling against me in Kentucky in consequence of an article in
the Louisville Courier, representing me as approving John Brown's
course, etc. Such is a direct perversion of my uniform and invariable teaching.
I have been careful here, and always said I disapproved his manner of action — attempts
to abduct, or incite insurrection; but that I thought God is speaking to the
world through John Brown, in his spirit of consecration. I suppose I can not
help the gullibility of the people, unless I attempt to correct by publishing. Is
this best? Write to me at Cincinnati, care of Geo. L. Weed. I shall start
for Lewis in a day or two; from thence to Cincinnati, and home.
John. G. Fee.
SOURCE: Cassius Marcellus Clay, The life of Cassius Marcellus Clay, Volume 1, p. 575-6
