Hosea2.html

Robert Hosea to Abraham Lincoln, February 7, 1861

Page 2

and contended during the presidential contest; that

citizens of free states, by birth, sympathy, education

and desires for material improvement should

desire the Public domain reserved for free labour

and I supported Mr Douglas, because I thought

the middle doctrine the least calculated to ex-

cite southern fanaticism, and best calcul mode

of bringing about the desired consummation --

to allow the people of the territories -- same as states

to settle the question for themselves at the ballot box,

well knowing that the preponderance of northern emi-

gration and the unfitness of the soil for the products

of slave culture, would -- as nature intended -- reserve

the domain for free labour.

I am glad that the mass of northern demo-

crats and Republicans agree as to the main issue

viz: the wish for the non extension of slavery beyond

its present limits; but regret that during the late

canvass they differed materially as to the method of

consummating their desires. Imbued with these

sentiments I naturally refused any cooperation

with any future useless agitation tending to distract

the country and intimated my determination to make

use of the information acquired to obstruct the schemes

anticipated.

With many others I opposed your election con-

scientiously; but you are now constitutionally elected

and I trust that humble as I am there

are thousands and millions like myself, who

7221