Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-07-03
MANY ANTI-SEcEssIoNIsTs.
THE EDGEEIELl HuSSARS,
---->e---
FOR THE ADVERTISER.


mr.. Editor :--On Saturday the 2Stl ult., this
gallant Corps paradcd at CosEY's, within niue
miles OF Hamburg, and after the drill they were
addressed by Capt. ROBERT MERRIwETHER, in
regard 10 the ndition of public affairs, and as
to tine probabilities of their being called on in a
short period, for active service in the field.
The Captain did not pretend to determine
which was the best mode of rcsenting the insults
and encroachmcnts Of govcrnment-he was per-
haps unable to decide whether the beginning of
Southern Confcderacy, or of our great conflict
in support Of our rights, should be made by
South Carolina alone, Or by her conjointly with
the other Southern States. The end would be
the same, it mattcrcd not how the movement
should be commenced. There is one question
for us to decide. 1t is a simple one. Shall we
defend the institution of slavery. and preserve
our equality OH tllis continent and among the ma
tons Of the earth, or slall we yield up our pro-
perty and suffer ourselves to be rendered infa-
mous2 (Hcrc voices from the crowd Of spcca-
tors shouted we will defend our property and
honor) Fellow-Soldiers, the question will uiti-
matcly be decided by the arguments that hang
at your sides, and care but little, how soon, or
in what way the issue shall be made. The sooner
it is made, perhaps, the better it will be for our
generation. The anti-slavery fanaticism at the
North is growing iercer, and the abolition ma
jority in the country is growing stronger with
every year of our delay. We must reconcile
to our minds, the most speedy measures of resist
ancc, or we are utterly overwhelmed and pressed
down. These remarks are made to warn my
command and my comrades and friends that the
idea of a compromise, or a praccable settlement
Of our difficulties is an idle dream. We can
have no peace until fanaticism learns mudera-
ton, and avaricc learns forbcarancc. IF We are
brave men-if we are freenen, we will have
war in our own day, and our swords must be
KEEP: bright in their scabbards.
We arc not Legislators but Soldiers, nor do
we presume to question the wisdom Of our Leg
isIature and the constituted authorities of the
State. They have pretty clearly indicated the
course for South Carolina to pursue and have
marked out our duty! To the faithful and noble
performance Of that duty, VIC must direct every
effort of our bodies and minds. With that view,
this troop must be organized for active service.
Every officer that shall hereafter be elected,
hn ,,itb
lead you to battle. trust that every member
will exert his utmost to fl out the ranks of our
company, aud to aid me in having it perfectly
equipped. This company has been handed down
to us from the Revolution. 1t is link that con-
meets our time with most chivalrous age. 1t
was organized by as brave warrior as ever
drew his blade for liberty, and has been filled,
and continued down in regular succession to us,
spFits reirl bat
tie. or adorned the community IN peace: To
preserve the charge committed to us, and to
prove ourselves equal to those who have proceed
ed US, we will hold ourselves prepared to make
any sacrifices either of our persons or our es-
tatcs"
At the conclusion of this address, which gave
general satisfaction, the company and its friends
sat down to an elegant dinner furnished in Mr..
CosRY's usual good style.
According to my own observation, there was
no member of the company and scarcelya spec
tator that did not approve Of the course of the
State, md show himself ready to sustain her in
it, at any risk.