The Republican party was regarded in the South and the border States not only as opposed to the extension of slavery, but as favoring the compulsory abolition of the institution without compensation to the owners.

The most horrible visions seemed to present themselves to the minds of people who, one would suppose, ought to have known better.
Many educated and, otherwise, sensible persons appeared to believe that emancipation meant social equality.

Treason to the Government was openly advocated and was not rebuked.

It was evident to my mind that the election of a Republican President in 1856 meant the secession of all the Slave States, and rebellion.

Under these circumstances I preferred the success of a candidate whose election would prevent or postpone secession, to seeing the country plunged into a war the end of which no man could foretell.