The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1861-04-19
From Nashville.

NASHVILLE, April l6, 1861.
Dear Post. Another scene in the grand
drama now being enacted before the eyes
of the civilized world by a portion of
those whose sires were proud Of the title
of american citizens" is unrolled to the
view Of the spectators. BY deg .e,s the
premeditated purpose of ambitious lead
ers, North and South, is being carried out,
and at last we realize the fact that our
once glorious country is crumbiing to
pieces before our eyes. Does no regret
mingle with the Joy their triumph brings,
think you? Do those fanatics, North and
South, who have played into each others
hands to bring about the same result
ever feel the twinge of guilty conscience
at the ruin they have wrought; ordo they,
like the madmen they are, revel with de-
light over the destruction of country
they have dishonored and betrayed? |
cannot tell. can only smite my breast
in grief and accept it as a just punishment
for our wickedness as nation.
There are long faces and sad ones here
at the news of war between those who
once were brothers, though some seem to
glory in the fact that the fray has begun,
and are eager to join it.
truly thought Mr.. Lincoln would see
the policy OF graduating the Southern
forts-and thus. disarming the revolu-
tionists, give the border States a chance
to remain in the Union and become the
successful mediators between the bellig-
erents; but he has played into the hands
of the Cotton States, and now they hold
the trumps. What insare folly what
genuine madness in him to attempts pro-
gramme which can end only in shame to
himself and bind us to the car of dis
union. 1t is done, however, and the black
clouds of civil war are breaking upon us.
The news Of the surrender of Sumter
was received here with mingled feelings
of joy and regret-some extremists on
either side manifested joy on the one
hand compatible only with a relish for
bloodshed and on the other. sorrow so
deep as to call up suspicion of their
fealty to the institutions of the South
Of these there are but few-the great ma
.iority. however they may have stood as to
| the merits of the secession movement
see only the horrors of civil war and give
utterance to heartfelt regret that such an
issue is upon us.
We have no particulars yet Of the fight
or the terms of surrender, and should be
chary Of forming hasty opinions in regard
to where the responsibility rests. The
| Union men are as true to their section as
the noisest advocate Of secession can be,
but are willing to hear particulars before
joining in revolution to overthrow 90.
vernmcnt they have so long looked upon
as their OWN. The secessonists are more
hasty and denounce the administration in
unmeasured terms. 1t may be they are
right, and ms there now seems no chance
Of adjusting the matter I'M the Union, we
will have to recognize the fact of DISCO
luton and take our stand accordingly.
! 1t was my strong desire that Mr.. Lin
coin should so conduct matters as that a
peaccable settlement could be made; but
war exists now between the sections. and
it is useless 70 talk of the heaven-pros-
pered old Union any longer.
You can imagine with what feelings |
pen this, but hope is gone, and with it /
fear the prestige Of American citizenship.
SEQuATcmIE.