Seward has been construed as the statement of a settled purpose to overthrow slavery in the states, although in the very paragraph itself all idea of interference by the people of the free states with slavery in the slave states is expressly excluded.
Sherman clarifies that Seward's statements have been misinterpreted regarding slavery.
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More from John Sherman
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.
Our family of states is already large enough to create embarrassment in the Senate, and a republic should not hold dependent provinces or possessions.
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.
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.
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