The only thing in it that I wish to talk
to you at once about is that because of my vote for Ashmun's amendment
you fear that you and I disagree about the war. I regret this, not
because of any fear we shall remain disagreed after you have read this
letter, but because if you misunderstand I fear other good friends may
also. That vote affirms that the war was unnecessarily and
unconstitutionally commenced by the President; and I will stake my life
that if you had been in my place you would have voted just as I did.
Would you have voted what you felt and knew to be a lie? I know you would
not. Would you have gone out of the House--skulked the vote? I expect
not. If you had skulked one vote, you would have had to skulk many more
before the end of the session. Richardson's resolutions, introduced
before I made any move or gave any vote upon the subject, make the direct
question of the justice of the war; so that no man can be silent if he
would. You are compelled to speak; and your only alternative is to tell
the truth or a lie. I cannot doubt which you would do.
This vote has nothing to do in determining my votes on the questions of
supplies. I have always intended, and still intend, to vote supplies;
perhaps not in the precise form recommended by the President, but in a
better form for all purposes, except Locofoco party purposes.
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