Gazette and sentinel., 1860-11-10
From the y. q. Detail
General Butler and Ex-Governor
Eebert in the Field.

From n of LouisIana's most gallant
and distinguished citizcns-a soldier,
whose sword has been seen often un-
Si,cathcd, and always with honor and
distinction, in the service of his coun-
try. and whose name is the synonym Of
honor and Of high military prestige, we
have received a letter touching our
present political issues, which incloscs
one from Ex-Governor LIcbcrt, express
sivr %. the views Of that gallant soldier
and gentleman Oh the same absorbing
topic.
Besides their prominence in the mill
tary and civil service Of the country,
the authors of these letters are two of
our largest planters, who, during their
whole lives, have been identified with
the interests, the honor and advance
mcnt of the State.
The following is from General Z. G..
W. Butler, of the famous, heroic family
which has figured 50 ~gloriously in our
military history:
DUSBoYNE, Nov. l, 1860.
Bear Sirs-Supposing, from your
CommcndatOry notice of "a recent letter
from the same source, that the views
and suggestions of Ex-Governor lIebcrt,
contained in the incloscd letter from
him, written from a Northern standpoint,
will be acceptable to you, | place it at
your disposal.
At the present sad condition of pOliti-
cal affairs TO which it refers, and the
approaching prospect of 'thc irrepress-
ibie conflict" with which we are threat
cncd, make it the duty of every South
cn man tn define his position, ] have
only TO say that, as a true and dutiiul
soldier, whenever and whatever Louisi-
ana commands ! shall obey.
lou wei! know, gentlemen, that |
have ever been conservative in my
vlCws-that have, at different times,
venturcd to cXpoStulatc with you and
other Of my State, Rights friends against
what | deemed their ultraism: and when
you ref ,ct upon the sacrifices which
those of my blood have made in the
establishment and defence of this once
glorious Union, and that Andrew Jack
son became, 10y the early death Of my
gallant father, my guardian and politi-
cal adviser, | feel that you will make
due allowance for our difference of opin-
ION, and that You viii appreciate and
compassionate the sorrow with which |
shall feel myself obliged TO draw the
sword yctstaincd with the blood Of But
lcraSanSt a portion Of my own country.
men. | will be told, as | often have !
been, that rar is not contemplated
that WE will merely exercise the right
of 'pcacea5b ScoeSSiga.'
Daniel Webster, the great Constitu- |
tional eXpoundcr, has declared that, "a
bargain broken on one side is broken
on all sides :" and ten Northern States
nullified the Fugitive Slave law,
made i'll pursuance of the requirements
of the Constitution, according to the
same high authority, "the South is no
bound TO observe the compact.n
IF, therefore, could believe in the pos
Of pcaceablc secession, the com
pact being broken, ! would advise i'm
mediate separation but once sever the
bonds which unite us to our Northern
brethren, and in thcprescnt excitedstate
i popular feeling, a border wal will
commence which will he unequal in its
iorrors by those of the Scottish borders
If the French Revolution.
Let us, therefore, await an Orert act
the part Of the incoming Administers
ion, and when longer forbcarancc has
'caSed to be a virtue, call a convention
f the sl~ave-holding States, and such
'thers as may choose to operate with
is, and calmly decide upon what is best,
Inder the trying circumstances, for the
protection Of our rights and honors.
Respectfully and truly yours,
f. G. w. BUTLER.
Etrru Avrvr-r Hrrvr Y V 1