University of Virginia Library

TO CHARLES J. INGERSOLL.

Dr Sir,—I have recd. your letter of the 25th Ult.[140]

Believing that the late war merits a historical
review penetrating below the surface of events, and
beyond the horizon of unexpanded minds, I am
glad to learn that the task is contemplated by one
whose talents, and, what is not less essential, whose
fairness of dispositions, are entitled to so much
confidence. Whatever be the light in which any
individual actor on the public Theatre may appear,
the contest exhibited in its true features cannot
fail to do honor to our Country; and, in one respect
particularly, to be auspicious to its solid & lasting
interest. If our first struggle was a war of our
infancy, this last was that of our youth; and the
issue of both, wisely improved, may long postpone,
if not forever prevent, a necessity for exerting the
strength of our manhood.

With this view of the subject, and of the hands

into which it is falling, I cannot be unwilling to
contribute to the Stock of Materials. But you
much overrate I fear, "my private papers," as
distinct from those otherwise attainable. They
consist for the most part of my correspondence
with the heads of Departments, particularly when
separated from them, and of a few vestiges remaining
of Cabinet Consultations. It has been
my purpose to employ a portion of my leisure, in
gathering up and arranging these, with others relating
to other periods of our public affairs; and after
looking over carefully the first, I shall be better
able to judge how far, they throw any valuable
rays on your object, and are of a nature not improper
for public use.

Be pleased, Sir, to accept assurances of my esteem
and cordial respects.