I still hope that no state will
follow in the wake of South Carolina; then the weakness of her
position will soon bring her back again or subject her to ridicule
and insignificance.

"It may be supposed by some that the excitement in the south has
produced a corresponding excitement in the north. This is true in
financial matters, especially in the cities. In political circles
it only strengthens the Republican party. Even Democrats of all
shades say, 'The election is against us; we will submit and all
must submit.' Republicans say, 'The policy of the government has
been controlled by the south for years, and we have submitted; now
they must submit.' And why not? What can the Republicans do half
as bad as Pierce and Buchanan have done?

"But enough of this. You luckily are out of politics, and don't
sympathize with my Republicanism, but as we are on the eve of
important events, I write about politics instead of family matters,
of which there is nothing new.

"Affectionately yours,
"John Sherman."

In December I received this letter from him:

"Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy,}
"Alexandria, December 1, 1860. }
"Dear Brother:--. . . The quiet which I thought the usual acquiescence
of the people was merely the prelude to the storm of opinion that
now seems irresistible. Politicians, by heating the prejudices of
the people and running with the current, have succeeded in destroying
the government. It cannot be stopped now, I fear. I was in
Alexandria all day yesterday, and had a full and unreserved
conversation with Dr. S. A. Smith, state senator, who is a man of
education, property, influence, and qualified to judge. He was,
during the canvass, a Breckenridge man, but, though a southerner
in opinion, is really opposed to a dissolution of our government.
He has returned from New Orleans, where he says he was amazed to
see evidences of public sentiment which could not be mistaken.

"The legislature meets December 10, at Baton Rouge. The calling
of a convention forthwith is to be unanimous, the bill for army
and state ditto. The convention will meet in January, and only
two questions will be agitated,--immediate dissolution, a declaration
of state independence, and a general convention of southern states,
with instructions to demand of the northern states to repeal all
laws hostile to slavery and pledges of future good behavior. . . .
When t