Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch, Post 17

The following excerpt is from the diary of Stephen Greenleaf Bulfinch.

Saturday, Oct. 26^th, 1862

Of public affairs, the chief have been the defeat of the rebels near Sharpsburg & elsewhere, & their evacuation of Maryland and Kentucky, - and the President’s emancipation proclamation. This measure I approve, though with some hesitation. A year since, I was much opposed to such a thing, lest it should disgrace our case by the horrors of a servile war; but the south are now in arms & can defend their homes if they please; it will therefore only weaken the force which they bring against us; and the danger of a servile war is eclipsed by the nearer and worse danger of national destruction. The President does not call on the slaves to rise; and he gives the rebels three months’ warning before his promise of freedom to the slaves goes into operation. Our hope is, it will be a means of weakening their force and dividing their counsels, and that our forces may advance, & put down the rebellion & slavery together...I chronicle, with decided disapproval, the formation of a party here, - old acquaintances under a new name, - called ‘the People’s party.’ The object is to displace Gov. Andrew and Senator Sumner, - and such men; the pretence is, to support the president. He does not seek to be supported against his best friends.