Fayetteville (NC) Observer, "Political Effect," October 31, 1859

POLITICAL EFFECT. – A prominent politician in Philadelphia, who has been traveling in the interior of Pennsylvania, writes in a private letter which found its way into the N. Y. Times, that the Harper’s Ferry affair has excited a great amount of indignation; that it will greatly damage the Republicans, and help Mr. Douglas. He adds that the friends of the Administration have modified their hostility to Mr. Douglas, and say he can carry five States that no other man can carry, and without which no Democrat can be elected.

Yes, Douglas is “worse than Seward,” and Democrats would “as soon vote for Seward or Giddings;” but they will vote for him or any body else that is likely to secure the spoils to the party.