* * * * *
SENATE CHAMBER, February 20, 1861.
MY DEAR ANDREW,--I lost no time in seeing the Attorney-General
and placing your letter in his hands. At the same time I pressed
the pardon. He will give the subject his best attention, but I
thought he was rather fixed against it.
Nothing has occurred to change my view of our affairs. It seems
to me that Virginia will secede. At all events, if you expect
this result, you will be best prepared for the future.
The Peace Conference is like the Senate,--powerless to mature
any system of harmony. And the question of enforcing the laws
and retaking the forts,--in other words, _of our existence as a
Government_,--when presented, must increase the discord.
If Mr. Lincoln _stands firm_, I do not doubt that our cause will
be saved. All that we hear testifies to his character. _But he is
a man._
The heart-burnings and divisions showing themselves in our party
a few weeks ago are now less active. Those fatal overtures will
fall to the ground. Oh, that they never had been made!
God bless you!
Ever yours,