North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-06-07

o,ted n only as the means of establishing confed-
eracy of one or savehoding States that at this
time the secession of South Carolina would neither be
followed nor justified by any other State that the
cession of South Carolina at the present time, the
other southern States remaining in the Union would
onIy accravae the evils of which Justly complain.
and would be inexpedlent and anwise: that in such
event force would be attempted by the federal gov
eminent and the great object of secession seriously
hindered and endangered, if not utterly defeated.
have now, gentlemen, expressed my opinions up
on the deeplY-interestlng points indicated in your
communication with the fankness nd candor that be-
comes me as representative and citizen COM
mend them to your scrutiny and your consideration.
They are opinions deliberately formed after the long
and anxious reflection of one who has no ambition
but to promote the true glory of South Carolina.
dare not hope that they will be acceptable to all OF
you-they may not be so to any of you-but am
willing submit them to the of time and truth,
as content and resolved to stand fail in the
public estimation by them and upon them. In pub
lie or in private life should feel that am pa
trot if did not, at whatever personal sacrifice, try
to save my native State from the disasters of blind
and needless counsels. But South Carolina is the
home of my affections, and her bosom shall be my
grave. Her cause shall be my cause-her fate my
fate
Icannot lay down my pen without this admonition
to my fellowc citizens Before you secede, make up
your mind unalteraby, that the step taken can
never be retraced without unutterable shame and des
pair. Be- then, resolved to meet all its hazards and
all its trials If you not ready to lay down life
and fortune, you not prepared for secession.
The North cannot and will not part with you, and
the treasure she wrings from you, without mighty
struggle. She will use force if she dare, and there
be need. Be sure before you move that you cannot
fail and be also, that success will bring the
rea cation of the bright hopes and happy visions that
lead you on to the contest. If you induced to
favor secession by the idea which of those
who are clamorous for that hold out you,
that you would be caressed and coaxed, by kindness
and concessions, to return to the Union, entreat
you to discard the vain and unworthy hope. Sc
cession for such purpose would be paltry and
miserable trifing with the gravest question of the
century. would scorn with as proud disdan as
you could feel any unmanly appeal to your fears. 1
nuke no such appeal. l only conjure you to bring
home your consciousness the realities of this
great Issue before the sword is drawn. That bright
weapon once drawn never be sheathed without
dishonor. Retreat in such contest would be as
disastrous, and Intimately dlsgracefu than defeat
Either would be irretrievable ruin. Then be wise,
be resolved, be ready before you strike! have not
a purpose, hope, wish that is not insepara-
bly, connected with the destiny of South Carolina
and, with the help of God, her destiny shall be my
destiny.
l am, gentlemen, with great respect, your obedi-
ent and humble servant,
ARMISTEAD BURT.
To Capt. THOMAS B. BYRD and others.