ther State takes the lead, South Carolina will secede (in
my opinion) alone, if she has any assurance that she will be soon
followed by another or other States; otherwise it is doubtful. If
you decide to call a convention upon the election of a majority of
electors favorable to Lincoln, I desire to know the day you
propose for the meeting, that we may call our convention to meet
the same day, if possible. If your State will propose any other
remedy, please inform me what it will probably be, and any other
information you will be pleased to give me.

With great respect and consideration,

I am yours, etc.,

Wm. H. Gist.

Governor Thos. O. Moore.

[Sidenote] MS. Confederate Archives.

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 18, 1860.

DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your
favor of the 5th, which reached me on the 12th inst.

In compliance with your request, I will give as accurately as it
is in my power to do the views and feelings of the people of North
Carolina upon the important subject of your communication.

Political differences and party strife have run so high in this
State for some years past, and particularly during the past nine
months, that anything like unanimity upon any question of a public
nature could scarcely be expected; and such is the case with the
one under consideration. Our people are very far from being agreed
as to what action the State should take in the event of Lincoln's
election to the Presidency. Some favor submission, some resistance,
and others still would await the course of events that might
follow. Many argue that he would be powerless for evil with a
minority party in the Senate, and perhaps in the House of
Representatives also; while others say, and doubtless with entire
sincerity, that the placing of the power of the Federal Government
in his hands would prove a fatal blow to the institution of negro
slavery in this country.

None of our public speakers, I believe, have taken the ground
before the people that the election of Lincoln would, of itself,
be a cause of secession. Many have said it would not, while others
have spoken equivocally.

Upon the whole I am decidedly of opinion that a majority of our
people would not consider the occurrence of the event referred to
as sufficient g