But, for this, peace is necessary. Be assured
of this, my dear Sir, that if we engage in a war during our present
passions, and our present weakness in some quarters, our Union runs the
greatest risk of not coming out of that war in the shape in which it
enters it. My reliance for our preservation is in your acceptance
of this mission. I know the tender circumstances which will oppose
themselves to it. But its duration will be short, and its reward long.
You have it in your power, by accepting and determining the character
of the mission, to secure the present peace and eternal union of your
country. If you decline, on motives of private pain, a substitute may be
named who has enlisted his passions in the present contest, and by the
preponderance of his vote in the mission may entail on us calamities,
your share in which, and your feelings, will outweigh whatever pain a
temporary absence from your family could give you. The sacrifice will
be short, the remorse would be never-ending. Let me then, my dear
Sir, conjure your acceptance, and that you will, by this act, seal the
mission with the confidence of all parties. Your nomination has given a
spring to hope, which was dead before.
I leave this place in three days, and therefore shall not here have
the pleasure of learning your determination.
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