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Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, December 25, 1860, Image 1

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VOL. XXXVIII.
Jifattttton _i|tctatflr.
RICHARD MAUZY, Proprietor.
TERMS.
2_W Ihe "Spectator" is published once a week, at
Two Dollars and Fifty Gents a year, which may be dis
charged by the payment of Two Dollars at any time
within the year.
No subscription will be discontinued but at the option
of th* Editor, until all arrearages are paid.
A J VERTISEMENTS of ten lines (or less) inserted
once for one dollar, and twenty-five cents for each subse
quent continuance. Larger advertisements inserted in
the same proportion.
A liberal discount made to those who advertise by the
year.
%_f Annual advertisers will be limited to their im
mediate business, or the advertisements charged for at
transient rates.
Professional Cards, not exceeding seven lines, will
be inserted one year for %1 00—6 months for $4 00.
One Square, (10 lines) .. 1 psm $10 00
" " 6 months 6 00
■ r 3 " 400
Two Squares,.... 1 year 15 00
" !. 6 months 10 00
" " 3 '• 600
Three Squares, 1 year 18 00
" " 12 00
" " 3 " 800
One-Thikd Column, I year 25 00
" " <i nu-nths 1 18 00
" " ....3 " 1200
One Column, \ year 60 00
" '" 6 months 40 00
All advertising for a less time than three months, will
be charged for at the usual rates— sl 00 per square for
the first insertion, and twenty five cents for each subse
quent issue.
_ cards.
Western Virginia a
MARBLE WORKS, M (
ATSTAUNTON j_ j
HARRISONBURG. "Pfffcl
MARQUIS & mil\. ißfgl
Staunton, April 7, 1858.
TAYLOR & HOGE,
DEALERS IN
DRY GOODS, GROCERIES,
QUEENSWARE, HATS, CAPS.
BOOTS AND SHOES,
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA,
HAVE just received a verr large and handsome
stock of FALL AND WINTER GOODS, to
which they invite the attention of purchasers.
Staunton, Oct. a, 1860
SURGICAL At
MECHANICAL DENTIST, having been located
permanently in Staunton for the last four years, would
respectfully inform his friends and the public gene
rally, that he still continues to practice Dentistry.in all
its various branches, with the strictest regard to du
rability and usefulness.
Office on the south-side of Main Street opposite the
old Spectator Office.
Staunton, Nov. 29, 1854.
«. €. ITEAKLfi,
DEALEB IN
JL WATCHES, CLOCKS, JEWEL-WR
_S_,_l RY, SILVER AND gf
PI.JITEU ir.if.R_E, ra
OPPOSITE VA. HOTEL, STAUNTON, VA.
Staunton, July 17. 1860.
POWELL HARRISON
ATTORNEY AT LAW,
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA,
WILL practice iv the Courts of Augusta and the
adjoining counties.
HP" Office removed to corner room of the New
Law Building. East of the Court-house.
Staunton, Oct. 28,1860.
J. M. HANGER
ATTORNEY AT LAW, STAUNTON, VA.,
WILL practice in all the Courts held in Staunton,
and in the Circuit Courts of Albemarle and
Rockingham. Office in the bnck-row, in the rear of
the Court-house.
Staunton, Dec. 80, 1857.
"JOHN W. MEREDITH,
DEALER IN
JEWELRY, CLOCKS, WATCHES, &c,
Main St., Staunton, Va.
S_gT Watches and Jewelry Repaired.
Staunton, Jan.l 7.
OCTOR JAMES M. GILKESON-Having
located in Staunton, tenders his professionalser
vices to the public. He may be found, when not pro
essionally engaged, at the room over the Saddle and
Harness establishment of Mr. G*H. Elick, nearly op
posite the Post Office.
Staunton Feb. 8.1859—tf.
A. D. CHANDLER,
UNDERTAKER,
SI aunt on, Va.,
KEEPS METALIC CASES of all sizes, at Staun
ton and Millborough Depot, at City Prices.
Staunton, July 19, 1859.
ROBERT D. LILLE Y,
Practical Surveyor,
WILL attend promptly to Surveying, Platting,
Calculating and Dividing Land, and Locating
Roads.
Staunton, June 26, iB6O.
R. L. DOYLE,
Attorney at Law, Staunton, Va.,
WILL practice in the Courts of Augusta, Rock
bridge, Bath and Highland.
July 29,1657.
DENTAL NOTICE.-Wm. Chapman has re
moved his office to the old Bell Tavern, near the
Virginia Hotel, and opposite Brandeburg's Corner
and adjoining Rankin's Daguerrean Gallery, where he
will be pleased to see his friends and costomers.
Staunton, Jan. 31, 1860.
JOEL ETTINGER
HAVING located in Staunton is prepared to take
a few more pupils for instruction on Piano and
Guitar. Orders left with J. W. Alby.
Stannton, Oct. 30, iß6o—tf—Vin. copy.
SsI.WWUWI IN CASHFOK NE-
GROES !-I will pay the _*_
w'B J^l._?? rket priceß for 80und and healthy *_{
XShOKOLs. My long experience in the busi- JP
ness, and mv facilities lor selling will enable •**-
me to pay the vbey highest peicbs.
I wish to employ some good AGENTS to buy Ne
groes. I want business men of good moral habits
Persons wishing to sell will find it to their interest
to call on me by letter or otherwise, at Waynesboro'
Augusta county, Virginia. JOHN B. SMITH '
August 14. 1 »rtO—,mo*
PLASTER. —The Staunton Steam Mill having
been repaired and put in working order, farmers
can now get supplies of GROUND PLASTER in any
desired quantities. E. T. ALBERTSON, Sup't.
Staunton. June 5, 1860.
LOOK HERE I—The undersigned have receiv
ed a large lot of MILLER'S CASSIMERES
which will be sold at a reasonable rate-
MOSBY, MAYLOR k FULTZ.
Stannton. Sept. 25,1860.
MH37 IRONS, MACHINERY AND ALL
kinds of Castings made to order at the Staunton
Foundry, by A. J. GARBER k CO.
Sep. 13, 1859.
STATIONERY. — lam now receiving a superior
stock of Stationery, which for quality and cheap
ness cannot be surpassed in Staunton.
Staunton. Oct. _3.1860. L. B. WALLER.
PICTURES FRAMED !—A variety of Mould
ings for picture Frames on hand, and pictures
framed to order. L. WADDELL, Jr..
. Staunton Dec. 4, 186 c. Union Hall.
RAZORS. —We have on hand a very superior ra
zor, made expressly for Barbers.
WOODS k GILKESON.
_Staunton, Oct. 30,1860— Yin copy all.
COMING !—Handsome Cottage Setts. What-nots,
Hat Racks, Card Tsbles, Ac, Ac.
L. WADDELL Ja
Staunton, Dec. 4,1860. Union Hall.
HOOFLAND'snGEiIMAjrTbITTERS,and
all kinds of Patent Medicines, for«ale by
DR. H. S. EICHELBERGER.
Staunton, April 3,1860.
IKON RAILING—A variety of patterns, for
Yards, Cemet; 7 .ots, kc, made to order at the
Staunton Foundry. A. J. GARBER k CO.
Sept. 13. IBM
Sides best Sole Leather!
TAYLOR k HOGE.
_StauDton, 0ct,.9. 1860.
PODISLDOC SOUP—for sale at
P. H. TROUT'S.
Staunton, Nov. 1860.
SAJLTPETRE— 500& Refined Key-stone Saltpe
tre, for sale by P. H. TROUT.
Stannton, Nov. 13, iB6O.
LINSEY.— 30 pieces Linsev,
TAYLOR A HOGE-
Staunton, Oct. 9, 1860.
SKIRTS.— 6 doz. Hoop Skirts, latest st?le, turt
received by TAYLOR A HOGE.
Staunton, Oct. 9,1860.
jitetiitfti
l_SCE__,__.A3S_OU_.
ePEEEY DAVIS'
. VEGETABLE
f?ah L/ mihf
We ask the attention of the public to this
long- tested and unrivalled
JPcumily Jlfedicine.
It has been favorably "known for more
than twenty years, during which time we
have received t/zaus.artcLi of testimonials,
showing this JAedicine to be an almost
never-failing remedy for diseases caused by
or attendant upon —
Sudden Colds, Coughs, Fever and Jlgue,
Headache, _,ilious Fever, (Pains in the
Side, I]ack, and Loins, as well as in the
Joints and Limbs; ctnxL
j3Ui£Ufrut±Lc in any part of
the system, Toothache and (Pains in t&e
Head and Face.
fis a /slacxL ■gPutLfLe/- and gfcnlc
for the _Vtamac/i, it seldom fails to cure
(Dyspepsia, Indigestion, Liver Complaint,
JLcid Stomach, Heartburn,, Kidney Com
plaints, _?Lc/e. (Piles, jlsth
ma or (Phthisic, Ringworms, F>otts, Felons,
Whit-lows, Old Sores, Swelled Joints, and
/gjejuz+cd. {Zfiehi/itu. of the gfy&Lem..
It is also a prompt and sure Femedyfor
Cramp and (Pain in the Stomach, (Painters'
Colic, _H)L£Ltfilvc£a-, (Dysentery, _f_m.-
mef- $CJnp\LaJjii, Cholera J&orbus, Chol
era Infantum, Scalds, Fnirns, Sprains,
Ijruises, Frost Ijites, Chilblains, as well
as the Stings cf Insects, Scorpions, Cen
tipedes, and the Ijites qf (Poisonous Insects
and Venomous F_eptiles.
See Directions accompanying each bottle.
It has been tested in every variety of
climate, and by almost zuejug. n/ztian.
i__c_aj_ to fimericans. It is the almost
constant companion and inestimable friend
of the nu&.s.LarvaJ-U;. and the __V_____*,
—on sea and land, — and no one should
travel on our lakes or rivers without it.
Prices, 12. cts., 25 cts., 50 cts. and $1.00 per Bottle.
PERRY DAVIS & SON,
MANUFACTURERS AND PBOPRIETOBS»
PROVIDENCE, B. I.
Sold by dealers every where.
Sept. 11, 1860.
PLAIN AND ORNAMENTAL
JOB PRINTING,
OF EVERY VARIETY,
EXECUTED WITH NEATNESS _ DESPATCH
AT THE
"SPECTATOR"
JOB PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT,
Stone Building, Augusta St.,
STAUNTON, VA.
LARGE STOCKOF JOB TYPE!
GREAT VARIETY OF NEW & FANCY TYPE!
BRONZE &. COLORED PRINTING 1
will be done in a style equal to the best City Work.
HAVING made a large addition to the "Spectator
Job Officb," it is now one of the beat in the
Stale, and all varieties of Job Work can be done in
the very best and most satisfactory manner on very
short notice.
gp It is furnished with a great variety of new and
Fancy Type.
pjy* We are now prepared to execute all kinds of
Printing, such as
Posters, Sale Bills, Blanks, Circulars,
School Reports, Cards, Checks,
Notes, Letter Heads,
Bill Heads
Labels,
Pamphlets,
Programmes, Visiting
Cards, Wedding Cards, Invitations &c,
in tbe very best style, on moderate terms.
BLANKS.—CIerks, Sheriffs, Lawyers, Consta
bles, Merchants, and business men generally, are re
spectfully informed that every kind of Blank they
may need can be had, at the shortest notice, at the
Spectator office.
g__ff~Seod in your orders and they will be promptly
attended to.
GEOVEB & BAKER'S
NOISELESS FAMILY
SE WIN GM ACHINE.
THE undersigned Clergymen of various denomina
tions, having purchased and used in our families
"GROVER k BAKER'S CELEBRATED FAMILY
SEWING MACHINE," take pleasure in recommend
ing it as an instrument fully combining the essentials
of a good machine. Its beautiful simplicity, ease of
management, and the strength and elasticity of its
stitch, unite to render it a machine unsurpassed by
any in the market, and one which we feel confident
will give satisfaction to all who purchase and use it:
Rev. W. H. LANEY, Baltimore, Md..
Rev. O. H. TIFFANY, D. D.,
Rev. C. J. BOWEN, •«
Rev. JONA CROSS, ■
Rev. JOHN McCRON, D. D., "
Rev. W T. D. CLEMM, "
Rev. W. H. CHAPMAN, "
Rev. F. S. EVANS, "
Rev. R. C. GAI.BRATH, Govanstown Md.,
Rev. J. McK. REILEY, Frederick, Md.,
Rev. T. E. LOCKE, Westmoreland co., Va.,
Rev. W. A. CROCKER, Norfolk, Va.,
Rev. JOHN PARIS,
Rev J. F L.ANNEAU, Salem, Va.
Rev. C. HANK EL, D., D , Charleston, S. C.
Rev. C. A, LOYAL, ««
Rev. A. A. PORTER, Selma, Ala.
Rev. J. J T WISE, Speedwell, S. C.
Rev. B. B. ROSS, Mobile, Ala.
Rev. J. L. MICHAUX, Enfield, N. C.
Rev. A. C. HAKRIS, Henders>n, N. C.
Rev. C. F. HARRIS, '•
Office of Exhibition and Sale
181 BALTIMORE ST., BALTIMORE.
2_#- SEND FOR A CIRCULAR. _&
Mays, iß6o.—lv.
musicalstore;
MAIN STREET. CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.
FREY _ ROBINSON
HAVE opened a Store on Main St., (old Post Of
fice,} where they will keep for sale, PIANOS,
FLUJES, VIOLINS, GUITARS, BANJOS, SHEET
MUSIC, STATIONERY, ENGRA VINGS, t&c, dtc,
and respectfully solicit the patronage of their friends
and the public generally.
PIAIVOS.—Our stock of Pianos is selected princi
pally from the well known and most reliable factory
of NUNS k CLARK, New York, whose instruments
have never been surpassed in tone and durability
since their establishment commenced operations
(thirty-five years ago.) We halve made arrangements
with other Factories for supplying us with Pianos, oc
casionally retaining theiprivilege, however, of return
ing them, if found unworthy our recommendation.—
Persons purchasing from us, therefore, will never run
any risk, as we have determined to sell only good in
struments, on most reasonable terms.
SHEET MUSIC-A great variety ofthe latest
publications constantly on hand. Instruction books
for all instruments. The usual deduction made in sup
plying Schools and Music Teachers. Arthur's Pat
ent Elastic Music Portfolios. Music sent by mail.
Orders from the country, promptly attended to.
C. t. FREY, Prof, of Music.
J. ROBINSON.
July 26,1559.—tf.
Ayer's Ague Cure.
DE FORREST ARMSTONG. & CO.
DRY GOODS MERCHANTS,
75, 77, 79, 81, 83 and 85 Doane Street,
NEW YORK.
Would notify the Trade that they are opening
weekly, in new and beautiful patterns, the
Wamsutta Prints, also the Amoskeag, a New Print,
which excels every Print in the Country for perfec
tion of execution and design in fall Madder Colors.
Our Prims are cheaper than any in market, and meet
ing with extensive sale. Orders promptly attended
to.
Jan. 81, 18P0—ly
L~~OOKiNG GLABS PLATES of all sizes for rale
by P. H. TROUT,
Stauaton, Not. 18. Draggtit.
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1860.
POETRY.
The Bore of the Sanctum.
BT JOHN O. BAXK.
Again I hear the creaking itep!
He's rapping at the door 1
Too well I know that boding
That ushers in a bore.
I do not tremble when I meet
The stoutest of my foes,
But heaven defend me from the friend
Who comes —but never goes.
He drops into my easy chair,
And asks about the news ;
He peers into my manuscript,
And gives his candid views;
He tells me where he likes the line,
And where he's forced to grieve;
He takes the strangest liberties —
But never takes his leave.
He reads my daily papers through
Before I have seen a word ;
He scans the lyric (that I wrote,)
And thinks it quite absurd ;
He calmly smokes my last cigar,
And coolly asks lor more;
He opens everything he sees—
Except the entry door 1
He talks about his fragile health,
And tells me of the pains
He suffers from a score of ills
Of which he never complains ;
And how he struggled once with death
To keep the fiend at bay;
On themes like these away he goes—
But never goes away.
He tells me of the creeping works
Some shallow critic wrote,
And every precious paragraph
Familiarly can quote.
He thinks the writer did me wrong,
He'd like to run him through 1
He says a thousand pleasant things—
But never says "Adieu."
When e'er he comes—that dreadful man—
Disguise it as I may,
I know thai like an autumn rain,
He'll last throughout the day,
In vain I'll speak of urgent tasks ;
In vain I scowl and pout;
A frown is no extinguisher—
It does not put him out.
I mean to take the knocker off:
Put crape upon the door;
Or hint to John that I am gone
To stay a month or more.
I do not tremble when I meet
The stoutest of my foes j
But heaven defend me from the friend
Who never, never goes.
MISCELLANY.
A CHRISTMAS STORY.
Santa Clans's Visit.
It was as still and cold—on Christmas Eve—
as it could well be; so cold that the very moon
beams, as they came straggling against the win
dow-pane, seemed to congeal, and appeared like
lines of silver wire drawn out into the icy air.—
The trees were covered witb a coating of ice,
which gleamed and glittered in tbe moon-light,
as if their branches were studded with precious
stones; icicles, like pointed spears, hong trom
the eaves of the cottages; aud the smoke which
rose from the hundred chimneys of the village,
passed, like pious incense, upward into the still
air, bearing in its quiet folds kind thoughts and
greatful words from the loving ones clustered
aroond their hearth-stones. The anow lay deep
upon tbe ground, and was covered with a thick
crust, which bore up the children when from
the beaten track they turned aside, chasing each
other over the frozen surface, as they came home
from school. Lights gleamed from the windows
of every cot in the single street of the village,
and voices of young and old mingled witb song
and laughter. At one end of the village, within
a cottage, a little apart from the others, are
stated an old man of seventy winters, his wife,
and his grand-daughter, Mary. The room is
one of those antique rooms which answer alike
for tbe parlor and kitchen ; tbe floor is of oak,
aod sanded witb clean white sand, which was
sprinkled by Mary's own bands. Pictures adorn
the walls, descriptive of "The Prodigal Son,"
in four distinct illustrations—his going, bis folly,
bis poverty, and bis return. On the dresser are
ranged pewter platters atad numerous plates;
while mags of goodly dimensions hang from the
pegs, and reflect the flame ot the fire. Curtains
of white, as pure as the snow in the meadow,
are drawn at the windows and fall in graceful
proportions; on one side of the wainscot, a little
away from the dresser, hang, a cage of woven
willow and wire work; within it a robin—tbat
bird of tbe homestead—gladdens the house with
its music. On an ancient carved table, drawn
oot in the middle of the room, lies tbe Bible,
unclasped, and wide open, and the eyes of the
matron are fixed on the passage before her, "We
bave seen his star in the east, and are come to
worship him."
The old man is seated within his arm-chair,
with his feet to the fire, where the yule log is
burning, and he watches tbe flame and the
smoke as they dance and play with each other,
while his thoughts are wandering back to the
time ot his youth, when he danced and joyed
with the maidens. Oft doth his eye seek the
face of his grandchild beside him, with a look of
the kindest inquiry. Sad, sad is the heart ot
the maiden, though her lips wear the smile of
happiness, yet oft doth she start and sigh as a
footstep glides on past the doorway. Thus sit
they in silence, each wishing, yet fearing, to
utter the thoughts that have birth in their
bosoms, till the clock in the corner, grown bold
by the _till_.es.., chimes loudly the hour of seven.
Then the cat by the fireside, doziug, awakened
by the sound, answers by purring, the chirp ot
the cricket, and the dog, with a wave of his tail,
looks up into the face of his master. Then rises
the oid man, and paces the floor of the kitchen ;
his face has a look of trouble, and the eyes ot
the maiden are downcast; whilst tbe matron
wipes the mist from her glasses and lays _em
within the book, on the page that tells of the
birth of our Saviour. Still paces tbe old man
backward and forward, like a pendulum weary
with going; but, avon, he stops at the window,
and drawing the curtain aside, looks out on the
village ; the street is deserted, aud he hears not
the sound of a footfall. Then he turns to his
grand-daughter Mary, and says:
"Why is it, my child, that Nicholas comes
not hither to woo thee on this holiest of eves ?—
Surely thon canst not have driven him from thee
in anger ?"
Then sighed the maiden, and answered as
follows :
"Truly, my father, I know not the reason
that keeps him away—'tis now three days since
I have seen him, though he hath not been out
ofthe village. There are maidens more beauti
ful, father, than I, and rioher by far. Man's
heart is a changeable thing, and perhaps my
love is forgotten."
Then paced the old man backward and for
ward, while dark grew his brow, and the feeling
of wrath was upon him. At last he lifted his
hand and said:
"Never shall Nicholas "
Suddeuly paused the old man, and his hand
fell down on the table—while the matron looked
over her glasses, and opened her mouth as aston
irthed—while the maiden rose from her chair
and was fixed like a statue—the dog cowered in
the corner, and the cat crept under the dresser,
while the clock oeased its ticking, and held np
its hands in amazement. But the cricket kept
up its chirping and sang louder and louder;
brighter grew the fire, and the burning brands
crackled and snapped, as if giving a welcome,
while the flame and tbe smoke rwe higher and
higher, aud wreathed together fantastically.
The door stood open, and there, on tbe piled
up snow, was a sleigb, carved ont from an oak
of the forest. Coursers were there, with stately
horns., tbat resembled the reindeers of Lapland,
tbey pawed the snow with their hoofs, and
scattered it high in the heavens; icicles hung
from their antlers, and their backs were covered
with snow-flakes; they were fastened to the
sleigh with links cut from the icebergs, and their
saddles were carved oot of ebony, inlaid with
hail-stones; their reins were of crystallized
moonbeams. Tbe sleigh was filled with presents
of all kinds—toys for the children, and candies
and books in profusion. Then from out the
sleigh there arose a being of jovial appearance.
He winked to bis steeds, and tben entered tbe
cottage. His face was the face of the moon
seen through tLe mists ot October, his eyes were
like tbe stars of night, and bis month was made
for feasting and drinking; his hair was white
as the snow, and his beard like the hoar-frost;
his looks were quizzical, and jollity shone in each
feature; be wa short in stature, though broad
in bis girth, whi.o bis walk was a roll and a
caper; bis coai, was the skin of th polar bear,
and bung around bis b jdy ; alas, ere tbe morn
ing, it wonld be black with the soot ot ilie chim
neys; leathern breeches adorned Li? bines, and
fitted bis person exactly ; moc": *ii*L' bit
feet, and he bore in ore hand turee-comered
hat, in the othc 1 * a flagon of ' i^e-brewed.—
Closing the door, he sat down in a chair, and
placed tbe flagon beside him ; not a word did
he speak, but taking a mug from the table, be
filled it, and handed the same to the old man.—
Trembling, he drank, but when he had finished,
he smacked his lips, and vowed it was as good
as tbe best—even tbat which his old wife had
brewed him.
Loudly old Santa Ciaus laughed, (for it was
he) till he shook u like a bowl full of jelly."—
Then he sung an old song, till the ratters re
sounded, and the old man joined in with tbe
chorus.
"Both back and side go bare, go bare,
Both foot and hand go cold—
But on Christmas give us good ale enough,
Whether it be new or old."
At last Sacta Claus rose, but no word did he
speak as he pointed to the flagon ; and there, as
if ia a mirror, they saw the inside of a cottage,
and heard tbe music of voices—young men and
maidens were gathered together, and linked
hand and hand in the dance. But Mary saw
not in the group the one she so longed to behold,
and ber heart grew light as she gazed. Slowly
the picture faded from sight, and now they
looked on another, and heard the faint murmur
of bells.
Rapidly over the frozen ground came a party
in sleighs; and as each passed along, the light
of the moon shone upon them. Mary's heart
beat taster and faster ; many among tbem she
knew, but nowhere saw she her lover. Slowly
the picture faded from sight, and now they
looked on another, and heard men's voices in
anger.
In the village inn, in the bar-room were
grouped together a party of men, drinking and
gaming. Mary hid her face in her hands, for
her woman's heart dared not to look on the pic
ture. But she thought of her lover, of his good
ness aud kindness unto her, and she knew he
could not be among them; and she grtzed with
calm heart and clear eye on tbe semblance be
fore her, but no shade ot her lover was there.—
Slowly the picture faded from sight, and now
they looked on another, and heard the faint chirp
of a cricket.
'Twas a chamber, alone and deserted—no light
and no fire gave warmth to the picture, and
Mary knew 'twas the room of her lover. Un
pressed was the bed, and the curtains were drawn
at the window, and shut was the chest and the
clothes-pi ess. But he was not in the chamber.
Slowly the picture faded from sight, and now
they looked on another, aud heard the low
stroke of a hammer.
There in his worshop, she saw her lover, and
his eye was lit up witb a smile. Beside a carved
wardrobe he stood, and was inlaying her name
in the panel. Hard had he worked, day after
day, and night after night, to finish it for her by
Christmas, and now he put the finishing touch,
and gazed on his work as gazes an artist. Beat
Mary's heart lovingly taster, tears overflowed
from her eyelids, as water babbles up from the
fountain, and she sank on her knees by the
hearth-stone, while her hauds were clasped o'er
her bosom. The old man bowed his head on
his breast, while his silver locks shrouded his
eye-brows, and his wile opened the Bible, her
thin lips parted in prayer. Oh 1 filled were their
hearts with joy at the instant. But ere they
looked round, Santa Claus had departed, and the
soot dropped down from the chimney.
Soon a step on the snow outside was heard,
and Nicholas tapped at the doorway; be entered,
and Mary was clasped in his arms and a kiss
was impressed on her forehead. A grasp of the
baud did the old man give, and the matron
murmured her blessing. Aud happiness dwell
in the household this night, and tbe Christmas
that followed thereafter.
Extraordinary Double Elopement.
The Holmes County (Ohio) Farmer tells this
story of a curious elopement and its consequen
ces :
On Tuesday of last week, while standing ou
the platform of the depot building at Crestline,
waiting for the train to start eastward, we saw
a train arrive Irom the East. The first persona we
recognized getting from the train were W. K.
Scott and the wile of Levi L. Johnson, of Marl
boro', Stark couuty. They readily recognized us,
came up to where we were, and after the usual
salutations inquired when a train would leave for
Bellefontaine. At this moment Mr. Johnson iud
the wife ot" Scott also made their appearance.—
The women instantly rt.ugi.ized eaoh other, aud
without uttering a wofd "pitched into" one of
the liveliest free fights we have ever been called
upon to witness. The way the ribbons, bonnets,
collars and fancy fixings flew was refreshing to
milliners and mantuamakers. This excited Scott
and Johnson, and they were so s-orely grieved at
eaoh other for running away with their respec*
tive wives, that they weut iuto pugilistio exercise
with a hearty good will. A great many persons
were gathered around, bat uo one caring much
which of the parties whipped, they encouraged
the fights and laughed at the sport. While the
fights were progressing, Ooustable Smith stopped
the fighting and took the parties before the
Mayor, and his Honor fined each of them $5 and
costs, for breaking the peace.
Scott and Mr... Johnson, who have for some
time been suspected of being guilty of intrigues,
bad planned an elopement, and Johnson had also
planned an elopement to be carried out on the
same day with the other parties. Both guilty
couples had clandestinely slipped off from Marl
boro' on the same day ; one party took the cars
at Alliance, and the other got on the same train,
though in a different oar, at Louisville Station.
Neither couple suspected the other until they
met at Crestline, when the feelings they enjoyed
may be imagined but cannot be described on pa
per.
After paying their fines, which satisfied them
that fighting was an unprofitable way of settling
the difficulty, they indulged in the application ot
a goodly number of hard words and names to
each other, and finally separated; Scott and
Mrs. Johnson taking the B. and L. Railroad, and
Johnson and Mrs. Scott the P., Ft. W. and (J.
Railroad. Since tben nothing has been heard
of their journeyings.
"We see," said Swift, in one of his most sar
castio moods, "what God Almighty thinks of
riches by tbe people to whom he gives them."
"Gently the due 6 are o'er me stealing," as the
man said alter having five bills presented tor
immediate payment.
Love and a good dinner are said to be the only
two things that change a man's character.
A wife's farewell to ber husband, every morn
ing—"Buy, Buy.,,
Yon will fail to find a friend, if you seek one
withont a failing.
Tbe best oapital to begin life, is a capital wife.
LETTKR FROM HOIf. JOHN BELL.
Nashville, Dec. 6th, 1860.
Dear Sir:—Co-old I have flattered myself that
any argument I conld address to the Mass Meet
ing appointed tor the 29th ult., at Vicksburg,
would contribute in any important degree to aid
you and yoor compatriots in staying tbe prog
ress of the sentiment which threatens to precip
itate your State into a political vortex, which, in
my judgment, would be no less fatal to ber own
interests than ruinous to those of ber neighbors,
I would, at any personal sacrifice, have obeyed
tbe summons of my friends; but feeling no sucb
confidence in my ability to serve tbem as you
ascribe to me in your letter, I bave yielded to
the force of circumstances wbiob claimed my at
tention at home.
So far as my views and opinions may have
any weight or infloence in determining the
course of any portion of tie people ot Mississippi
in the present critical juncture, they may be sta
ted on paper, and I suppose wonld be as effec
tive for the purpose intended, as they would be
if communicated in a speech.
The ques'.icn of cl icf importaucj tc be con- j
sidored, and answered is, whether rhs e'ect.on of i
Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency, inside ou in all I
its aud be^ dugs, together with ail'
precedent and grieve cts, would justify j
Mississippi, or any otber Stile or States iv w ; th- !
drawing from the o",eipn ? In _c electic
we.- in strict accord.-.--.} witb the regulations
pi escribed by tbe Constitution and laws. The
objection to it is that it was effected by a pure
ly sectional party, organized upon the principle
of hostility to slavery, and having lor its prime
object tbe repression of slavery, as a permanent
admioistrative policy, with a view to its ulti
mate extinction. It, cannot be doubted that an
administration of the government, based upon
this policy, could operate far more effectually in
bringing about the extinction of slavery in the
South, through official influence and patronage,
than by any more direct mode of attack.
But it is clear tbat the Federal Government
wae established for no such purpose or object;
for, however strongly many ofthe framers ofthe
Constitution were opposed to .slavery, it is noto
rious tbat it was owing to their forbearance to
insist upon their objections to tbe clause in tbe
instrument, providing for the rendition of fugi
tive slaves to their owner?, that we bave any
Federal Union. It was npon this question tbat
the Convention was, at one time, upon the point
of breaking up in confusion. The policy of ma
king the Government an instrumentality for the
repression or extinction of slavery, as is now at
tempted by tbe party which is soon to be in
power, was never contemplated by the framers 1
of the Constitution.
I bave often expressed the opinion that tbe '
success of a purely sectional party, organized up- '
on any principle, sentiment, or policy, in strong
antagonism to the interests and seutiments of
the opposing and deteated section, would deeply I
imperil the Union ; nor did I believe till the re '
suit ot the October elections became known, tbat !
a majority of the Northern people would ever
so far disregard the counsels acd warnings of
Washington as to elect the candidate of such a '
party to the Presidency. The election of Mr.
Lincoln by a sectional party, organized and sus- '
rained upon tbe distinctive principle of opposi
tion to slavery, as it exists in the Southern '
States, and avowing the policy of its repression, I
Bnd its final extinction, (by prohibiting its ex
tension into the Territories,) was a bold experi
ment upon the temper and forbearance of the ;
South, and upon the strength ot their loyalty to
tbe Uuion. This experiment, if not conceived '
in a spirit of disunion, was made with a reckless ;
disregard of consequences. No greater strain
upon the ligaments which bind the two great '
sections of the country together could be devised '
than the attempt to establish or inaugurate a '
permanent Government policy upon such princi- '•
pies. The late Harrison Gray Otis, ot Boston, '
one ot tbe most distinguished aHd able of New '
England statesmen, when called upon, in 1835, '
to give the weight of his name aud influence in
checking the further progress ot rabid abolition 1
spirit, then beginning to diffuse itself over Mas
sachusetts and other States of tbe East and the !
North, in a speech delivered in Faneuil Hall, did
not hesitate to express the opinion that the '
plans and designs ot the Abolition Societies, or '
as tbey were then called, Anti-Slavery Associa
tions, contemplated such an interference with
the domestic policy and institutions of the South
as would be a violation both of the spirit and
letter of the Constitution, and were in fact revo
lutionary in their character and tendency.
I am not able to discriminate between the
character, spirit and tendency of the anti-slave
ry principle and the slavery repression policy ot
the Republican party, considered in connection
with the torrent of inflammatory publications
and invectives against the domestic institutions
and social relations of the South which is daily
poured forth by Republican journals and orators,
and the character, tendency and designs of the
Abolition Societies, and the incendiary publica
tions which find their way to the public under
their auspices. The only essential difference I
can perceive between the spirit and tendency of
the doctrines and avowed policy ot the Republi
can party aud those of the doctrines and avowed
policy of the Abolition Societies, is in the extent
and degree of the mischief which may be in
flicted upon the South by one or the other, and
the deliberate intention to inflict them by the
Abolition Societies, which it would be unfair
and unjust to impute to the whole body of the
Republican party. But both are obnoxious to
the charge of pursuing a policy which is in vio
lation of the spirit, if not of tbe letter, of the
Constitution, and revolutionary in its tendency.
The policy of both tends strongly to stir up in
ternal strife in the Southern States, to excite dis
sentions and insurrections among the slaves, to
produce alarm and a sense of insecurity, both as
to life and property, among the white popula
tion of every Southern State, and finally to in
fluence the whole South to revolt against the
government. Tins degree and extent of the
mischief which the Republican party may be a
ble to inflict by its anti .-lavery policy, for rea
sons which I need not state, it will be readily
acknowledged, will be ten-fold greater than any
which the Abolition Societies have it in their
power to inflict.
That I do not unjustly charge the Republican
party with having adopted a policy, which in
its character, tendency and practical operation,
is in conflict with the spirit, if not the letter, of
the Constitution, can be made manifest in a ve
ry few words: One of the important objects to
be accomplished by the adoption of the Con
stitution, as declared in the preamble, was to
"insure domestic tranquility;" and the power
was expressly given to the Federal Government
by that instrument to "suppress insurrections."
The simple announcement to the public that a
great party at the North, opposed to slavery,
has succeeded in electing its candidate for the
Presidoncy, disguise it as we may, is well calcu
lated to raise expectations among the slaves, and
might lead to servile insurrections in the South
ern States. In such an event, which is more
than possible, would really happen, it might be
come the duty of Mr. Lincoln to restore the
tranquility which the policy of his party had
disturbed, and to suppress an insurrection which
the same policy had excited.
In stating the exceptions which may be fairly
taken by the South to the eleotion ot Mr. Liv
coin, I have purposely presented, in the strongest
light, tho danger to which the Southern rights
and interests are exposed, that it may not be
supposed that I had not considered and compre
hended the full extent of the injurious conse
quences which may result from the present me
nacing attitude of the North upon the slavery
question, before I formed an opinion upon the
grave question, whether the election of Mr. Lin
coln, in all its bearings, together with all the
precedent grievances of which the South have a
right to complain, furnish any sufficient cause to
justify the surrender by the Southern States of
their interest in the rich and glorious heritage
of the Union, and to seek safety and the undis
turbed enjoyment of their rights in a Southern
Confederacy. With this explanation, lam now
prepared to say, unhesitatingly and unequivocal
ly, that it would not; and the confidence I feel
in the solidity oi the grounds upon which I give
this answer will be justified by the following
considerations:
1. Mr. Lincoln, it is well known, does not
bold extreme opinions on the subject of slavery.
It is certain that he bas expressed a decided o
pinion that the South bas a constitutional right
to demaud the faithful execution of the Fugitive
Slave Law; Bnd tbat onder certain circumstan
ces he would feel it his duty not to oppose tbe
admission of a new slave State into tbe Union.
His declaration on this point is little satisfacto
ry to tbe South; but neither that declaration,
nor the opinion expressed by him on the subjeot
ofthe Fugitive Slave Law is at all satisfactory
to the extremists of his own party.
Upon the whole, if Mr. Lincoln's public dec
larations on the subject of slavery are to be con
sidered as the true exponents ot his future poli
cy, and if he possesses the moral courage to ad
here to them in opposition to tbe counsels of tbe
extreme men of his party, (and it is just and fair
to presume tbat he does possess that virtue,) no
serious mischief need be apprehended during his
administration, except the usual evils attending
the perpetual agitation of tbe slavery issues.
2. But it is assumed by some that Mr. Lin
i< .1. 1~ 3 disgu his true ent.u.... , f , .Lathis
I'o che racl.r lia3 UO% been understood; an'
" tbe will v -e undsr tho control ot tbe- wou ,
j met of Iris party. I■ 1 not thiyk „. I 2t«vJ
j everj'<xmfi'us>t_ce that bis future poitcj will be I
' ■ *_d to be in ttrfe* conformi." w!.n * '•« past
uecl. . i"_s. But apart from tbK it _~ now
gene, ally know j tbat Le wili be powerless for
mischief, except to a vory limited extent, durirg'
the first two years of bis administration unless
the Southern Senators and Representatives e
lected to the next Congress should rashly, and,
as I tbink, inexcusably resign their seats or re
tire from Congress, and thus voluntarily surren
der the control in both Houses to the Republi
can party, which surely they will not do. With
both Houses opposed to him, Mr. Lincoln cannot
appoint his Cabinet ministers or till any offices
of high grade without the assent of the Senate,
or indeed of any inferior grade above that of a
clerk or petty deputy postmaster. He will be
able to carry no measure connected with the
subject of slavery which does not commend it
self to the South and the conservative members
from tbe North.
3. As to any apprehensions that the Repub
lican party, encouraged and stimulated to fur
ther efforts by tbeir late success, may be so
strengthened in the result of the elections ot
Senators and Representatives, in the mean time
as to obtain a majority in both Houses of tbe
38th Congress, that is, during the last two years
of Mi. Lincoln's administration : —while it may
be well to regard such an event as possible, the
strongest reasons exist for the confident be
lief that no such unfortunate a resuit will attend
the elections in the North, which are to decide
the complexion of the 36th Congress.
Ot tbe whole number of votes cast for Mr.
Lincoln in the recent election, from my own
personal knowledge, and from information re
ceived from other sources, of the sentiments ot
tb,e South, and especially of those of the Middle
States, and the States North of the Ohio, 1 am
sure I hazard nothing iv stating that a large
number—at least one third —are devoted to the
Union, and, although opposed to slavery in the
abstract, have but little sympathy with tbe Re
publican party, and would be sincerely glad to
see the slavery controversy between the two
great sections of the country speedily termina
ted. They supported the Republican candidate
in the late elec;ion, mainly influenced by their
strong and inveterate feelings of opposition to
the Democratic party—believing that Mr. Lin
colu was the only available candidate in the
field to defeat that party.
I am, also well satisfied that not more than
one-third part of Mr. Lincolu's supporters are so
extreme iv their anti-slavery sentiments, aud
are animated by so intense a hatred of the South,
as to be wholly indifferent to the effect upon
the Union of the policy of the Republican party,
or actually desirous of a separation ot the free
from the slave States.
Of the remaining third of Mr. Lincoln's sup
porters, I think I am warranted in saying that
they are attached to the Union, though anti
slavery in their sentiments. They joined the
Republican party as a retaliatory measure, a
dopted in resentment ot the repeal of the Mis
souri Coin promise, which tbey regarded as little
less sacred and binding than the Constitution,
aud in further resentment of the attempt to
force the Lecompton Constitution upon the peo
ple ot Kansas. But now that tbey bave so sig
nally triumphed in the late election, and in view
of the evils already inflicted upon the country,
and tbe still greater evils to be apprehended,
they will be content to cease the war upon
Southern interests and feelings.
For the foregoing reasons, 1 feel confident that
the 38th Congress will exhibit a falling off in the
strength of the Republican party, instead of an
increase.
4th. All of the existing grievances of which
the South may justly complain, can be redressed
in the Union. As to the iodignity, not to say
insult, offered to the South, of nominating and
electing the candidates for the two highest offi
ces of the Government by a sectional party, on
principles which practically excluded the South
ern States from a voice iv the election, contrary
to established usage, and in violation ot the
spirit of the Constitution :—they may be par
doned for the s-ake of peace snd harmony, and
in consideration that the South has not been
guiltless of having contributed, and that in no
small degree, to increase the violence and asperi
ties of the slavery controversy between the two
sections.
In expressing the opinion that all grievances
may be redressed in the Union, I intended to ex
clude other greater offences which have been ap
prehended from Republican domination, and
which are of possible occurrence. How they
shall be redressed, should they unhappily occur,
will call for new counsels; but "sufficient unto
the day is the evil thereof."
The existing grievances are the obstructions
interposed by some of the non-elaveholding
States to the prompt and faithful execution ot
the Fugitive Slave Law, by what are called
Personal Liberty Laws, and the refusal ot the
Governors of several of those States to surren
der fugitives from justice from the slave holding
States in those cases in which the crime impu
ted to the fugitive is the abduction or stealing
of slaves. Some further legislation by Congress
may be required to secure the surrender of such
fugitives, but the due enforcement of the Fu
gitive Slave Law is all that is required to re
dress the grievances arising from the escape and
abduction of slaves from the Southern States.—
The President is armed with sufficient power
and means to enforce this law in defiance of all
obstructions which may be thrown in the way
to defeat it. It he neglects or fails to see it ex
ecuted, he is liable to impeachment.
The next subject which I purposed to myself
to notice briefly is the doctrine or theory of se
cession, which, as I understand it, is the right
claimed to exist under aud by the Constitution,
iv the exercise of which a State may withdraw
from the Union, whenever a majority of the cit
izens may decide to do so, for any cause what
ever. For it is quite immaterial whether any
grievance or wrong sustained at the hands of the
co-States or by the action of the Federal Gov
ernment, is set up to justify the exercise of this
right or not, inasmuch as tbe people of the se
ceding State, under this theory, claim to be the
sole tribunal or judges to decide whether any
such grievance or wrong has been inflicted, and
upon the extent and sufficiency of the wrong.—
In fact, the theory ot secession implies the right
of a State to dissolve its connection witb the
Union at discretion; and the whole question re
solves itself into this: Whether the Federal
Union, as it now exists and as it was intended to
be by its framers, is anything more than a vol
untary association of States tor common defence
and other objects of vital importance to their
interests and prosperity, carrying with it no
binding obligation upon any one of the States to
yield obedience to the Federal Government any
longer than such State should consider it expe
dient? I propose to enter into no elaborate
argument to demonstrate the unsoundness of this
theory, and to show that no sucb right was re
served by the Constitution either to the States
or to the people. That has often been done by
abler pens. I most be permitted, however, to
say that when its natore is properly defined and
its logical and necessary consequences are can
didly stated, its absurdity most strike the com
monest understanding. Its unreasonableness aud
folly, aside from its absurdity, will be illustrated
by a single example:
Tbe possession and control of the mouth ofthe
Mississippi was held to be ot such vital import
ance to tbe interests of the people inhabiting
the valley of the Mississippi, in being the great
outlet to market of the rich products of their
soil, as to make its acquisition, either by pur
chase or conquest, a great political necessity.—
The purchase was made by the United States for
that reason, at a cost of fifteen million of dol
lars. It was stipulated in the treaty of cession
that the territory thereby acquired should be ad
mitted into the Union as a State, or States, with
all tbe rights and privileges of the other States
ofthe Union. But can it be supposed that Mr.
Jefferson and the other great statesmen of that
day, it they interpreted the Constitution as tho
advocates of the theory of secession now do,
would have been so ineffably stupid and blind
to consequences as to have assented to such a
"tipulstio" 9 Far wiser and better would it have
I beer '■ • , ~'u f *' nes tbe pur „ &zCi to
uave bu.. '' 'OJOtry *h v subjeot ;.rovir.oe,
:, vonntit . to
>/C\'«»na
JDo<vi*eed« in . >«. Ip ?-a
[pandect 1:. •>>-<. Air*. !»»■*• **'<■-
lof «• o* ssion, cv . \. ng the to . xist,
' . tire' a<., doit that tho .tine » .. :
and political necessity which 1. d to . - _ -*J
acquisition, would lead to its subjugation by the
Government of tbe United States, or by the
States interested in the navigation ofthe Missis
sippi river and its tributaries?
After doe consideration of the subject, with
becoming deference to the opinions of others,
I am forced to the conclusion that secession is
but another name for an organized resistance by
a State to the laws and constituted authorities
of tbe Union, or, which is the same thing, for
revolution. Tbe theory appears to me to have
been conceived and propagated in a spirit of dis
affection to the F on, and can serve no other
purpose than -d the unsuspecting and cred
uloos into the support ofthe scheme ot disunion,
under the d lusive o_jpeo.ation that they would
only be thereby h right reserved to
them uii'ier tbe _>onsti!ut;on, and that they
would bo no lau t ;e* of incurrlrg tbe penalties
of treast :, or of exp >sing themselves and their
country to ; i. oalamiies ot civil war.
In the preceding _i-°_-s it tnis letter I have at
tempted to sbov mat tbe friends of tbe Union
'in the South shoi:! 1 n" despair ofob'aioing re
dress from the Nor.', of a._ existrnggrievam s,
and that the prospecu • f ' ;ing able to avert the
greater ones, of wbicb t.iere nay be some appre
hension in future, are so encouraging, that it
would be the extreme of rasLuess and folly to
tbink of resorting to any mean.-- of net
warranted by the Constitotion. Wlia*. give j • -
the greatest concern at present is the par _tri
conviction that the movement in favor ot se
sion in Mississippi and other States ofthe c. M .
is led, for the most part, by men of distingulsu-....
abiltty and influence, with whom the expediency
of secession is a foregone conclusion and a settleu
conviction —men who can be reached by no ar
gument or remonstrance —men who do not want
to be convinced of the insufficiency of existing
grievances to justify a disruption ofthe Union—
men whose imaginations have been taken posses
sion of, and their judgments led captive, by the
dazzling, hot, as I think, delusive vision of a
new, great and glorious Republican empire,
stretching far into the Sooth. The scheme of
disoniou, as I have reason to believe, has been
long cherished by some of these leaders, and
they have only waited a pretext more plaosible
tbao any heretofore presented to attempt the
accomplishment of it.
What between the inflammatory appeals and
highly colored and exaggerated story of wrong
and oppression already endured, and the still
more intolerable oppression to be anticipated
from the fanatic spirit of the North, on the oue
hand, and tbe glowing pictures and seductive
representations of the grandeur, power and pros
perity of the new Republic, on the other hand,
it is not surprising that a body of highly gifted
men, strongly excited and carried along by their
own fancies, bave been able to mislead many
thousands of a peculiarly excitable and impressi
ble population, against the dictates of their sober
judgments. And it is a sad reflection that upon
the speedy return of this class of Southern citi
zens to wiser and more temperate counsels may
depend the fi»te of the Union. May no hopes ha
indolged that a little time for calm thought will
suffice for the change of what seems to be their
present purpose and determination?—a little
time for reflection upon the nature and amount
of evils which are certain to attend a revolution
ary movement, and also upoo other and more
appalling contingent evils, which may and prob
ably will srise between its beginning and oon
sommatiou.
I do not forget that I am addressing, thiongh
yoo, brave men who are ready to die in vindica
tion of their honor or in defence of what they
believe to be tbeir rights, I do not apped to their
fears.
But whatever may be the final decision of the
people of Mississippi upon the gravest question
ever presented to their consideration, and which
mu.t deeply affect the relations existing between
them and the people of Tennessee, and of every
other State of tbe South, I can not bring mysel.
to the conclusion, all the existing evidences to
the contrary, that Mississippi will take upon her
self the responsibility of doiog an act that would
expose the peace and security of her sister States
of the South to direct and eminent danger, and
perhaps decide their destinies for weal or woo
forever, without previous consultation wit.i
them, and first exhausting every peaceable mod*<
of redress for the grievances ot which she com
plains. In a community of independent State*
or sovereignties, if any one of them should pur
sue a course which would put in eminent peri,
the peace and security ofthe other States, with
out first exhausting every means of peaceable
redress for any grievances of which she might
complain, they would be justified by the law of
nations in making common cause against her,
and in preventing her by force, if necessary,
from pursuing such course. Such being the re
sponsibility attaching to the aotion of one of n
community of separate and independent States,
how mnch greater would be the responsibility
incurred by one of the Southern States of this
Union, in adopting the desperate measure of
breaking up the Union, and thereby putting ir
jeopardy the highest and dearest interests of
them all, without first taking solemn counsel to
gether. These interests are common to them all,
and the grievances complained of are common
to all. Could the evil consequences certain to
ensue be confined to the State adopting tbe rash
measure of secession, the other States might no*
feel called upon to protest against it. Bet that
cannot be. The consequences —and wlio can
foresee their extent ? —must be felt by all.
Viewing the subject in every light in which
it can be presented, I am constrained to say that
by no principle of Public Law, by no code ot
morals, by no law of Earth or Heaven, would
Mississippi or any other State be justified, under
existing circumstances, in withdrawing from the
Union. I confidently believe that tbe happiest
consequences would result from a conference of
all the Southern States. las confidently believe
that a majority of tbe people of the North are
this day prepared to agree to any fair and rea
sonable plan of adjustment wbicb such a Confer
ence of the Southern jstafcee would propose. I
purposely abstain fronalSuggesting what, in my
opinion, should be the basis of such plan of ad
justment.
After what I have written on the preceding
pages of this letter, it is scarcely necessary to
say that I am resolved to adhere to the Union.
I will not say that in no possible contingency
would I consent to a separation of the States,
but I would exhanst every constitutional means
for the redress of onr grievances, before I would
think of dissolving the Union. lam not willing
that one State sbould be withdrawn from the
Union—that one star should be stricken from
the bright cluster which now emblazons the na
tional flag.
I have long foreseen the probable occurrence
NO. I.

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