Letter from August Belmont to William Marten, November 30, 1860

My Dear Sir: I have received your letter, and you will have heard from my house that we are entirely satisfied with the execution of our small exchange orders.

The unfortunate state of our politics, which in your State particularly have assumed a most threatening aspect, prevents us, to my great regret, from renewing our orders for the moment. It is also impossible for us to hold out any hopes for the present, as to our being able to do anything in your market after the secession of your State, which you predict as certain to take place very shortly.

My heart misgives me when I think of the terriblè consequences which the present action of your leading men must inevitably bring upon every section of our common country.

I have written my views on the subject a few days ago to a friend in Alabama, and beg to hand you a copy of my letter.

The idea of separate confederacies living in peace and prosperity on this continent, after a dissolution of the Union, is too preposterous to be entertained by any man of sound sense and the slightest knowledge of history.

Secession means civil war, to be followed by a total disintegration of the whole fabric, after endless sacrifices of blood and treasure. If patriotism and love of the Union will not make people pause in their mad career, I hope they may not lose the instinct of self-preservation.

Can you tell me where Governor Aiken is at present? I addressed him a letter, a week ago, to Charleston. Do you think it will reach him?