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SENATE CHAMBER, January 21, 1861.
MY DEAR ANDREW,--Pray keep our beloved Commonwealth firm; yet
a little longer and the crisis will be passed. Save her from
surrender. Nothing she can do will stay secession. IMPOSSIBLE.
Let her not write a shameful page in the history of Human
Freedom. I feel strongly for her fame, her good name, her
character, her example. In the future let it be said that
Massachusetts did not waver in the cause for which she has done
so much.
How easy it would be for me to give my life rather than have her
take a single backward step!
God bless you!
Ever yours,