HANCOCK STREET, January 10, 1857.
MY DEAR SIR,--I am happy that you are still active for Kansas.
Much remains to be done. Indeed, I think that no effort can be
safely relaxed, until the Territory is admitted into the Union as
a Free State.
The Slave Oligarchy has not yet abandoned its darling idea of a
new Slave State, and this can be defeated only by vigilance. The
lull which seems now to prevail does not persuade me to repose.
Too much is at stake. Besides, I have read the fable of the cat
in the meal.
Of course, emigrants who love Freedom, and, if need be, are
willing to die in her cause, must be encouraged to plant
themselves in the Territory. But we who stay at home must
contribute to their comfort and protection, and, since this can
be done most effectively through State Legislatures, these must
be enlisted. The name of a State Legislature will be a tower of
strength.
Massachusetts, which, throughout our history, has led in every
liberal movement, must lead now by a generous appropriation,
which, if not needed, may not be used, but which, in any
alternative, will be an irresistible token of her sincerity, an
example to other States, and a fountain of encouragement to
distant fellow-citizens. I cannot believe that Massachusetts will
hesitate. Her people have already opened their hearts to Kansas,
and the public treasury should be opened as wide as their hearts.
Accept my thanks for the good you have done and the good you are
still doing, and believe me, my dear Sir, with much regard,
Faithfully yours,