tored--never. We can not conquer
ten millions of people united in solid phalanx against us,
powerfully aided by Northern sympathizers and European allies. We
must have scouts, guides, spies, cooks, teamsters, diggers, and
choppers, from the blacks of the South--whether we allow them to
fight for us or not--or we shall be baffled and repelled. As one
of the millions who would gladly have avoided this struggle at
any sacrifice but that of principle and honor, but who now feel
that the triumph of the Union is indispensable not only to the
existence of our country, but to the well-being of mankind, I
entreat you to render a hearty and unequivocal obedience to the
law of the land.

"Yours,
"HORACE GREELEY."[83]

It was an open letter. Mr. Greeley had evidently lost sight of his
economic theories as applied to slavery in the abstract, and now, as a
practical philosopher, caught hold of the question by the handle. Mr.
Lincoln replied within a few days, but was still joined to his
abstract theories of constitutional law. He loved the Union, and all
he should do for the slave should be done to help the Union, not the
slave. He was not desirous of saving or destroying slavery. But
certainly he had spoken more wisely than he knew when he had asserted,
a few years before, that "a nation half free and half slave, could not
long exist." That was an indestructible truth. Had he adhered to that
doctrine the way would have been easier. In every thing he consulted
the Constitution. His letter is interesting reading.

"EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON,}
"August 22, 1862.}

"Hon. HORACE GREELEY:

"_Dear Sir_: I have just read yours of the 19th instant,
addressed to myself through the New York Tribune.

"If there be in it any statements or assumptions of fact which I
may know to be erroneous, I do not now and here controvert them.

"If there be any inferences which I may believe to be falsely
drawn, I do not now and here argue against them.

"If there be perceptible in it an impatient and dictatorial tone,
I waive it in deference to an old friend whose heart I have
always supposed to be right.

"As to the policy 'I seem to be pursuing,' as you say, I have not
meant