Franklin County: Samuel G. Lane to Edward McPherson,
December 14, 1860
Summary:
In his letter to McPherson, Lane expresses his strong views about the secession
crisis and asks McPherson if he might persuade some of his fellow Congressmen to
speak to Lane's unnamed group.
Dec. 14th, 1860
Chambersburg
Dear Sir:
I am requested by A. N. McCulloh to ask you whether you could not get some of Your congressional brethren to lecture before us sometime this season.
He suggests Mr Pryor, [unclear: Mister] Learis, & Hickman as three.
Would you sound these gentlemen, &, if you can genteely, find out what they "will do it for?" I thank you for the Smithsonian Report.
Are you worried about the P. O. applicants? As all your constituents will be
suggesting somebody, let me say to you that you
must not believe we approve any chap who may have
[page 2]
our
recommendations. I wish we could get a good man here. My choice, for fitness'
sake, is Henry S. Stoner. [unclear: We] feel a good deal of interest in
the Union Question, as habit of association if not good citizenship requires,
but will be satisfied either to part company peaceably with the South, or to Keep the Stars and Stripes floating over
her rebellious soil, by violence. If there were any strength in the government,
the insurrectionists would be subdued at any expense of bloodshed; but if it be
as weak as its rulers we should 'let them slide' quietly. In a few years, the
Manifest Destiny policy will bring them all back as
subjugated & repentent states.
Truly Yours
S. G. Lane
Honorable Edward McPherson
