nsylvania stock, the son and
grandson of Virginians, raised in Indiana and Illinois, familiar
by his own experience with the wants and interests and aspirations
of the people, he possesses the same traits of character which made
Jackson and Clay, in their day and generation, leaders of parties
and of men. Let us, my friends, unite in electing him President
of the United States."

Lincoln was elected. He received 180 electoral votes; Breckenridge
72; Douglas 12; Bell 39. The question then was whether the people
of the seceding states would try to carry into effect their
declaration. I had no doubt they would try, but I was equally
confident they would fail.

As events progressed in the south, citizens of the north held
popular meetings in nearly all our cities and in many rural
communities. I was invited by leading citizens of Philadelphia to
attend a public dinner in that city in December, 1860. I could
not attend in person, but wrote them a letter which defined clearly
my convictions and my conception of the duties of our people in
view of passing events. I insert it here:

"Washington, December 22, 1860.
"Gentlemen:--Your note of the 15th inst., inviting me to attend a
public dinner in your city, on Friday evening next, was duly
received.

"I remember with pleasure the kindness shown me during the recent
canvass by our political friends in Philadelphia, and would gladly
avail myself of the proposed celebration, to mingle my personal
thanks with your rejoicings, over the recent triumph of our political
principles. Other engagements and duties, however, will not allow
me that pleasure.

"No state can dispute with Pennsylvania the honor of this triumph.
Her own son was upon trial, and her voice of condemnation was
emphatic and decisive. The election of Governor Curtin foreshadowed
her decision, and strengthened our cause in every state where
freedom of election is allowed to the people. Her verdict in
November reconsidered and reaffirmed her verdict in October. And
now, since the victory is won, let us not lose the fruits of it.

"Fidelity to principle is demanded by the highest patriotism. The
question is not whether this or that policy should prevail; but
whether we shall allow the government to be broken into fragments,
by disappointed partisans, condemned by four-fifths of the people.
It is the same question answered by General Jackson in his proclamation
of 1833. It is the same question answ