PHILADELPHIA, October 29, 1856.
SIR,--I cannot be at Faneuil Hall on Saturday evening, according
to the invitation with which I have been honored. But, though
feeble still, I hope to be in Boston on the succeeding Tuesday,
to vote. If not strong enough to speak, I trust at least to be
able to perform this duty of the citizen.
My vote will not be needed; but I am unwilling that the
opportunity should pass of uttering my determined NO against
the efforts now making to subjugate Kansas and to install the
Slave Oligarchy in permanent control of the National Government.
Against this dreadful conspiracy I protest, with all the ardor
of my soul; and I know no way in which I can hope to make
this protest immediately effective, except by casting my vote
for those candidates openly and unequivocally hostile to the
consummation of the crime.
Especially shall I vote for Burlingame; and I shall do this, not
only because I think him worthy of honor, and admire his generous
nature, intrepidity, and eloquence, but because I have at heart
the good name of Boston, and the welfare of my country. Boston
should sustain Burlingame, not merely for his sake, but for her
own sake,--not merely to do him honor, but to save herself from
dishonor,--not merely from local pride, but to strengthen Liberty
and to serve the whole Republic, now endangered alike from
criminal audacity and from subservient timidity.