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 U S 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
yr
fr & obt st.
Lucas P. Thompson
