Canandaigua Oct 29, 1839
My Dear Seward,
The fears are we are to do badly in our county. what with
the turmoil between Granger and Sibley, and a foolish attempt of Stout to [ enge ]
Clayism. and brow beat the Abolitionists. I fear for the result. a better spirit
is however pervading. and although we have three tickets there is not much dan-
ger of a defeat.
The abolition feeling is very extensive here and were it not that
great confidence is entertained in the Soundness of the “execution” on this subject
we should be without hope. the more discreet and effecting portion see clearly
that there only hope is by engrafting their principles on the whig party. The
more I reflect on this subject the more I am convinced we shall loose nothing
by pursuing a course acceptable to the great body of the abolitionist. the ultras
on both sides will perhaps be disaffected. but in the the more discreet
and honest portion of the party. that is the Whigs will be content. and
again we ought not to contend against the principles of the abolitionists
I have labored with these abolitionists in this county this
fall and last fall. reasoned with them. remonstrated with them. and in
some instances quarrelled with them. I have told them that they were right
in principle and wrong in action. that they were deceiving themselves as to the
failings of the Whig administration on this subject. and that their could it wo
confidence and support of it was demanded…Your proclamation is doing
good. I received a letter from one of the leading abolitionists of the county this
morning. the following is an extract “I see that Gov Seward has overstepped the
bounds of caste and pride and prejudice, and dared in the face of the bravado of
all parties to recommend prayers ” beseeching him to deliver the oppressed throughout
the land world. and vouchsafe to all mankind the privileges of civil & religious liberty
well done good and faithful servant”… Now whatever may be the result of this falls
Election. I see clearly as the Sun at noon day. that the spirit of abolitionism cannot be
stayed. It ought not to be. It will not be! The Southern States have gone, and will every
one of them Except Kentucky for Van Buren. They are banded and leagued together by
a common interest. Now let us sustain ourselves as the North. If it be necessary

to save this State in ought not to jeopardise it on the Presidential question
Let us have a Northern party. a party based on “interest and principle”…And with
these weapons fight out the battle.
Are you now satisfied we cannot carry the State with Mr. Clay
For Gods Sake be convinced of this. I fear we are to lose the State with him
this fall. If he is nominated at Harriburgh. you had better resume your
Chatauque agency.
Sibley will be elected. but he must answer these abolition
letters. My opinion is worth more than yours or Mr. Spencers. I fear you have
both advised him not to do so from what Garlinghouse says. If you have reconsidered
and write him if you see cause to change your views. There are good men among
the abolitionists who are Sibleys warm friends, and are discreet and sound in
their judgment, as men can be acting under Excitement. they say he must answer
It will do us a good deal of good. It takes off a load of responsibility from
your shoulders. if our Senators and members of assembly are acceptable to the
abolitionists. you need not go so far to satisfy them. If they are known or
suspected of being hostile. more will be enquired of you. these favorable answers &
views of candidates render the abolitionists less rigid. and melt down the mass
into Whigs—
You must expect Sibleys majority to be over 700 or 800 in this
county.
Truly
AWorden

His Excellency
Mr. Seward
Albany
CANANDAIGUA N.Y. OCT 29
hAlvah Worden
Oct 29 ,1839