Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1860-12-19
LETTER OF HON. A. H. STEPHENS.

The following letter of this distinguished
Georgian statesman will be read with interest
and pleasure by every lover of the Union =
CRAwFoRDvnLE, Ca, Nov. 25.
DEAR SIR Your kind and esteemed favor
OF The 18th instant is before me- for which
you VIII please accept my thanks. | thorough
ly agree with you to the dangers by which
we are surrounded, and the Importance of u
nlted action on the part of our people, in tho
line OF policy to be pursued. l know, also,
that there breathes not a man in Georgia who
is more sensitively alive to her rights, inter-
ests, safety, honor, and glory than myself;
and, whatever fate befallS us, earnestly hope
that we shall be saved from the worst Of all
caiamities, internal divisions, contentious and
strlfes. The great and leading object aimed
at by me in Milledgeville, was to produce har-
mony on right line OF policy. II the
worst comes to the worst, as it may, and our
State has to quit the Union, it is of the utmost
Importance that all our people should be unit
ed cordially in this course. This, feel con-
hdent, can only be effected on the line of pol
icy indicated. But candor compels' me to
say that 1 am not without hopes that our
rights may be maintained, and our wrongs be
redressed, in the Union. If this can be done,
1t IS my earnest wish. L think, also, that il is
the wish of majority of our people. If, af-
ter making an effort, we shall fail, then all
our people will be united in making or adop-
ting the last resort. the "Ulfinrd ratio 7egum."
Even in that case, should look with great ap-
prehension as to the ultimate results When
the Union is discovered, if of necessity it
must be, see at present but little prospect Of
good government afterwards. AT the North.
L feel confident, anarchy will soon ensue.
And whether we shall be better OFF af the
South, will depend upon many things that am
not now satisfied that we have any assurance of.
Revolutions are much easier started than con-
troiled, and the men who begin Them, even
for the best purposes and objects, seldom end
them. .ar T.
The American Revolution of 1776' was one
of the few exceptions to this remark that the
history of the world furnishes. Human pas
sions are like the winds; when aroused, they
sweep everything before them in their fury.
The wise and the good, who may attempt to-
control them, will themselves most likely be-
come the victims. This has been the his
tory OF the downfall of all republics. The
selfish, the ambitious, and the bad will eener-
ally take the lead. When the moderate men,
who are patriotic, have gone as far as thev
think right and proper, and propose TO recon-
struct, then Will be found class below them,.
governed by no principle, but personal objects,
who will be for pushing matters further and
further, until those who sowed the wind will
lind that they have reaped the whirlwind.
These are my serious apprehensions. They
are founded upon the experience of the world
and the philosophy of human nature, and no
wise man should condemn them. To tear
iown and build up again are very different
hings; and before tearing down even bad
Government, We should first see good pros
1ect for building up better. These are my
'iewS, candidly given. If there is one senti-
nent in my breast stronger than all Others it
S an earnest desire for the peace, prosperity,
ind happiness OF our people-that peace, pros
oerity, and happiness which wise and good
Government alone can secure. / have no OBJ
ect, wish, desire, or ambition beyond this !;
md IT should in any respect err in erdeav-
'ring to attain this object, it will be an error
# the head and not Of the heart.
With great personal esteem and respect,
emain yours, truly, ALEX. III. STEPHENS.