D[uncan] McVicar to Frederick Douglass, December 9, 1862

LETTER FROM COL. M'VICAR, U. S. A.

HEADQ'RS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC,

Near Falmouth, Virginia,

December 9, 1862.

"Accept my thanks for the files of late Canadian papers sent me by mail. The notices they contain of my humble services have, I have no doubt, fanned your Highland pride almost to a lyrical pitch. I have entered the Federal service with the conviction that the cause is just, and I have not seen, as yet, any cause of changing my mind on that point. On the contrary, the more I see of the 'beauty of Slavery' (the beautiful cause of this rebellion) the more determined I am to work and pray for the removal of this gigantic evil. The signs of the times are cheering; the scales are falling, gradually, from the eyes of the Northern devotees of the "peculiar institution." The President is likewise, keeping pace with the times; and what is infinitely better, God is calling, in thundering tones, on the Slave-Oucrasy to let His people go, and they will be made to hear His voice. I have been pained to witness the conduct of the British and Canadian press, and some of their statemen, on this all-absorbing topic. How Britons can be found on the side of Slavery is to me a mystery and burlesque on our high-toned humanity. Canadians have a terrible interest in the present strife; they are the next-door neighbors of a powerful Republic, even supposing the separation accomplished. The North is fast becoming a powerful military nation on sea and land and is, withal, very sensitive. It is, therefore in my opinion, the interest and policy of the Canadians to cultivate and revive that friendly feeling which existed between them in the days spent by the Royal visitor on American soil.

"If I were to ask a favor of you and your poetic brothers of the 19th century, it would be to tune your harps in future to the angelic strain of "Peace on earth, good will to men," and pray for the time

'When man to man, the world o'er,

Shall brothers be, and a' that.'

"War is an awful scourge; the closing scenes of seven severe engagements have satisfied me on that point; and before this reaches you the greatest and bloodiest battle of the war may be fought. If called to take part in it, I will endeavor to do my duty as a soldier, leaving the result to Him who has shielded me thus far from all harm. His will be done. May He crown our just cause will success.

"Yours respectfully,

"D. McVicar,

"Lt. Col. 6th N.Y.S. Cav.