“I think we had better be present by good men in
the Conference, if there is to be one, than to be
misrepresented by volunteers, or be wholly outside,
unheard, and misinformed of the plans and doings
inside. Our Committee on Federal Relations will report
good resolutions, I think, which will leave us free of
complicity with the heresy of the Virginia resolutions, and
secure the dignity and fairness of our position.”
Another letter from Massachusetts said, that, if Massachusetts
did not send representatives, “the Boston Hunkers would send a
delegation, which would not be desirable.”
The Commissioners appointed by the Governor were, John Z.
Goodrich, Charles Allen, George S. Boutwell, Francis B.
Crowninshield, Theophilus P. Chandler, John M. Forbes, and
Richard P. Waters,--all firm against any new concession to
Slavery.
Against their influence and votes, the Convention, known as the
“Peace Congress,” presented a series of propositions similar
in character and surrender to those of Mr. Crittenden, sharing
also a similar fate.
During these various efforts, President Buchanan was earnest
for the Crittenden Compromise. An interview of Mr. Sumner with
him, reported in the Northern papers, shows his desire for this
terrible concession.
“WASHINGTON, February 4.
“Much interest is manifested in the interview between
President Buchanan and Senator Sumner. Mr. Sumner visited
the President, at the request of Governor Andrew, to learn
his answer to the Massachusetts offer of military aid; that
done, Mr. Sumner said,--
“What else can Massachusetts do for the good of the country?
“Mr. BUCHANAN. A great deal. No State more.
“Mr. SUMNER. I should like to know what.
“Mr. BUCHANAN (after a pause). Adopt the Crittenden
propositions.
“Mr. SUMNER. Is that necessary?
“Mr. BUCHANAN. It is.
“Mr. SUMNER. Massachusetts has not acted directly on these
propositions, which seek to give Slavery Constitutional
protection in Territories, and disfranchise large numbers
of her citizens; but I believe such are the convictions of
the Massachusetts people that they would never consent to
any such thing.
“Mr. Sumner repeated his assurance in the strongest
language.
“The President said he felt discouraged by the reply.
“Mr. Sumner spoke of the common ground where all who truly
loved the country could stand. It was the Constitution as
administered by Washington. The verdict of the people last
November should be recognized without price or condition.
“The President said he and Mr. Sumner must differ
politically.
“Mr. Sumner assured the President that the people of
Massachusetts were attached to the Union; that real
disunionists there might all be put in an omnibus; but
Massachusetts could not be brought to sacrifice or abandon
her principles, and in that he sincerely joined.”
This interview was described by Mr. Sumner in one of his
familiar letters to Governor Andrew, which is copied from the
private files of the latter.
WASHINGTON, February 3, 1861.
MY DEAR ANDREW,--I saw the President yesterday. He was
astonished to learn that the resolutions had not been
acknowledged, and said that it should be done.
Afterwards I said to him, “Mr. President, what else can
we do in Massachusetts for the good of the country?” A
pause. “Much, Mr. Sumner.” “What?” said I. “Adopt the
Crittenden propositions,” said he. “Is that necessary?”
said I. “Yes,” said he. To which I replied, “Massachusetts
has not yet spoken directly; but I feel authorized to say,
that, such are the unalterable convictions of her people,
they would see their State sunk below the sea, and turned
into a sand-bank, before they would adopt propositions
acknowledging _property in men_, and disfranchising a
portion of her population.” I think I was right.
In God’s name stand firm! _Don’t cave_, Andrew! God bless
you!