my duty to the constitution and the Union by disregarding such instructions altogether; and although they were often afterwards repeated, and popular indignities threatened, I disregarded them accordingly.

And now, my dear sir, I leave this matter where, but for your kind letter, I should have permitted it to repose-upon the judgment of a people who have not yet forgotten, nor will they soon forget, who sustained and who assailed their country's constitution in the moment of its severest trial, the perversions of necessitous politicians to the contrary notwithstanding. But it was perhaps due to confiding friends, that the sinister misrepresentation should be corrected; and I thank you for the attention which enabled me to do it.

Sincerely yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

TO HENRY E. ORR, Esq., Washington, D. C.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. SALMONS.*

BINGHAMTON, October 12, 1853.

MY DEAR LOUISA-Your kind letter conveying intelligence of the death of your excellent mother, was received a few days since, and we all deeply sympathize with you in your affliction; for we know by sad experience how painful is the loss of a parent, even when they have finished their earthly career in the fulness of years and the confidence and hope of the Christian.

Mrs. Dickinson has been ill of a prevailing influenza, or she would have written. All the family are as usual, and join us in assuring you and your mourning relatives of our sincere condolence.

With regards to your husband and family, and hoping that we may at no distant day enjoy the pleasure of your company here, I am

Sincerely yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

Mrs. LOUISA H. SALMONS.

* Formerly Miss Royce.

VOL. II.-31

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. WESTCOTT AND MRS. HATHAWAY

Tuesday Evening, December 13, 1853.

MY DEAR SISTERS-I have been most painfully anxious that you should come over and visit us to-morrow, as it is so lonesome in Lydia's absence; and besides, yesterday and to-day my heart has wrung with an anguish so deep that I have sought your affectionate sympathy to stanch its bleeding. Availing myself of Lydia's absence, unknown to any family friends (for I did not wish to pain them), I have been engaged in removing the precious remains of our dear children to their final resting-place in the new cemetery, which has long been contemplated. The emotion it has caused me I cannot tell. Oh, how much would I give could I see you this evening; but as I cannot, I write this note, for even that seems like communing with those I cherish with affectionate regard. I expect to be absent to-morrow to return at evening, and, if so, I am sure you will come and spend a part of the day and evening with us, Thursday.

Your affectionate brother,

LUCIE and HANNAII.

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

BINGHAMTON, December 21, 1853.

MY DEAREST LYDIA-We are all quite well, and matters go on prosperously. The painful office of the removal of the remains of the loved ones was well performed under the direction of Thomas. It occasioned me great grief and emotion, and I was anxious to have some one with me. But Louise had not come. I went for Lucie and Hannah, not letting them know why I wanted them, and they could not conveniently come; and I did not wish to distress Mary and Charlotte, so I kept it a secret until it was all over. Thomas proves invaluable to me in many respects, for there is nothing he cannot do, and do well.

You must not imagine there is a general sickness, if you do not hear every day. No news. All send much love to all.

Affectionately,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. WESTCOTT.

NORWICH, January 12, 1854.

MY DEAR SISTER-I have been much engaged since I came here; have not heard from your sister or Lydia L. at Albany, but have written them twice. I heard from home by letter from Mary last evening, and was happy to learn that all were well.

's funeral.

"Let

I am to be a pall-bearer at Mr. He was a faithful and excellent friend; and his death, more especially the manner of it, shocked me exceedingly. But while condemning an act so rash and unchristian, I said to myself, him who thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall." He was a man of much heart and deep domestic feeling, and alive to social enjoyments with family and friends. He lost his wife a few years since, with whom he had lived forty years; his children had all left him, pursuing their several careers, and he lived alone in the house which for forty years had been lighted up by the joys of home, with only a servant to keep his house. He had no one with gentle hands to soothe his fevered brow, or to beguile his vacant and solitary hours with the thousand kind attentions which a feeling heart can appreciate, but which no one can describe. The world looked cold and dark to him; he fancied illness when he was enjoying good health, and in an evil moment was left without the sustaining hand of Providence. Peace to his remains.

Oh, how fervently I desire to live near those I love so long as it may please heaven to spare my life, and in the last sad moments to have them stand around me; for I can realize that on some fond breast the panting soul relies."

I have never been thankful enough for the blessings which have been extended to me; among which there is none, beyond life, health, and home, which I prize more dearly than my dear friends; and to you, my dear sister, whom I have loved so

well, and who have cheered me with your pure and gentle af fection, I am bound by ties of tenderness which can only be severed in death.

Your affectionate brother,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MR. CLINTON.

BINGHAMTON, May 20, 1854.

MY DEAR JUDGE-I have been absent, or I should at an early moment have congratulated you upon your election, and assured you of the gratification your friends experienced on its But better late than never.

announcement.

I have heard that Judge Bronson will not accept the nomination for governor. This I regret; for he is, for the country part of the State, very much the strongest man we have.

On the liquor question they will endeavor to save the "hards," as the liquor-sellers do their casks-tap at both ends, and that perhaps not without some prospects of success-drawing off temperance men at one end, and rummies at the other.

TO MY BELOVED Daughter MARY-The only daughter left as my solace and beguiler of my solitary hours, or to my care and protection, is this little gift presented; in the belief that her affection for her parents will be as pure and endless as a golden ring.

Your affectionate father,

* With a gold ring.

D. S. DICKINSON.

pose

MR. FLETCHER WEBSTER TO MR. DICKINSON.

BOSTON, January 21, 1855.

MY DEAR SIR-I this day received, on my return from Washington, an envelope post-marked Binghamton, and containing an autograph letter from my late father to you. I supI am indebted for this favor to no one but yourself. I have seen the letter in print, but am very much your debtor for the original. It contains sentiments to which I have often heard my father give expression, in the privacy of social and domestic life, and with which he impressed his family and friends.

I will have it copied and return you the original. With your leave, I propose to make use of it in the publication of my father's correspondence.

I am aware that many papers have suggested my name in connection with the Presidency, and some have actually placed it at mast-head. Upon the subject you are already aware of my views. Really and truly, I desire never to be again called from the quiet of my home to discharge a public trust. The times have become degenerate-the spirit of office-seeking, base and execrable in the extreme, and the tone of public morals more than questionable. The public treasury and public domain are regarded the lawful booty of political cormorants. Whoever administers the government for the next term, if he does no more than his reasonable duty, will dearly earn both his emoluments and honors, for he will have much to do, above and beyond subserving the grovelling purposes of mere party.