Although
inquiries were repeatedly made, no assurance was given that any
proposition of amendment would secure the return of the seceded States;
and it was admitted that several of the border States would ultimately
unite with the Gulf States, either within or without the limits of the
Union, as might be dictated by events yet in the future. Indeed, no
proposition was in any degree acceptable to the majority of delegates
from the border slave States that did not provide for the extension of
slavery to the Territories, and its protection and security therein."
XXV
THE OPENING OF THE WAR
When the call was made for seventy-five thousand men, the Sixth
Regiment of Massachusetts was one of the first to respond. On the
night of the 16th of April some, if not all, of the regiment, were
quartered in Boston. I called upon Company B, of Groton, then in the
hall over the Williams Market. I found that they understood that the
movement meant war and duty. One of the men said to me:
"Some of us will never see Massachusetts again."
After the affair in Baltimore on the 19th of April, Governor Andrew
asked me to go to Washington with despatches for Mr. Lincoln and
General Scott. The message was communicated to me through Mr. John M.
Forbes. In his letter of request and appointment Governor Andrew said:
"We need your information, influence and acquaintance with the Cabinet,
and knowledge of Eastern public sentiment, to leave immediately for
Washington.
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