284 LIFE OF BENJAMIN SILLIMAN. 



November 29, 1860. Thanksgiving Day. Southern Revolt. 

 The aspect of the times is very serious, and calls not 

 only for the wisdom of statesmen and patriots, but for the 

 prayers of Christians, to avert a revolt which may end in 

 civil war. At present several of the Slave States appear 

 to be much incensed, and it is no longer safe for a Northern 

 man to travel, even on the most innocent business, in most 

 of the Slave States. Personal insults, and abuse most 

 gross and cruel, even to hanging, are inflicted on mere 

 imputation of abolition opinions, without overt acts or 

 speech. Travelling in the South for a Northern man is 

 now more dangerous than among the Arabs of the desert, 

 who can be bought off by small presents. John C. Cal- 

 houn, once Vice-President, and disappointed of the Presi 

 dency, first originated the scheme of a distinct sovereignty 

 of the Slave States, to cover islands and countries adjoin 

 ing, to be bought or conquered. The very alarming state 

 of things cast a shadow over our enjoyment of this day. 

 Mrs. Silliman was engaged at home in domestic duties. I 

 attended in Dr. Bacon's church, where he preached an 

 excellent sermon upon the present crisis. It was solemn, 

 judicious, and discreet. 



In his letters to friends, the war and its probable 

 issues, especially in respect to slavery, were promi 

 nent topics. Among his correspondents was Miss 

 Eliza Quincy, daughter of Hon. Josiah Quincy, a 

 lady for whose virtues and accomplishments he en 

 tertained a great respect. The first of the letters 

 which immediately follow, however, relates not to 

 the war, but contains interesting reminiscences 

 pertaining to the visit of Lafayette to Boston in 

 1825. 



