John Sherman: “I have no sympathy with secession, but I can appreciate the action of those who were born and reared under the influence…”

If my life is prolonged I will do all I can to add to the strength and prosperity of the United States, but nothing to extend its limits or to add new dangers by acquisition of foreign territory.

The events of the future are beyond the vision of mankind, but I hope our people will be content with internal growth, and avoid the complications of foreign acquisitions.

Though my grateful thanks are due to them and have been often expressed, yet I have felt, as they do, that my duty was to the whole country.

What I have written is no doubt clouded with partisanship, but I would not be honest if I did not express my attachment to my party.