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Baltimore
15th Feby '61
Dear Sir--
On consultation with some of our leading Republican friends, it has been deemed inadvisable, in the present state of things, to attempt any organized public display on our part, as Republicans, on the occasion of your approach to and passage through Baltimore, on your way to the Capitol, however gratifying it would be to our feelings to do so. But it has been proposed, that, as many of the gallant little band who voted for you in this City, as may choose to do so, shall meet you, as your political friends, in their individual capacity, either at Philadelphia or Harrisburg, according to the route you may take, and accompany you thence to Baltimore, and on to Washington. We further propose to have at the depot, a sufficient number of open barouches with four horses each, for yourself and suite, to convey you and them to your the Hotel, should you decide to stop in Baltimore, and thence to the Washington depot, or if not, from one depot to the other.
It is possible, that the Mayor and councils may take action, and give you a formal reception, in which case, they will, of course, provide the necessary conveyances and escort, but as yet, we have had no intimations of the kind. The City authorities are all opposed to us, and some of them are even hostile. On the other hand, the Bell, Breckinridge and Douglas organizations, may take some action, either together or separately, to manifest their loyalty to the President Elect, but we have deemed it best not to mix ourselves up as a party, with their movements, but to leave them free to follow their own inclinations. The Bell organization, called the Minute Men, it is suggested, may do something of the sort, but nothing is known positively.
I am authorized by those of our Republican friends, who have consulted on the subject, to communicate these suggestions to you, for your consideration, and if agreable to you, we should be pleased to be informed, at the earliest practicable moment, when you propose to be in Philadelphia or Harrisburg, and from which point, you will approach our City. If you should decide to stop in Baltimore, we are of opinion, that the masses of our community will gladly avail themselves of the opportunity to testify their appreciation of your presence, and to hear from your own lips, one of those felicitous responses to their salutations, which have gone so far to win the popular heart.
I have taken the liberty of handing this note to you through the hands of Governor Morgan, lest it might reach you in time thro' any other channel. Waiting your early reply.
I am Faithfully Yr. Friend
W. G. Snethen
190 Hoffman St.
Baltimore
