Page:Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz, Volume 1.djvu/198

164 Milwaukee county, where the battlefield of the first district will be. The appointments are as many as I can fill and will exhaust my vocal powers to the last gasp. But no matter.

As to expenses, etc., I think it will be by no means extravagant if I ask $15 a day while I am in the field, Oct. 24th inclusive to Nov. 6th. I wish I could offer my services gratis and foot the bills in addition, but unfortunately “les jours des fêtes sont passés”—I am not so situated as to be able to do so.

I am sorry I am obliged to disappoint James Howe. There is no man in Wisconsin whom I would rather endeavor to please, but time is so scarce and the necessities of the campaign so urgent that it could not be done. 



&emsp; You have no idea how I am swamped with letters from office-seekers asking me to appeal to Lincoln in their behalf. I intend to have printed a circular answer to send to the unfortunates. The secession movements in the South are still continuing and it is not improbable that we shall have stormy times. The probability is, however, that the inevitable reaction, which even the South will feel before the inauguration of Lincoln, will check the disturbance. These are very momentous times. Every day may bring new decisions—but I long for rest. Rest and family! is inscribed on my banner.

I must make a speech to-morrow, but have not yet completed it. I still lack the stirring peroration, and though I am perfectly well, my mind is tired. 