Extracts from a Speech: Delivered by Hon. Daniel Dickinson of New York: 1861

Extracts from a Speech: Delivered by Hon. Daniel Dickinson of New York, at a mass meeting of citizens in Tunchannock, in Wyoming County, Penn., August 19.
The Friend, December 1861
Rev. Samuel C. Damon, editor and publisher

"General Jackson had the hearts of the American people more than any other man of modern times. And why? Because he met great necessities like a man. He didn't go, in times of stirring necessity, to demonstrate problems from musty precedents, but when a man wanted hanging he hung him first and looked up the law afterward. (Laughter) There are times and occasions when this is the only way to do in dealing with treason. The civil law affords no adequate remedy. While you are discussing the question the country may be ruined, the capitol in flames, and the archives destroyed. When the war is over we may examine and see if any one has incurred a penalty for suspending the writ of habeas corpus. Gen. Jackson paid his fine, but not till after he had put down both foreign and domestic traitors.

"So long as there is a citizen South that demands the protection of the Government, then it is our duty to protect the Government of the Union for his sake. ("Sound," "That's the talk," &c.) And when there is none it is our duty to maintain it; for, politically, geographically, socially, and commercially, it is one in every other sense-it is utterly impossible for this Government to be divided without its utter destruction to both sections. When you attempts to divide North and South, you must do it East and West. Then all will go to pieces, and our country will be a Mexico-worse than Mexico, because we have ten times more material for mischief and destruction. A military despotism will be inaugurated whenever you permit this rebellion to triumph.

"But some cry we are in favor of peace. Yes, we are all for peace now. I was for negotiating peace until a fortification was fired upon by a rebel artillery, and then I bade adieu to all expectations of peace until conquered over expectations. (Cheers) I say there is no peace until you can put down rebellion by force of arms. We must stand by the Union. You may make peace with the loyal men of the South, and there is the place to make it. But how will you do it with rebellion? Go with an agreement in one hand and a revolver in the other and ask the Confederacy to take its choice? If there is any you can deal with it is the loyal citizens of the South-those that are persecuted for the sake of their Government, those that love their Constitution and are willing to die in its defense-when they are restored to position by conquering rebellion. All should strive together for this good end-men should bare their bosoms in battle, women implore in the name of Heaven that the blessings of the Union should return, and children raise their little hands to curse this rebellion as a ferocious monster that has come hither to torment them before their time, and a dim with blood and tears the luster of their brightest star.