To Governor WM. SPRAGUE,
Providence, R.I.
New York, December 19, 1860
My Dear Sir,—I have been confined to my bed for the last few days, and therefore was unable to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of 16th inst. before this.
I hail with the most heartfelt satisfaction the expression of your intention to call at once your legislature together for the purpose of having the personal-liberty bill of your State repealed, and I hope sincerely that mature reflection will have confirmed you in that wise and patriotic resolve.
You must see all around you evidences of a healthy reaction in the Northern sentiment, and a return to that spirit of equity and justice which alone can keep the two sections together.
In Boston, and throughout Massachusetts, the leading men of both parties are loud in their clamors for a repeal of the personal-liberty bill of that State. Last evening I was present at an informal meeting of about thirty gentlemen, comprising our leading men, Republicans, Union men, and Democrats, composed of such names as Astor, Aspinwall, Moses H. Grinnell, Hamilton Fish, R. M. Blatchford, etc. They were unanimous in their voice for reconciliation, and that the first steps have to be taken by the North.
A very strong memorial, to be signed by all the leading men of both parties who are for the maintenance of the Union, is now preparing, and will be forthwith sent to Washington.
I think I speak advisedly in saying that Governor Morgan will take very decided grounds in favor of concessions in his annual message, on the 2d of January.
The ball is moving, and our public men must take their choice of three alternatives, viz.: to lead, to follow, or to be left behind with a small and despised faction of fanatics, who never will be able to stand up against the torrent of public indignation which is sure to overtake them.
I need not point out to you the course which lies before you. Your high intelligence and patriotism are your safe guides, and I trust implicitly to them, that they will, with God’s blessing, make you a prominent instrument in the salvation of our country.