Franklin County: P. Bergstressen to Edward
McPherson, December 24, 1859
Summary:
P. Bergstressen's letter discusses the rising tensions in Washington over the
secession issue but states that he is not as worried about the fate of the
Union.
Hon.
E. McPherson
Dec. 24th, 1859
Orangeville, Pa.
Dear Friend,--
I have just received & read the Speech of the Hon. Thomas A. R. Nelson which you had the kindness of sending me. [illeg.] much obliged for the favor, & should be happy to receive nine of your documents during the winter. We all hope the House will soon be organized as we are anxious to read the President's Mess. & the Subsequent acts of Congress. If the Sentiments contained in Mr. Nelson's Speech were adopted & acted upon, the House, no doubt, would soon be enabled to elect a Speaker; but it can be [unclear: easily] Seen where the present difficulty lies. Democracy is now in its last death-Struggle and will soon receive Such a blow from the common [illeg.] of the entire American people as Shall [illeg.] it. So mote it be.
In regard to the circular you sent me some time ago, I would reply that at present I am unable to pledge any more than what was pledged by me [deleted: ] the Alumni dinner. Hope, however, to be better able in the future to do more for our Alma Mater.
We are all well at present except Edwin who is somewhat indisposed, but nothing Serious. We are passing along in the Even tenor of our way, and enjoying life as our circumstances allow, and experience little of the agitation which is now felt at Washington. We are not at all alarmed about the Union going down. Having read the Speeches in Congress about dossolution &c., we can sleep very calmly. -- Mrs. B. enjoys good health, but does not feel quite at home in [illeg.] Willie has become a great boy--now a year old. All write in Sending our love.
Yours very truly &c.
P. Bergstressen
