West, Lewis H., 1829-? to Mary West

References her letter of 17 October. Says he is taking an interest in the election and says "In fact it is the only election that I ever did take any interest in ... since I have turned my attention to politics I am amazed that I was ever anything but a radical abolitionist and it is astonishing how anybody can be anything else, after the charming results of having persisted in sacrificing the right to the expedient for the last 30 years, on the slavery question." Says New York is the only state to give ballots for sailors and that he heard McClellan has a 10 or 11 more votes than Lincoln in the squadron. Says if the entire squadron could vote that there would be a "large majority for Lincoln." Thanks her for sending the political pamphlets, but says they were "scarcely needed" as most of the crew is from Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Says he did not say a word to influence any vote, as it could be considered subversive of discipline but that "It is worthy of remark that everybody that I had found it necessary to punish frequently voted for McClellan." Says he heard from the rebels that Lincoln won, but has not received official word. Tells of a prayer "offered by one of the old darkies ... He prayed that Lincoln might be elected for their children's sake." Says the former slave prayed that their old master might be restored to them and live out the end of his days with them - this despite their old master taking all their children and grandchildren with him. Written while aboard the USS "Fernandina".