Towanda Penna.
Oct 20th 1860
Dr Sir:
When I expressed the hope of seeing you this fall, it was my purpose to spend two or three weeks in Ind. and Ill., between our State, and the Presidential elections. At Chicago, some of our friends obtained from me a promise to this effect. Our overwhelming victory in this State and Ind. leaves me, I am satisfied, nothing to do in the West; and to go there now, would look like marching upon the field after the enemy had been routed and driven off. I could not leave home but at considerable inconvenience and sacrifice, and concluded to postpone the pleasure of a journey West, untill some future day
The result in Penna has more than verified the confidence I expressed to you in my letter of the latter part of June. By the by, did you receive that letter? It did not require, nor did I expect an answer; but I have a suspicion of the dealing of the P. M at this place with my letters.
The victory is complete at all points, and we can hold the country untill our principles and policy are irreversibly established in the Government, "if we shall so behave ourselves well". I have watched the progress of this great revolution for many years, with anxious, often painful interest; and I now feel very much like a Sentinel, who is at length relieved after a weary & protracted watch.
If not before, I shall hope to see you at your Inauguration
Very respectfully yours
D. Wilmot
