Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-02-07
LETTER FROM HON. S. A. DOUGLAS.
The following letter has been addressed by Judge
Douglas to the Editors Of the Memphis appeal:

The following letter has been addressed by Judge
Douglas to the Editors of the Memphis Appeal:
WASHINGTON CRY, Feb. 2, 1861.
MESsRs. EDIToRs | have this moment read with
amazement editorial in your paper Of the Both
utimo, which you assume that am favoring the
immediate Withdrawal of the remaining States from
the cOnfederacy, as peace measure to avert the
horrors of civil war, and with the view of recon-
struction constitutional basis.
mplore you by all those kiEd relations which
have so long existed between u.s. and which still
cherish with much pleasure and gratitude, to do
me the justice promptly TO correct the unaccounable
error into which you have been led In regard to
secession whether viewed as governmental theory
or as matter Of political expediency, have never
had but one opinion, nor uttered but one language
that of unqualified opposition.
Nothing can be so fatal to the peace of the conn.,
try so destructive of the Union and of all hopes of
reconstruction, as the secession of Tennessee and
the border States under existing circumstances.
You must remember that there disunionIsts
among the. party leaders at the North as well as at
the SOuth-mcn whose hostility to Slavcry is strong
er than their fidelity to the Constitution, and who
believe that the disruption Of the Union would
draw after it. as inevitable consequence civil war,
servile instruction, and finally the utter exermna
ton of slavery in all the Southern States. They
are bold daring, determined men and believing
they do that the Constitution of the United States
is the great buwark Of slavery on this continent,
and that the disruption Of the American Union IN
wolves the inevitable destruction of slavery, and is
Indispensable necessity to the attainment of that
end, they are determined to accomplish their para
mount object by any means within their power. For
these reasons, the Northern diSunioniSts, like the
disunionsts of the South, violently opposed to
all compromises on constitutional amendments, or
efforts at conciliation whereby peace could be re-
stored, and the Union preserved.
They are striving to break up the Union under
pretence of unbounded devotion to it. They
struggling to overthrow the Constitution while pro-
Tossing undying attachment to it, and willingness
to make any sacrifice to maintain it. They are try
ing to plunge the country into civil war, as the
surest Of destroying the Union, upon the plan
of enforcing the laws, and protecting the public
property. If they can defeat any kind of adjust
ment or compromise, by which the points at issue
may be satisfactorily settled and keep up the rrita
ton to induce the Border States to follow the
Cotton States, they will feel certain Of the accom-
plishment of their ultimate designs.
Nothing will crafty them so much, or contribute
so efectually to their success as the secession of
Tennessee and the border States. Every State that
withdraws from the Union increases the relative
power of Northern Abotionists to defeat satisfac-
tory adjustment, and to bring war, which, sooner
or later, must end in final separation and recogni-
ton of the independence of the two contending
tons. If on the contrary Tennessee, North Caro-
lna and the border States. will remain in the Union,
and will unite with the conservative and Uni0p low
ing men of all parties in the North, in the adoption
of such compromise will be alike honorable,
safe, and just to the people of all the States peace
and fraternal feeling will soon return and the cot
ton States come back, and the Union be rendered
perpetual
Pardon the repetition for it cannot be too strong
ly impressed upon all who love our country that
secession and war will be destructive, not only of
the present Union but will blast all hope of recon-
struction upon a constitutional basis l trust you
will do me the justice to publish this note in your
next ISSUE
lam, very truly your friend,
S. 4. DOUGLAS.