PREFACE.



   THAT the United States are involved in very great
and momentous domestic difficulties, must be obvious
to all. The future portends most serious commotions.
The Author was insensibly led to inquire, by what
means, and by what agency, had this great nation been
brought into so perilous a condition  Why was it
that alienation had been produced between North and
South; until it had become so bitter that civil war is
ready to burst forth in one of the Territories
  lie could not fail to trace these immnense evils to
the fanatical spirit of ABOLITIONIsI. To write a history
of its origin, progress, and pernicious tendency, the
Author felt an irresistible impulse. But he must
confess, he entered upon the task with great distrust
in his own abilities to do so great a subject anything
like adequate justice. He dares not flatter himself
that he could make the development in a style so
captivating it would win its way to public notice and
favor. For years he has waited, in the hope some
more vigorous pen would embark in this undertaking.
But he has waited in vain. The Author, therefore,
throws himself upon the generosity of the public, in
the fall persuasion, that it will appreciate his effort, to
restore concord and harmony in our National Councils.
                                          ( iii )