In a long letter to Channing, here Smith says, “…. there are but two courses for abolitionists in the matter of voting.  One of these is to refrain from the polls, where conscience requires it; and the other is, to nominate their own candidates….. Those who take the former course, will happily be clear of the snares and perils of politics:  — whilst they who prefer the latter, and go into the arena of political strife, will, I admit, stand in especial need of the admonitions and prayers of their brethren…..”

Here is a lengthy excerpt from Channing’s,  The Duty of the Free States,  with a clear call to maintain the Union

Death of the “distinquished  writer, philanthropist, and divine, in Bennington, Vermont, on Sunday afternoon, after a short illness.”

L. Maria Child, sends this letter, written to her by Channing.  The author speaks of the  Inaugural Address:  “To my judgment the Speech stands isolated amidst the public addresses of this nation, for its intense sincerity. In simple truthfulness it is sublime.”