Page images
PDF
EPUB

Syracuse Union nominations, and approve the principles declared by the Convention which made them. But our Circuit Court, in which I have engagements, sits to-day, and continues for a week, and I have no more independence or volition than the man in the parable, who was "arbitrarily" detained, if not "arrested," by marrying a wife; "therefore I cannot come."

I could have nothing to say but what I have often said and repeated, that I exhort all who love our form of government, and cherish an affection for the Union, to act together, regardless of previous political faith, for the purpose of crushing the rebellion, "totally, absolutely, immediately," and, I will add, unconditionally. While the war should be prosecuted for this purpose alone, if, incidentally, the proposed corner-stone of the jack-o'lantern confederation should slide off, let us remember that it removes a blotch, instead of leaving one, and is the legitimate fruit of conspiracy and rebellion. The prospects of the "confederacy” are rather sorry just now at home and abroad. The British government, having learned that we have sufficient force to conquer the rebellion and attend to our pirate-fitting neutral friends over the water beside, has determined that aiding "belligerents " under such circumstances does not promise to be profitable, and is therefore illegal. The benevolent aristocracy, seeing no hope of our destruction as a nation, and the erection of a slaveocracy upon our ruins, will again become intensely anti-slavery in sentiment, and will invest largely in the Bible Society and other humanitarian enterprises. The wily Emperor of the French, unable to find a piece of confederate territory large enough to recognize, unoccupied by a federal army, will probably attend to the elephant recently drawn in his Mexican lottery, and let us alone. Some hope is yet reposed by the anxious and sympathetic, in the acceptance of the bogus Mexican throne by Maximilian; and, should he accept, if he fails to visit the World's Fair, on his way to imperial honors, and enter a claim for the first premium on fools, he will neglect an important advantage. He will be sure to obtain it if he offers himself under these circumstances, unless some of the English subscribers to the "confederate loan, secured upon cotton at least three hundred feet from any building" (and probably most of it much further off), shall also propose, in which case the competition will be close and the result doubt

ful. At home, it looks as anxiously to the result of the elections in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, as it does to the movements of Lee and Bragg and Beauregard; and the rebel press in Richmond, Charleston, and Mobile, are urging their friends in the loyal States to renewed energy and increased effort in the cause they have espoused; alleging that it is the best method of resisting the "Lincoln government and subduing the Yankees.”

Maine and California have done their duty most nobly, and the great States yet to hold their elections will do theirs. The Union organization, composed of the loyal of all political parties, of those who support the government in a vigorous prosecution of the war, acts openly, in its combination of those of former diverse creeds, and above all disguises. Its antagonist, which would not be known unless it was called Copperhead, doing business under the name of Democracy, is evidently engaged in a new effort at deception. Claiming to be purely and exclusively Democratic, it has placed upon its ticket two very respectable gentlemen, who are not and never were known as Democrats, but who hailed from the Whig and Know-Nothing ranks. This is doubtless for the purpose of withdrawing that class of voters from the support of the Union ticket. And besides, while expressing an unconquerable abhorrence of all abolitionists, charging them with being the sole cause of the war; it can be for 10 other purpose than to gain the abolition vote that it has placed upon its ticket one of the most conspicuous, eminent, and able members of the Buffalo Convention of 1848. And yet they tell us it is the Democratic ticket, and the Democratic party! Perhaps it is! Weal pie," said Mr. Weller junior, "is hexcellent; specially when you knows the man as made it." Democracy, too, is a most excellent sentiment, and inculcates many sublime truchs; but it is well enough to take heed at whose hands you receive it, and be reasonably certain that there are no claws beneath its temporary covering of pastry.

The shifts and devices of our opponents will all prove unavailing, however, and by reasonable effort the Union ticket must be elected by a large majority, notwithstanding the shock the public mind sustained in the withdrawal of the "Constitutional Union" candidates-two in number, and the accession

of the masses of that party, to a greater number still, to the Copperhead cause; must be elected, I mean, if the election is held; for, should an avalanche come down from Ohio and Pennsylvania, I am not without fear that our worthy Governor and his friends may insist on postponing the election, like the drafts in this State, until the constitutionality of the law authorizing it can be tested in the courts.

Sincerely yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MR. CHASE.

BINGHAMTON, October 7, 1863.

MY DEAR SIR-I made all ready to start for Ohio on Monday morning, and speak at Tiffin to-day, where there is a great meeting. But, after every arragement was made, by the advice of our physician and other friends I was compelled, from considerations of prudence, to give it up, and did so. My tour was planned for about three speeches in Ohio, and then a look at Pennsylvania.

No one can regret this more than myself. I was ambitious to serve the public; to identify myself in this campaign; to commune with the people of the West. My disappointment is greatest; and I really wanted to do you justice before your own people for conducting our finances with more skill than a financial department was ever conducted before.

"All's well that ends well," and I hope for a great triumph.

Sincerely yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

No. 60 WALL ST., October 17, 1863.

MY DEAR LYDIA-I had a fair, dull run down, and reached Jersey City at eight; went up to the Astor in the "transfer carriage," and took tea, and then met the State Committee, who insisted I should go up to Cooper Institute and make a

bow, which I did. Then I went up to L.'s and had a good night's sle p. Tell "aunt Lu" to take the transfer carriage. It runs everywhere, and her baggage will steady it! Tell her, too, that I have notified Stewart, Arnold & Constable, and Lord & Taylor, that she is coming!

I regretted being away on our "wedding day," but we can celebrate it when I get home.

Give my love to all the dear ones. I have lately thought more of the little boys than ever before. Ask them to help you.

Your affectionate husband,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. YALE.

October 25, 1863.

MY DEAR MRS. YALE-Your kind letter has been received, and read with the interest which attaches to all your communications. It is almost a year since the receipt of your first most welcome letter, renewing our long-lost acquaintance-a letter which called up memories and awakened emotions as few have ever done, and has solaced many moments, given satisfaction to a desire indulged for years, to know where the currents of life have drifted one who was always remembered as an early favorite. The summer has fled, autumn is passing away, and, as Thompson expresses it, "soon cold, concluding winter comes at last, and shuts the scene."

I wish you could have been at the Orchard this autumn, and seen it presenting every tint of color in its fading foliage, and laden with a profusion of delicious fruits.

It is my expectation to spend Sunday, November 22, at Adrian, Mich., and to go to Jonesville on Monday, and will be under your direction during my brief visit. Mrs. D. sends her love, and may accompany me, but probably not this trip, as the season admonishes us of cold and storm. I must go to Chicago to speak Tuesday evening. I have had time to read your last, and treasure up its contents, but not to answer until now, and take it up as a most pleasing duty. It is pleasant to be remembered at all times with affectionate regard, more

especially so when those who love us are the friends and companions of life's spring-time. I should have been pleased to look in upon your cherished circle of children, as described by you, and congratulate you upon so choice a blessing. I do not wonder that your daughter was so much affected by the Lawrence massacre. I have never yet read the details, they are so abhorrent and monstrous. The rebellion seems to be wavering. God grant it a speedy transit to perdition, where its black, perfidious, and infernal schemes were hatched. Every day presses it nearer and nearer its final destination, and I do not believe foreign envy or copperhead malevolence can save it. I pray that I may live to see its final and irretrievable downfall; its inglorious, ignoble end.

With prayers for you and yours, and for all those you love, and for the cause of our country, I am

Your affectionate friend,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. COURTNEY.

BINGHAMTON, October 14, 1863.

MY DEAR CHILD-We all thank heaven, my beloved daughter, that you escaped the terrible peril to which you were subjected on your return passage from Albany. May you long be spared to comfort those who love you. We are all about as usual, and send love to you and Samuel.

Your affectionate father,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. DICKINSON.

JONESVILLE, November 23, 1863.

MY DEAR LYDIA-I reached here between four and five, and found Mr. Parker, Mrs. Yale's son-in-law, at the depot, who insisted on my coming to his house. I found "Delia,” and a bevy of fine-looking daughters and grand-daughters, assembled from miles around, to meet me. Mrs. Yale received me with a

« PreviousContinue »