The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-11-18
The Sentiment at the South.

From friend who left this city two weeks
ago on Southern trip, we have received the
following letter, which will speak for itself
The writer is a gentleman of intelligence, and
his statements may be implicitly relied on;
COLUMBIA, s. c., Nov. IL, 1850.
embraced every opportunity, on my route to
this place, of ascerainIng what the popular sen-
ment really was in relation to the great question
now agitating the country. l c MESS that it was
with some degree of surprise that | learned from
citizens OF the State Of North Carolina, That a
radical change was being wrought in that State.
Many of them express it as their opinion, that the
time is not far distant when the people Of that
State will be found shoulder to shoulder with
South Carolina, in resisting the tide of aggression
now setting against u.s. find that the people here
entertain rong hopes that North Carolina will
yet come right. IL would aston"h you to see the
familiarity with this subject evil ced by every one.
The smallest plough boy, whom you would not
suppose had an idea outside Of the plough ham
dies, is perfectly well posted up, and always
ready 10 express his opinion. Throughout the
whole Of my journey, / found the subject of
Northern aggressons and Southern rights was the
all absorbing topic, Merchants have ceased to
talk about their gains; farmers no longer discuss
the prospect for their crops; IN the social circle
the common chit chat of the day h. s ceased to
attract; and men of every class, from hoary
headed age to youths green prime; yea, even
matroas and maids have merged everything else
in this one great subject. Nor can the most in
different observer fail to discern the spir of de-
termined resistance depicted upon the counte-
nances of each they dwell upon the wrongs
heaped upon their section. In the city of Charles
ton, the excitement rs AZ its highest, and he would
be rash man indeed, who would dare drop the
slightest insnuotion Of submission cast. Nor is
this city one lot or title behind Charleston in the
intensity and universally Of the feeling which
pervades both communities; and II an observer is
allowed to Judge of the sen imenl Of the entire
State by that which is manifested at the centre
and one Of the eXtremltIes, 1t may lie safely set
down that South Carolina is rigat, and will resist
ven if it must be alone, Northern aggression to
the last exlremily ard at every hazard find
that disposition prevails universally, to to
separate Stnte action in case some step is not
speedily taken to bring about union of the South.
Hope is still entertained that Georgia will do as
well as the best friends of the South could wish
but should she fail so TO do, do not, for an in
slant, doubt that South Carolina will Immediately
take steps to dissolve her connection with the
Government. Many persons are 10 be found here
VINO OBJECT to the return OF our representatives to
washington at the ensuing session, and should
pot be surprised If some such prohibition was the
first act OF our next legislature. 1t is almost as
much as mans reputation is worth to intimate
that any such course, as above alluded to. would
be precIpltate. No; the storm is properly aroused
and you might as well attempt to dam the Mi.sis-
sippl, as to stay il for instant. WHY, sir,
can give you no idea Of the state of feeling now
peryading every class. The oldest men among as
are ST. ongest in their denunciation of a govern
ment whose sole end seems TO be TO oppress the
section to which they belong. The spirit of the