Department of State,

Washington 18^th February, 1862.

 

Elliot C. Cowdin, Esq^re.

New York.

 

Dear Sir:

            I have had the honor of receiving the note in which you have invited me to attend a Union Festival, to be celebrated on the approaching anniversary of the Birth of Washington.

 

            It would be a source of great satisfaction to me to meet the people of New York on so interesting an occasion. But Congress has instituted similar ceremonies to be observed at this Capital, and has made my attendance upon them an official duty. I need not say / that in my heart and mind and soul I approve these proposed observances. Disloyal citizens have seized upon that great anniversary to pervert it to a more complete organization of the conspiracy for the overthrow of the Union of which Washington was the founder, and for the betrayal of the people of the United States back again to the foreign yoke which the hand of Washington smote and broke. May we not hope that the mighty shade of the Father of his Country will be allowed to look down from its rest on that day devoted to his memory, and say which of the two are indeed dutiful children, those who are engaged in the destruction of that country, so blessed of God above all other lands, or those who have committed themselves / to its salvation.

                                                                                   

I am dear Sir,

Yours very faithfully,

William H Seward.

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