CHAPTER XVIII

The figure of Lincoln had been set on the by-ways of State politics by his debate with Douglas.  His address in New York in February of 1860 set him on the highways of the nation’s life.  Meanwhile there were no talks about politics at Grey Pine.  The Christmas Season had again gone by with unwonted economies.

While Douglas defined his opinions in the Senate and Jefferson Davis made plain that the Union would be dissolved if a radical Republican were elected, it became clear that the Democratic party which in April was to nominate candidates would be other than of one mind.  Penhallow in Washington heard Seward in the Senate.  Of this memorable occasion he wrote with such enthusiasm to Leila as he rarely showed: 

“I may not write to your aunt, and I am moved to write to you by the effect Mr. Seward’s speech had on me.  He is not much of a man in his make-up.  His voice is husky and his gestures are awkward and have no relation to what he says.  It seemed a dried-up sort of talk, but he held the Senate and galleries to fascinated attention for two hours, and was so appealing, so moderate.  The questions at issue were handled with what Rivers calls and never uses—­the eloquence of moderation.  I suppose he will be the nominee of the Republican party.  It won’t please the abolitionists at all.  I wish you could have heard it.

“I came here to see two Southern Senators who have been counsel for us in regard to debts owing the mills by Southern railways.  I gathered easily that my well-known Republican views made collection difficult.  I was about to say something angry—­it would have done no good, and I am opposed to useless anger.  It is all pretty bad, because the South has hardly felt the panic, or its continued effect on our trade.

“I am wrong to trouble you with my troubles.  We shall pull through.

“Yours,

“JAMES PENHALLOW.”

“P.S.  I should have been prepared for my failure to get fair treatment.  I had learned in New York that lists of abolition houses have been published in the South, and Southern buyers warned not to place orders with them.  I wonder if I am thus listed.  Our agent in Savannah writes that it is quite useless to solicit orders on account of the prevalent sentiment, and he is leaving the town.”

Penhallow went home disappointed and discouraged, and called a private meeting of his Pittsburgh partners.  He set before them the state of their affairs.  There would be no debts collectible in the South.  He smiled as he added that he had collected certain vague promises, which could hardly be used to pay notes.  These could and would be met, they said, but finally agreed with him that unless they had other orders, it might be necessary to further reduce their small force.  His partners were richer than he, but indisposed to take risks until the fall conventions were over.  It was so agreed.  As they were leaving, Penhallow said, “But there will be our workmen—­what will become of them?” They were sure times would get better, and did not feel his nearness of responsibility for workmen he knew so long and so well.