Ever and ever yours,
Charles Sumner.
Senate Chamber, January 18, 1861.
My dear Andrew,—I think that our friends are coming to the conclusion, that we can offer no terms of concession or compromise, in order to please the Border States. The question must be met on the Constitution as it is and the facts as they are, or we shall hereafter hold our Government subject to this asserted right of secession. Should we yield now,—and any offer is concession,—every Presidential election will be conducted with menace of secession by the defeated party.
There is a disposition to stand firm together.…
Ever yours,
Charles Sumner.
Senate Chamber, January 21, 1861.