Franklin County: S. G. Lane to Edward McPherson,
October 1860
Summary:
Samuel G. Lane forwards to McPherson a letter written by his cousin, S. L.
Hayman. In the letter Hayman expresses gratitude toward McPherson and comments
on North Carolina politics and his place as a "Yankee" in southern society.
October 6th 1860
Raleigh
Dr Sam G Lane!
Dear Cousin!
I have been intending to write to you ever since I left Pennsylvania, but have been prevented by sickness and [unclear: close ] confinement to the store -- I received your letter last week & thank you truly for the courtesy and kindness of feeling it manifested you are not mistaken in regard to my feelings toward my friends [unclear: of] the good old Keystone" and a letter from home is indeed green spot in the cheerless [illeg.] deserts of North Carolina.
Immediately on receipt of yours I wrote - at considerable length - to Fitz Hugh
stating every instance of my conclusion with
[page 2]
McPherson and asking as
a personal favor his reconsideration of the matter. I have not since heard from
Fitz. H. but from previous knowledge of the man I fear he will not be likely to
change his position if he has taken it against McPherson Feeling as I do under great obligation to McPherson I should be very sorry to be made innocently
the cause of anything sending to injure him -- please explain this to him that
he may not think me ungrateful for his many acts of kindness towards me. had I any influence in Franklin County I should certainly give it in his favor.
Political excitement is running high and all our banks have refused to discount
till after the election. Great financial troubles [illeg.]
[illeg.]
[page 3]
of Lincoln's election. Breckenridge will most likely carry this state
though Bell will run him very close. Douglas will not poll a large vote as his
supporters are very few & weak-- I have been frequently questioned about my political views, and have
expressed myself far more strongly in favor of the northern institutions than
when in Pennsylvania. There is far more freedom of
sentiment here than I supposed and I know several
persons who take the N. Y. Tribune and read Helper,
though a violent republican would not be tolerated and
voting for Lincoln would be considered a capital
offence. Should South Carolina, Alabama, &
Mississippi secede and an attempt be made to enforce Lincoln's administration,
North Carolina will certainly join the 'southern
[illeg.]
[illeg.]
[unclear: under] no other
[page 4]
circumstances.
I am not very much pleased with Raleigh. It is a remarkably
slow & [unclear: aristocratic] place, been confined to the store
from 6 A.M. to 11 P.M. I have seen very little of society - and - though noticed by several persons of position I shall mingle
very little in it as I am still so much of a Yankee to
submit to patronage. I do not think under present
circumstances it would do to trouble McPherson though
I should like very much to have a letter from him to Branch. I feel I may not be
able to [unclear: retain]
[illeg.] situation long, as I have been very sick nearly ever since my
arrival and am too weak to attend to business as it should be done. Please do
not mention that Miss [unclear: Wirginan] promised to express
[page 5]
her influence with some of her merchant friends of Baltimore in my favor, so shall I have slight prospect there. A few years ago
I would have been too proud to use such means but now I am only so glad to
accept of anything likely to [unclear: secure]
me a good situation. Ah Well! What vile uses may we come
[illeg.]
I have heard lately from [illeg.] & Anna, but not one word from
any one at Mount [unclear: Al]. Excuse the haste with which this is
evidently written my time is completely taken up. I am obliged to write as now
at the store -- subject to constant interrupting. Write to me again shortly. I
shall always be glad to hear from you. With love to
[page 6]
cousin Kate. The Dr. & Kate [unclear: Hay]
In haste, Affectionately Your Cousin
B. Lane Hayman
Care P.F. Pescud Druggery,
Raleigh, N.C.
Dear Sir:
I send you Sam H's
answer to my letter, that you may see I fulfilled my promise, & that
the young man is grateful for your kindness. I congratulate you upon the
result of the election, and am proud that Franklin did her duty to her
favorite. Of course "The Times" takes much credit to herself for inflating
your "balloon," and launching it into the open
skies. The only compensation I ask is a seat in the ca (I
don't mean the Lincoln Cabinet)
Respectfully Yours,
S. G. Lane Honorable
Edward McPherson
