that it was engaged in an effort which I wished to second, and I sustained it with all the power I could command.

I have never withdrawn from the old Democratic party, never repudiated its doctrines, and have never joined the Republicans, in any sense, beyond voting the Union ticket of 1861, '2, and '3. I have not been at any time, and am not now, in the confidence of Republican leaders; and while I am vain enough to believe I am strong with the masses, I am confident that some of the leaders, at least, have been jealous of my popular éclat; have been fearful of my advancement, and have at all times done all they dare under the circumstances to disparage my efforts. They mean to make the Union party Republican" for their own purposes, and they will allow no man of popular strength, influence, integrity and will, to interfere with them.

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I believe Mr. Lincoln to be honest and sincere. That he lacks the dignity, and many of the qualities of a great statesman, I need not prove to you. He would have stood much better, I think, had he escaped being managed by office-holders and contractors into a premature second nomination. I have supported him up to this time, as an incident to the great question of the Union. The renewal of his lease is a different thing, and requires new resolutions.

I am aware that we are so politically corrupted as a people, that we cannot discern the difference between the support of principles and the support of men, and organizations called "parties." Because I continued my support of the Union, under Mr. Lincoln, to which my previous life had been devoted, they held that I had "turned;" and now, if he should take any absurd ground, calculated to destroy all hope of the Union, and should have an opponent whose course might tend to restore and maintain it, and I should support the latter, they would say I had "turned" again! I shall support, so far as I act, the Union cause. I shall support men, just so far, and no further than I believe their election will contribute to its advancement. If I think the election of Mr. Lincoln necessary to that end, I shall support him, otherwise not. You see that I am independent as to men. My platform is is easily read, and is the same I have acted upon from the beginning. Prosecute the war until the last rebel has laid

down his arms; take any element and every element within reach, to attain that end-no matter what, if it will strengthen government, and weaken the enemy; and press on, regardless of the cost, until the end is attained. I hold further that the States are in the Union, as much as they ever were; that individuals only are criminals, whether few or many, it makes no difference; that the war can have but one object, putting down the rebellion; and when that end is attained, the prosecution of the war must cease. (You understand me?) I hope and believe that slavery will, in the melee, be utterly and forever destroyed. The South have so often and so unnecessarily brought this accursed pitcher to the well, and nursed abolitionism here, so that they might have it as a bugbear to use at home, that I want to see it broken.

As to the Niagara negotiations, &c., I do not believe the world can furnish the history of as much folly, in so short a space of time, and with so little to gain, as was exhibited in having anything to do with it, official or unofficial, immediate or remote. The rebel knaves had nothing to lose, and all to gain. The government had nothing to gain, and everything to lose. The rebels achieved their object, and it can now be seen, how much comes from degrading a high position and dignity, to playing smart with outlaws.

I am obliged to you for the kind terms in which you allude to the subject of governor, in connection with my name. A New York gentleman visited me, as delegate, a few days since, and urged me strongly to come out stump, &c. But in either aspect, stump or convention, or both, I have determined not to think of it. I will remain strictly a private citizen. I love the Union cause, I love and have confidence in the Union masses, and, although I distrust some of the leaders, shall continue the advocacy I have given heretofore.

I am shocked with the corruption of men in and near place and power; I am disgusted with the blind and men selfishness of the same class, embracing some in high stations; I am discouraged with the littleness of everything that speaks for us as a people; and unless I see some change, shall lash my boat's helm, and let her drift. May God rescue our nation; men seem bent on sending it to destruction.

All at home unite with me in affectionate remembrances to

Mrs. Rogers and yourself.

Sincerely yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. SHEPARD.

THE ORCHARD, June 12, 1864.

MY DEAR COUSIN-We are all pained to hear that your noble son has fallen in battle, and though I can never know the poignancy of maternal sorrow, I know enough of the heart's affections to realize the impotency of all human consolation to a mother. But I tender you, in a sincere spirit of affection, the sympathy of myself and family in this hour of sad and sudden bereavement, and beg you will convey them to your husband and children. How much more graciously, my dear Mrs. Shepard, has our Heavenly Father dealt with you in his visitation than with others. Your son has been permitted to fall, in the pride and fulness of youth, in an honorable position, leading his brave troops in a crusade for freedom and the rights of man; others have been destined to see the objects of their solicitude stained with sin and shame, and go down to an ignoble grave.

The reflection that the "pure in heart shall meet again," may light up the Christian's hope, though it cannot stanch the bleeding tendrils which united beloved ones here.

The sin of this nation and people has brought God's judgment upon us in the form of this hell-hound rebellion. Like man's redemption, if the expression be not irreverent, we can only be cleansed by the blood of innocence; but happy will be in heaven the mother who offers her spotless son upon her country's atoning altar. Mrs. Dickinson and the family unite with me in affectionate regards to you, your husband and children, and I remain

Your affectionate cousin,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MR. SEWARD.

BINGHAMTON, July 4 1864.

SIR-Your favor of the 30th ult., advising me that the President, by and with advice and consent of the Senate, had appointed me Commissioner on the part of the government of the United States, under the treaty between said States and her Britannic Majesty, for the settlement of the claims of the Hudson's Bay and Puget's Sound Agricultural Companies, reached me on Saturday, the 2d inst., accompanied by the commission and other specified documents. The acceptance of this place, and the discharge of its duties, would so seriously conflict with established present and future purposes, that I am constrained to decline it. My acknowledgments are due to the President and Senate for the confidence implied by the selection and confirmation, and to yourself for the courteous terms of your communication. I have the honor to be

Your obedient servant,

D. S. DICKINSON.

The Hon. Wм. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State.

blooming with roses, and the air is laden with the perfume of flowers, trees, and shrubs. I have given full rein to my rural tastes, and the cooling shade is most refreshing in this hot, parched weather, I assure you. How much I wish you were here to enjoy it with us!

Since receiving your last, I have been to Buffalo on professional business, taking with me my little namesake, fifteen years old. I remained there nearly a week, then went to the Falls, where my son had preceded me with a friend. I arose at four in the morning, went out to see the wonders, returned to Buffalo to breakfast, went into court at nine, tried a labori

ous cause, beat my opponent, and closed at five, dined at six, made calls until ten, retired, rose at four, reached home at one, and now, at two, am here at work in my office. So goes life with me. I have had numerous invitations for the Fourth, but declined them all.

I have often told the story of our early friendship, and all the peculiar circumstances attending it, and I have never told it to one who did not shed tears at the recital. It is a favorite theme with me. One of my auditors at Buffalo was much affected, and told me had known Elder Stone well, and had belonged to one of the churches where he preached.

The invalids are convalescing, and Mrs. D. somewhat relieved of the cares which had pressed too severely upon her. She desires much love.

Sincerely your friend,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. JAMES.

BINGHAMTON, July 6, 1864.

MY DEAR COUSIN-My good wife is quite too ill to leave home now, but hopes by next week to resume her plan of ad

vance.

I wish I had been commander of the Kearsarge. I would have sunk that other British ship with its pirates on board, and then have left it to the government to dismiss me, disclaim the act, and apologize. But it is good news as far as it goes.

Our loving remembrances to all, especially to that bereaved sister.

Affectionately yours,

D. S. DICKINSON.

MR. DICKINSON TO MRS. JAMES.

BINGHAMTON, July 27, 1864.

MY DEAR COUSIN-Thanks for your cheerful little note of Saturday. I see that young lady who supports me begins to look homeward, though she speaks in high terms of the pleasing character of her visit. We are all anxious for her return,