Abraham Lincoln papers

From James Dixon to Montgomery Blair, October 7, 1863

Private

Hartford. Oct, 7. 1863

My dear Mr Blair

I have seen a report of your recent speech, in the Herald, and am truly grateful to you for such words 1 of truth & wisdom. Sumner's heresies are doing immense harm in a variety of ways. If the position taken by him is understood to be the position of the Administration, thousands of our best men will cease to give it their support; and if his doctrines prevail the country will be ruined. I do hope 2 3 most you & Mr Seward will stand firm— Mr Welles cannot differ from you unless he has changed the tenor of his life long opinions, which I do not believe. In the Senate I know you will find many supporters among the Republicans. It is impossible that the intelligence of that body should have sank to so low a point, as to permit the errors of the radicals to prevail there.

1 In a speech at Rockville, Maryland on October 3, Blair had vehemently attacked the Radical plan for reconstruction, especially as it had been outlined by Senator Charles Sumner.

2 Secretary of State William H. Seward

3 Navy Secretary Gideon Welles

In the House of Representatives you will also have much strength— I am happy to be able to assure 4 you that our the member from this District Col. Deming, a man of great ability, concurs with you in opinion. He will be a powerful advocate of the true doctrine.

4 Prior to his election to Congress in 1862, Henry C. Deming had served as colonel of the 12th Connecticut Infantry and as mayor of New Orleans under the military government from October 1862 to February 1863.

I write in haste — merely to assure you of my gratitude for the stand you are taking

With great respect

Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.2700900 Truly your friend

James Dixon

Abraham Lincoln papers http://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.2700900