But with this hope of final security there was, on the part of the great mass of the people in the free States, the gravest solicitude throughout the winter of 1860-61, and a restless waiting and watching for a solution of the troubles.
Partisan leaders were busy on both sides seeking for an advantage that might survive the pending trials.

Northern Democrats in many instances sought to turn the occasion to one of political advantage by pointing out the lamentable condition to which anti-slavery agitation had brought the country.

This was naturally answered by Republicans with defiance, and with an affected contempt and carelessness of what the South might do.

Much that was written and much that was spoken throughout the North during that winter, both by Democrats and Republicans, would have remained unwritten and unspoken if they had realized the seriousness and magnitude of the impending calamity.
FINAL ESTIMATE OF MR.

BUCHANAN.
In a final analysis and true estimate of Mr.Buchanan's conduct in the first stages of the revolt, the condition of the popular mind as just described must be taken into account.