Gov. Hunt was here on Thursday. I spent the evening with him as did several Old Whigs--Hoags, Tayloe, Wallach & others. Of course the political aspect of the country did not escape observation, and all concurred in the opinion that the conservative opposition ought to raise its standard & stand by it.

To the question, What ought now to be done? I replied that the conservative party ought, in my judgment, to call an early National Convention, nominate candidates for whom moderate Republicans can vote, men in whom all true national conservative men have confidence, & then let the Republicans take what course they may think proper. Such a nomination would, I thot, secure the election of the ticket, & the eventual union of all, save the ultraists of the Opposition, North & South. But how shall that Convention be called, & by whom? Was the next inquiry. My reply was, "by the Opposition State Convention, to be held at Richmond, Va. on the 14th Dec.

The opinion seemed to be concurred in that by some such course we should take possession of the track and by presenting an unexceptionable ticket compel the Republican party to adopt it.

The outbreak at Harper's Ferry must exert no small influence upon political movements. It is a chuk upon the Republicans, & must make them more ready to pliable, yielding and conciliatory;--less audacious, confident & exacting. In this state of things it seems to me that boldness, decision & prompt action on our part, is the dictate of sound policy. Timidity & hesitation always invite aggression and encourage assumption.