Augusta County: Lucas P. Thompson to John McCue,
November 1, 1860
Summary:
Thompson acknowledges the almost certainty of Lincoln's election but argues
against secession.
Nov 1. 1860
Staunton
Dear Sir
I enclose you an [illeg.] of appeal in the case of [unclear: Dickinson vs.
Page]: As to the election our prospects are gloomy enough; almost
every person I see has despaired of defeating the Black Republican Lincoln. My
Motto is [unclear: Nil desper audiem]. I am Still hopeful of the
election of Bell & Everitt or some one of the antirepublican tickets,
and if the worst comes to the worst and Lincoln is elected their will be neither
Secession or disunion. Such a consequence would be of a piece with the Madness
& folly of committing suicide for fear of dying. Let us wait for an
[unclear: overt] act (which I verily believe will not be committed
by Lincoln or his [unclear: allies]) and cling to our glorious union as
long as
[page 2]
possible consistently with honor safety & liberty, for
in disunion I can foresee woes innumerable, no remedy for our grievances but
rather as aggravation of them all, in short the greatest calamity that could
befall not only the United States but the cause of free
government throughout the world. We shall have a grand whig rally here tomorrow.
Baldwin & Stuart will address the mass meeting.
Very respectfully
your friend and obedient servant
Lucas P. Thompson
