ON BOARD STEAMSHIP FULTON, March 7, 1857.
MY DEAR SIR,--I trust that you and our friends will not be
disheartened in efforts for Kansas. Much must still be done, or
the night of Slavery will settle down on that beautiful Territory.
Surely the Legislature of Massachusetts will feel the inspiration
of a great cause, and pledge itself by a generous appropriation
to its support. I hear of constitutional impediments, but I
believe that all such will be found to have bottom in the
lukewarm hearts of objectors rather than in the Constitution.
There are some who think that anything for Slavery is
constitutional, but nothing for Freedom. With me the opposite
rule prevails, and I venture to say that any other rule must
bring discredit upon a country calling itself a Commonwealth.
I trust, also, that the people of Kansas will stand firm, and
that, if need be, they will know how to die for Freedom. Do any
sigh for a Thermopylæ? They have it in Kansas, for there is to
be fought the great battle between Freedom and Slavery,--by the
_ballot-box_, I trust; but I do not forget that all who destroy
the ballot-box madly invoke the _cartridge-box_.
With a farewell to my country, as I seek a foreign land, hoping
for health long deferred, I give my last thoughts to suffering
Kansas, with devout prayers that the ruffian Usurpation which now
treads her down may be peaceably overthrown, and that she may be
lifted into the enjoyment of freedom and repose.
Ever faithfully yours,