The Real Cause of the U.S. Civil War



Harrison Gray Otis to William Sullivan, February 13, 1820


Page 2 (#6 of HGO documents)







fears of federalism which are always likely to predominate-

Don't permit violent expressions, or reflections, or recrimina

tion to appear in the Federal papers, but let them shew

a firm solemn determination - and if you can man

age so as to cause to be injected in the Democratic papers

essays a little higher spiced, I know of no injury that

would come from it -- On this you should have an un

derstanding among you - If the House stand firm, and Vir

ginia resists compromise, and the bill is lost - Amen -

I shall not be frightened at the prospect of consequences, --

If the house gives way and the bill passes without restricti

On, their feet will be upon our necks forever-But

for Gods Sake, let on course be dignified and such, but not

marked by intemperate expressions or local caustic satire-

Express always the desire of Union, which we all feel,

but say boldly, that if it can't be had, but by farther subver

sion of the political ballance, you are sorry but will






Otis Letter Page 6