Page 434
To Joseph Segar1Jump to section
Fort-Monroe---Va Sept. 5 1863
I have just seen your despatch to the Secretary of War, who is absent. I also send a despatch from Major Hayner of the 3rd. showing that he had notice of my order, and stating that the people were jubilant over it, as a victory over the government extorted by fear, and that he had already collected about four thousand of the money. If he has proceeded since I shall hold him accountable for his contumacy. On the contrary no dollar shall be refunded by my order, until it shall appear that my act in the case has been accepted in the right spirit.
A. LINCOLN
Annotation
[1] ALS, RPB. See Lincoln's communications to Stanton, September 1, supra. On September 6, Segar telegraphed Lincoln in reply, ``If the people of Northampton have exhibited the spirit charged upon them I shall most certainly, though their representative, abandon them to their fate, but I have reliable information directly the reverse of what has been telegraphed by Maj Hayner. There was, as was most natural, rejoicing among the people but in no spirit of taunt or triumph over the Government that has been so kind to them, but joy over the relief your justice and kindness have given them from an unjust and degrading tax. Towards yourself there is but one feeling and that of gratitude and respect for your just and generous intervening they will so make it appear'' (DLC-RTL).