the resources of a continent, would enable us to
destroy more rapidly than we have constructed. It is idle for
individuals of either section to suppose themselves superior in
military power. The French and English tried that question for a
thousand years. We ought to know it now. The result of the contest
would not depend upon the first blow of the first year, but blood
shed in civil war will yield its baleful fruit for generations.

"How can we avert a calamity at which humanity and civilization
shudder? I know no way but to cling to the government framed by
our fathers, to administer it in a spirit of kindness, but in all
cases, without partiality, to enforce the laws. No state can
release us from the duty of obeying the laws. The ordinance or
act of a state is no defense for treason, nor does it lessen the
moral guilt of that crime. Let us cling to each other in the hope
that our differences will pass away, as they often have in times
past. For the sake of peace, for the love of civil liberty, for
the honor of our name, our race, our religion, let us preserve the
Union, loving it better as the clouds grow darker. I am willing
to unite with any man, whatever may have been his party relations,
whatever may be his views of the existing differences, who is
willing to rely on the constitution, as it is, for his rights; and
who is willing to maintain and defend the Union under all circumstances,
against all enemies, at home or abroad.

"Pardon me, gentlemen, for writing you so fully. I feel restrained,
by the custom of the House of Representatives, from engaging there
in political debate; and yet I feel it is the duty of every citizen
to prepare his countrymen for grave events, that will test the
strength and integrity of the government.

"Believing that our only safety is in a firm enforcement of the
laws, and that Mr. Lincoln will execute that duty without partiality,
I join my hearty congratulation with yours that he is so soon to
be President of the United States. With great respect, I remain,
very truly,

"Your obedient servant,
"John Sherman.
"Messrs. Wm. Reid, D. J. Cochran, L. S. Fletcher, H. E. Wallace,
Chas. O'Neill, _Committee_."

The leading events in the progressive secession may be briefly
stated. The States of South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida,
Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee,
and Virginia, severally in the order named, adopted ordinances of