ly to its defeat; leaving, as always before, a considerable
faction unsatisfied and implacable, only awaiting a new opportunity to
start a new disturbance. This new opportunity arose in the slavery
agitation, beginning with the repeal of the Missouri Compromise in
1854, and ending with the election of Lincoln. Daring this six years'
controversy, disunion was kept in the background because the
pro-slavery party had continual and sanguine hope of ultimate triumph.
It did not despair of success until the actual election of Lincoln, on
the 6th of November, 1860; consequently, even in the Southern States,
as a rule, disunion was frowned upon till near the end of the
Presidential campaign, and only paraded as an evil to be feared, not
as a thing to be desired.

This aspect, however, was superficial. Under the surface, a small but
determined disunion conspiracy was actively at work. It has left few
historical traces; but in 1856 distinct evidence begins to crop out.
There was a possibility, though not a probability, that Fremont might
be elected President; and this contingency the conspirators proposed
to utilize by beginning a rebellion. A letter from the Governor of
Virginia to the Governors of Maryland and other States is sufficient
proof of such an intent, even without the evidence of later history.

RICHMOND, VA., Sept. 15, 1856.

DEAR SIR: Events are approaching which address themselves to your
responsibilities and to mine as chief Executives of slave-holding
States. Contingencies may soon happen which would require
preparation for the worst of evils to the people. Ought we not to
admonish ourselves by joint council of the extraordinary duties
which may devolve upon us from the dangers which so palpably
threaten our common peace and safety? When, how, or to what extent
may we act, separately or unitedly, to ward off dangers if we can,
to meet them most effectually if we must?

I propose that, as early as convenient, the Governors of Maryland,
Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Tennessee
shall assemble at Raleigh, N.C., for the purpose generally of
consultation upon the state of the country, upon the best means of
preserving its peace, and especially of protecting the honor and
interests of the slave-holding States. I have addressed the States
only having Democratic Exe