The local paper reports that this letter “was received with
tremendous applause.”
PHILADELPHIA, October 2, 1856.
DEAR SIR,--I am sorry that I cannot be with the Republicans
of Illinois at Joliet on the 8th of October, according to the
invitation with which they have honored me; but inexorable,
long-continued disability and the admonitions of medical skill
keep me back still from all public effort, and even from return
to my home, which I have not visited for more than ten months.
It is hard to renounce the opportunity which you offer me; for
I have constantly hoped to visit Illinois during the present
contest, and in plain language put to her people the questions
which they are to decide by their votes. These are all involved
in the Freedom of Kansas, but they are manifold in form.
Are you _against_ the extension of Slavery? If _yea_, then vote
for Fremont.
Are you especially _against_ the extension of Slavery BY FORCE?
If _yea_, then vote for Fremont.
Are you _against_ the erection of the Slave Oligarchy as the
dominant power in our Republic? If _yea_, then vote for Fremont.
Are you _against_ the violation of the constitutional rights of
American citizens? If _yea_, then vote for Fremont.
Audacious sophistry, often exposed, but still flaunting abroad,
may seek to deceive you. It may foam with abuse and bristle with
perversion of fact; but it cannot obscure the unquestionable
truth, which now stares everybody in the face, that a vote for
Buchanan is a vote for all these bad things. _It is a vote not
simply for the extension of Slavery, but also for the extension
of Slavery_ BY FORCE, involving, besides, the erection of the
Slave Oligarchy as the dominant power in our Republic, and the
violation of the constitutional rights of American citizens.
Surely, Illinois will not be led to sanction such enormities.
Hers will be the path of Liberty, which is, of course, the path
of true patriotism. Through her agency incalculable harm has
already come to the Republic; but I cannot forget that she has
begun a glorious reparation, by introducing to the National
Councils a Senator of rare skill in debate, of sweetest purity of
character, and of perfect loyalty to those principles by which
Liberty will be secured, and our good name extended in history.
I refer to Mr. Trumbull, who now belongs to the whole country,
which is justly grateful for his eminent services. With his
example before her, Illinois cannot wander again into the support
of Slavery.
Give to the Republicans of Illinois my hearty God-speed, and let
my absence speak to them.
Ever faithfully yours,