The Real Cause of the U.S. Civil War



Harrison Gray Otis to William Sullivan, February 13, 1820


Page 1 (#5 of HGO documents)







Dear Sir,

I send you a Richmond enquirer, whence

you will be able to discern the movements in Virginia-

The Caucus it seems in that State, will not nominate Mun

roe untill they ascertain that he will reject a bill com

promising the Missouri question, should such a bill

pass-Thus you see they are reviving the system of in

timidation by which they have always governed

the Union-The object is to shake weak and wavering

folks in the House of Representatives - The times re

quire great firmness and prudence on your part-

Let the Democracy lead and urge them into the fore

ground, and take care to support them-Let them

be irretrievably committed on the slave question

before the fears on this subject become merged in their






Otis Letter Page 5