In contrast to these pathetic appeals of Virginia's representatives were
expressions coming from many of her sister states North and South. None
of the seven Cotton States sent delegates to the convention. South
Carolina declared that "the separation of that state was final and that
she had no further interest in the constitution of the United
States."[362]
The well-known letter of Senator Zachariah Chandler, of Michigan,
written from Washington during the session of the convention to the
Governor of his state, is representative of the spirit which dominated
one element of the Northern people.
Washington, February 11, 1861.
_My dear Governor:_
Governor Bingham and myself telegraphed you on Saturday, at the
request of Massachusetts and New York, to send delegates to the Peace,
or Compromise Congress. They admit that we were right and that they
were wrong; that no Republican state should have sent delegates; but
they are here and cannot get away. Ohio, Indiana, Rhode Island are
caving in and there is danger of Illinois; and now they beg us, for
God's sake, to come to their rescue and save the Republican Party from
rupture. The whole thing was gotten up against my judgment and advice
and will end in thin smoke. Still, I hope as a matter of courtesy to
some of our erring brethren that you will send the delegates.
Truly your friend,