Mr. FESSENDEN:—There is no objection to reading them.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:—The Chair has decided that the Senator from Kentucky is in order.
Mr. POWELL:—I have not yielded, except for the purpose of reading these letters.
The PRESIDING OFFICER:—Is an appeal taken from the decision of the Chair?
Mr. FESSENDEN:—I take no appeal.
The Secretary read as follows:
Washington, February 11th, 1861.
My Dear Governor: Governor Bingham and myself telegraphed you on Saturday, at the request of Massachusetts and New York, to send delegates to the Peace or Compromise Congress. They admit that we were right and that they were wrong; that no Republican State should have sent delegates; but they are here and cannot get away. Ohio, Indiana, and Rhode Island are caving in, and there is danger of Illinois; and now they beg us, for God's sake, to come to their rescue, and save the Republican party from rupture. I hope you will send stiff-backed men, or none. The whole thing was gotten up against my judgment and advice, and will end in thin smoke. Still, I hope as a matter of courtesy to some of our erring brethren, that you will send the delegates.
Truly your friend,
Z. CHANDLER.