Philada May 1. 1864

 

My dear Mr Lossing

                                    It was very gratifying to learn from your letter that your dear child was out of danger, & that Cora had so much improved—we hope to hear in your next of the entire recovery of both—

 

—I find this in the papers of yesterday—It refers to the negro whose photograph I sent you some time ago

 

Remarks of Mr. Williams.

Mr. WILLIAMS, of Pennsylvania, in the course of his remarks, said: We have treated the seceded States as a government de facto, and put them under the ban of the Union as alien enemies. This has become a public war, as between two different nations. Those States are no longer in the Union, excepting for correction, and they must be reconstructed under the conquering power. History presents no parallel to this rebellion—so wicked, atrocious, and causeless. Its suppression had become impossible, without removing the cause of strife, and by freeing the slaves and arming them against the authors of this war. There must be a complete excision of this hell-born and hell-deserving spirit which brought on this violence. While speaking of Massachusetts blood being shed in the streets of Baltimore.

Mr. KELLEY interrupted his colleague by saying that Pennsylvania blood was first shed in that city, and his colleague could, therefore, claim that honor.

Mr. STROUSE had permission to say to his colleague that the first blood shed was that of a negro who was in the very first company which passed through Baltimore.

Mr. KELLEY replied that the negro's name was Nicholas Biddle, a constituent of our colleague.

Mr. WILLIAMS concluded his remarks by expressing his hopes as to the future and the establishment of our Union on a firm and enduring basis—a great republic, one and indivisible.

Mr. BALDWIN, of Michigan, said the prospect may well appal the stoutest heart. The Administration which does not dare to have its acts discussed is unworthy of the support of freemen. If it had devoted itself wholly to the restoration of the Union, the happy result of peace would long ago have been realized. The Union the Republicans favor is not the Union of Washington and Madison, but one of their own devising.

He charged that party with violations of the Constitution. We should abandon all plans of reconstruction and return to the original policy. If we do not, the war will have been just commenced.

The House at 10 o'clock adjourned.

 

—The Historical Society are working great exertions to save the "Penn Mansion," but I am afraid that the Committee will not be successful in raising the requisite amount of $30,000 for the purchase and $10,000 as an endowment making in all $40,000—I think it would be rather difficult to raise so much money just at this time, when so much is needed for the Sanitary Fair—[?]

—I am somewhat dissapointed in Mr Allan's library—I thought his books would generally have been illustrated with newspaper cuttings, autograph, &c&c something after the style of the late E. D. Ingraham—what a mania the old Scotchman had for snuff boxes & shoe buckles—

—I send you two very interesting photographs—Serg't John Clem ought to have a place in your history—

—Regards to all

                                                                                                Yours &c

                                                                                    Jno A M^cAllister

B. J. Lossing Esq                                                                    Box 1862 P. O

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