The two streams have united, and though for a time their waters may be divided by the color line, like the Mississippi and the Missouri at and after their junction, yet, in the end they will mingle in a great republic, not of sections, but of friendly states and a united people.
Sherman likens the merging of Northern and Southern states to rivers uniting, envisioning a unified republic.
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More from John Sherman
Our country, our whole country, and nothing but our country" has been the watchword and creed of my public life.
The life of a civilian is in what he says or writes, that of a soldier in what he does.
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.
Canada and Mexico as independent republics will be more valuable to the United States than if carved into additional states.
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