whether I would accept the Union nomination for Governor, reached me at Albany; but I was about leaving, and was so pressed with engagements, that I was unable to answer it until my return to my residence. In a time of such serious peril, no one, in my judgment, may say peremptorily, he will not accept any station, high or low, to which he may be assigned by the popular voice; but I add in all frankness, that I would not accept of any party nomination for any office, nor of any nomination whatsoever, except upon the most urgent public necessity and a popular demand too unanimous to bear resistance. The office is worthy of the highest ambition; but I have enjoyed but 1 ttle domestic repose for the last thirty years, and greatly desire retirement from the agitations of public affairs and the responsibilities of high official position. I accepted the office I now hold in the belief that my name would give unanimity and force to the Union movement of last year, though it was neither suited to my business interest, domestic convenience, nor flattering to my ambition. The Union movement was then without organization, and required sacrifices which are not now demanded. I have abated none of my de sire for its advancement nor of my determination to aid to my utmost ability to prosecute the war upon rebellion to the bitter end; but there are many names as well calculated to aid the cause as my own, in the relation suggested, and I beg one of them may be selected. This letter is neither public nor private, but as a matter of taste I desire it may not be published. Sincerely yours, D. S. DICKINSON. GENERAL WADSWORTH TO MR. DICKINSON. September 30, 1862. MY DEAR SIR-I thank you for your friendly letter of the 26th inst. I shall undertake this responsible position with unaffected anxiety in times like these. I shall look to you and men like you, for advice and support; and I must begin by throwing back your suggestion about "suggestions." It is over a year since I have been in the State, and there is no one here now who knows much of the state of feeling at home: so I have to feel my way where I would gladly have the advice of experienced friends. They serenaded me out the other night; and I determined to be very reticent and politic, but ended by saying just what I thought, and perhaps that was best after all. I need not say, my dear sir, that I shall listen to any suggestions you can give me with the greatest respect. Very truly yours, JAMES S. WADSWORTH. MR. DICKINSON TO MISS NELLIE MYGATT. Monday Morning, October 5, 1862. MY DEAR NELLIE-I hope this bright October sun shines upon you, and that you are well enough to find pleasure in it. It is a true October day-the loveliest season to me, except perhaps June; one is a season of hope, the other of harvest. The Orchard is full of variegated colors of every possible hue, and brimful of loveliness. Were you here as last year, how much all would enjoy it. But we will all be reconciled and patient under the severe affliction which rests so heavily on you-which pains us all. We can only tell you how truly we love you, how we watch in imagination at your bedside, how we pray for and would rejoice at your restoration to health. Mrs. D. is some better, and I contemplate a short journey with her into Ohio and Pennsylvania, to see if it will benefit her. I can but try it. If it seems too much for her, we can return. All the family join me in love to your mother and sisters and all family friends. May heaven bless and protect you. D. S. DICKINSON. MR. DICKINSON TO MR. SPENCER, BINGHAMTON, October 6, 1862 MY DEAR S.-Your favor is at hand. I have only time to say, that I shall support Wadsworth. I do not act politically, but if I did I would not support his opponent. Politically, I would never touch slavery. As a war measure, and an element of rebellion, I would strike it wherever it would hurt them or help us. I do not like all the action of the Republicans in the Union matter, but we have a great work before us, and must not turn aside because others may be selfish. Sincerely yours, D. S. DICKINSON. TO MR. DICKINSON. October 9th, 1862, DEAR SIR: A magnificent speech from a glorious old man— The Demosthenes of the war— "Senus in cælum redeas"— "Clarum et venerabile nomen" to coming generations. NO MATTER WHO, Hon. DANIEL S. DICKINSON. REV. MR. PEARN TO MR. DICKINSON. PLATTSBURGH, October 11, 1862. MY DEAR SIR-After reading your very interesting and able address, delivered at the ratification meeting in New York the other evening, I resolved to address you a congratu latory note; and here-near the line that divides republican from monarchial institutions; in sight of the place where Me Donough fought and conquered, and on the ground where the strife of war was felt; where the very air is rich with the fragrance of patriotic memories-I sit down to execute that resolve. Pardon me, sir, if I seem officiously intrusive. My heart was warmed as I read that speech; and I seemed to be carried back to other days and scenes, and almost fancied that the purer and better days of the Republic were come back once It was as the echo of the spirit-voices of Patrick IIenry or the elder Adams, that had come forth from the night of gloom which has so long enshrouded us, and, trumpettongued, were stirring the patriotic blood of the nation. God bless you, sir, for your noble utterances; may they find a true response in the millions of noble hearts that now beat in harmony with the pulsations of freedom; may they aid in throtling the monster rebellion that is desolating so large a portion of our land, and choke to death, and forever, the demagogueism that would promote selfish ends and gratify personal ambition at the expense of bleeding hearts, and the desolations of widowhood and orphanage. The echoes of those utterances will go down to the ears of coming generations, and millions yet unborn will thank God that in the middle of these dark and trying times there were left some noble examples of patriotic devotion on the forum as well as in the field; men who stood firm as a breakwater to stay the mad, rushing tide of anarchy and desolation. I am, my dear sir, Yours most sincerely, W. H. PEARN. MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON. WASHINGTON, October 21, 1862. MY DEAR LYDIA-I arrived last evening, as I wrote you, retired early, and had a good night's rest, breakfasted at eight, and at nine was in the department attending to my business. I hope to get through with it to-morrow. Washington presents a sorry appearance. Socially, it is utterly destroyed for the present; and little is seen but mili tary display-infantry, cavalry, and artillery; squadrons of men and batteries of cannon. The President offered to send me with an escort to the army upon a special mission, but I replied to him by relating the answer of a Governor of our State when invited to dine with the Governor-General of Canada, in a time of profound peace: "I don't tink it wort while for de aracative to drust himself in de power of de anemy." Try to keep well and in good spirits, and if I could be sure of both it would relieve my journey and absence of much of their tedium. I have not seen a single one of our old friends yet. A caller comes. Much love to all, and remember me as Your affectionate husband, D. S. DICKINSON. MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. JAMES. BINGHAMTON, October 30, 1862. MY DEAR MRS. JAMES-Your kind note, also one from the judge, reached me here yesterday. I would to heaven I could visit you, and stir the blood of old St. Lawrence, but it is out of the question. I have had seventeen despatches by telegraph (I won't say gram) in the last twenty-four hours, and about a bushel of letters, all wanting me to speak. I wish I could meet them all, but the time before election is short, and I must economize. I am engaged every day until the election, and some days I am to speak twice. This will do for my white head and sixty-two years. I speak at Ithaca this morning, and to-morrow at Owego. I thank you for your generous estimate of your cousin's efforts. The public generally, I find, place a higher estimate on them than I do. I mean what I say, and that, perhaps, has something to do with it. I think my visit to Washington had some good results. I infused into them some new life and spirit, and told them what was the popular judgment. I had the pleasure of dining with General Ripley and family, and was much pleased with them. |