Chapter XLVI: The Stand Against Disunion

Governor Stevens becomes chief exponent and authority on
Northern route--Letter to Vancouver railroad convention--
Contending for the Northern route--Governor Stevens lives
down prejudice--Gains respect--Great influence with
President and departments--His habits--Rebuke of
self-seekers--Political issues--Governor Stevens a national
man--Sustained constitutional rights of South, as matter
of justice and to defeat disunion--Patriotism of men of
this view--Attends Charleston and Baltimore Democratic
conventions--Supports General Lane--Split in party--Governor
Stevens accepts as chairman of executive committee of
National Democracy--Writes address in a single night--Labors
hard--Hopes of success--Abraham Lincoln elected
President--Act to pay Indian war debt passed--W.W. Miller
appointed Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Washington
Territory--Governor Stevens's achievements in seven
years--His firm Union sentiments--Denounces
secession--Strengthens the hands of the President 296

CHAPTER XLVII

THE OFFER OF SWORD AND SERVICES

Governor Stevens returns to Washington Territory--Recommends
supporting the government and arming the militia--Elected
captain of Puget Sound Rifles of Olympia--Democratic
convention meets--Governor Stevens withdraws his name as
candidate for delegate--His speech--Offers services--Hastens
to Washington--Meets cold reception--Accepts colonelcy of
79th Highlanders--Governors Andrew and Sprague offer
regiments 313