SENATE CHAMBER, April 28, 1856.
DEAR SIR,--I cannot be at your proposed meeting, where are
to assemble the patriotism, intelligence, and wealth of the
metropolis; but I recognize its importance, and cry to it
_God-speed!_
The work before us is plain. Kansas must be saved from a
tyrannical usurpation, under which Slavery has been forcibly
established on Free Soil. This is the special object of labor
to which we are summoned by every consideration of regard for
that distant Territory, and also by every sentiment of love for
our common country. But this can be done only by her immediate
welcome into the Union, under her present Constitution, as a Free
State,--of course without recognition of the usurping Tyranny.
Upon this we must insist, as the means essential to the end.
In achieving this result, an incidental good will be
accomplished, which of itself should impel us to any exertion.
The Slave Oligarchy has staked its power in the National
Government upon the support of this usurpation. In the madness
of its despotism, it has selected a position the least tenable
of all its assumptions. To dislodge it from this position, and
at the same time from its disgusting supremacy in the National
Government, will be one and the same work. And all this will be
easy to do, if the good people of the populous North, forgetting
past differences, will but rally together. _Union to save Kansas,
and Union to save ourselves_, should be the watchword.
Believe me, dear Sir, very faithfully yours,