University of Virginia Library

TO S. SPRING.

Revd. Sir,—I have received your favor of Aug 26.
I recollect our Collegiate friendship with the same
impressions which it gives me pleasure to find you
still retain. Nor have I forgotten the pleasant hours
that passed between us, at a much later day under
my own roof.

We all feel the weight of the times; and it is to be
regretted that all cannot unite in the measures opposed
to them. If it were proper for me, it might
not be agreeable to you, to discuss the subject, But
I will not conceal the surprize and the pain I feel at
declarations from any portion of the American people
that measures resulting from the National will constitutionally
pronounced, and carrying with them
the most solemn sanctions, are not to be pursued into
effect, without the hazard of civil war. This is surely
not the legitimate course. Neither is it the language
on other occasions, heard from the same quarter;
nor a course consistent with the duration or efficacy
of any Government.[59]

Permit me to express equal surprise, that this extraordinary
opposition to the war declared against
Great Britain, is most emphatically rested on an
alliance or a connection with France; presumed to

exist, or be intended, in the face of demonstrations
to the contrary, with which the slightest degree of
candor ought to be satisfied.

Without entering into comparisons between different
districts of the Union, with respect to the suffering
which led to the war, or the objects at stake in it;
it is clear that every district felt more or less the evils
which produced it, and is more or less deeply interested
in the success of it. It is equally certain that
the way to make it both short and successful, would
be to convince the Enemy that he has to contend
with the whole and not a part of the Nation. Can it
be doubted that if, under the pressure added by the
war to that previously felt by G. B. her Government
declines an accommodation on terms dictated by
justice and compatible with, or rather conducive to
her interest, it will be owing to calculations drawn
from our internal divisions. If she be disposed
to such an accommodation, it will be evinced in
due time, to the most prejudiced and misinformed,
that the earliest and fairest opportunities, are not
withheld.

I need scarcely remark that this is a letter, altogether
private and written in confidence that it will
be so received.

Mrs M. acknowledges your kind enquiry after her
health. Hers and mine are at present both tolerably
good. We hope that yours has been entirely
reestablished.