would be strenuously urged during the late session of the
Legislature, and that many who professed to be hostile to the
further introduction of Slavery, would advocate it, and believing
that it would have a salutary effect to furnish them an
opportunity of evincing the sincerity of their professions; and
being also urged by a strong sense of the obligations imposed on
me, by my principles and feelings, to take notice of the subject,
I called the attention of the Legislature in a speech I delivered
on being sworn into office (a printed copy of which I sent you by
mail) to the existence of Slavery in the State, in violation of
the great fundamental principles of the ordinance, and
recommended that just and equitable provision be made for its
abrogation. As I anticipated, this part of my speech created a
considerable excitement with those who were openly or secretly in
favor of making Illinois a slave-holding, rather than making it
really as well as nominally, a free State--who wished to fill it
rather than empty it of slaves. Never did I see or hear in
America of party spirit going to such lengths, as well officially
as privately, as it did here on this question. Indeed, it seems
to me that Slavery is so poisonous as to produce a kind of
delirium in those minds who are excited by it. This question, and
the manner of carrying it, is exciting great interest throughout
the State, and has already kindled an extraordinary degree of
excitement and warmth of feeling, which will no doubt continue to
increase until the question is decided. I assure you, I never
before felt so deep an interest in any political question. It
preys upon me to such a degree, that I shall not be happy or feel
at ease until it is settled. It is impossible to foresee the
injurious effects resulting to this State of the unhappy
consequences which may arise to the Union, from the success of
the slave party in this State. Many of us who immigrated to this
State under the solemn assurance that there should exist here
"neither slavery nor involuntary servitude," will, if the slave
faction succeeds, be compelled to sacrifice or abandon our
property and seek new homes, we know not where, or remain in a
community whose principles we shall disapprove of, and whose
practice will be abhorre