Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-12-07
LETTER FROM HON. A. H. STEPHENS.

We have been favored says the Journal of Commerce.
with the following letter from Hon. A Ii. Stephens, Of
Georgia, to friend resident of New York.
CRAwFoRDvILLE, Ga, Nov. %, 1860.
DEAR SIa-Your kind aud esteemed favor OF the 10Th
instant is before me- for which you will please accept my
thanks. | thoroughly agree with you TO the nature
and extent of the dangers by which surrounded
aud the importance of united action the part Of
people, in the line Of policy to be pursued.
know also, that there breathes in Georgia
who is more sensitively alive TO her rights interests
safety honor and glory than myself and whatever fate
befals us earnestly hope that shall be saved from
the worst Of all calamites internal divisions contentious
and srfes The great and leading object aimed at by
me in Nilledgeville to produce harmony right
line Of policy.
If the worst comes TO the worst, It may, and
State has quit tho Union it is Of the utmost import
ance that all people should be united cordially in this
course. This, feel confident only be effected on
the line of policy / indicated. But candor compes me
to cay that not without hopes that rights may
be and wrongs be redressed in the Union.
If this can be DONE il is my earnest wish. think also
that il is the wish OF majority OF our people. IT, after
making an effort shall fail then all people will be
united in making or adopting the last resort, the Ultima
ratio reglml"
Even in that case should look with great apprehen-
sion as TO the Ultimate result When this Union is dis
severed if of necessity il must be- present but
little prospect Of good government afterwards. At tie
North feel confident, anarchy riH soon ensue. And
whether shall be better on at tue Soun, VIII uepend
upon many things that am not now satisfied that we
@s-~s fluctuations .saah a@as
started than controlled, and the who begin them
even for the purposes and objects seldom end them
The American Revolution Of 1875 was one OF the few
exceptions to this remark that the history of the world
furnishes. Human passions like the winds when
aroused they sweep everything before them n their -
~ The wise and the good who attempt TO control them
will themselves most likely become the victims This has
been the history Of the downfall of all Republics The
selfish the ambitious and the bad will generally take the
lead When the moderate men who are patriotic have
gone far they think right and proper and propose
to reconstruct then will be found class below them,
governed by principle, but personal Objects who will
be for pushing further and further until those
who sowed the wind will find that they have reaped the
whrwind.
These my serious apprehensons. They are found
ed upon the experience Of the world and the philosophy
Of human nature, and wise man should condemn
them. To tear down and build up again. are very differ
ent things and before tearing down bad govern
ment we should first Ggood prospect for building up
better. These are my views candidy given. If there
il one sentiment in my breast stronger than all Others it
is an earnest desire for the peace, prosperity and happ
ness which wise and good government alone
cure have no object, wish, desire ambition beyond
this and IL should in any respect in endeavoring
to attain this object it will be Of the head and
not the heart
With great personal esteem and respect remain yours
truly, ALEXANDRA Il. STEPHENS.