The Real Cause of the U.S. Civil War

Henry C. Carey to Abraham Lincoln, June 20, 1861

Page 2 (document #8)


of mills and furnaces, and the opening of

mines -- we may retrace our steps and

thus secure the permanent mainten-

ance of the Union. If, on the contrary,

our people left in doubt as to the pur-

poses of the Administration, are com-

pelled at each succeeding session of

Congress to fight for life, and if,

finally, the British free trade system

be readopted -- the Union must, before

the lapse of many years, be rent into

numerous fragments, mere instruments

in the hands of foreign powers. From

this, there can be no escape.


Three lines, in your forthcoming mes-

sage Mr President, indicative of the principle

of protection as the true Union policy,

would be worth to the country more than

the total cost of the war -- great as
















Carey Letter, June 20, 1861, Page 2