Arkansas true Democrat., 1861-05-23
United at Last----The Southern Confeds-
NoRRIsTowN, ARK, May 1, 1861

NoRRIsTowN, ARK, May 1, 1861.
 Mesas. Editors: It is highly gratifying to every true son at the South to see how fast we are be coming united upon the great political question now aeitating our country. To say that was merely glad to see and hear of this growing una. nimity of feeling and belief would be tame avowal. l am proud of this fact, srs, and thank God that dt iast people at the South pre- senting ourselves in the proper attitude, one which we as southerners ought to have assumed many months ago. Early in September last l was in favor of secession rather than be subservent to abolition rule, in the event abolition candidate be chosen president. Friends differed with me, but matter of principle, cherished and still cherish the sentiment, that secession was the only available remedy the South could have. 1 was tired of compromising. To cling to the glorious Union by tral compromise was beneath our dignity, l thought, and unworthy of public conf dence. Compromises have ever been slippery things. I am glad the South is determined to slip off entirely.
 Gentlemen, however, of abolition nurture view the act of secession in very different light, and
 
 treachcry. l, and other strong secessionists were pronounced Traitors; but now the act of secession has different aspect to many hitherto opposed to it, and it is viewed as the only remedy to heal the hurts of the South, or at least the only available way of ridding ourselves of an odous black re- publican administration with all it's concomtant evils and still baser injuries. None of the imag- mary dangers have accrued to the States that have seeded which Union men have so vocferously declared Eight States have passed the secession act. Seven already compose the Confederate States. southern government, controlled by southern men is formed. A constitution is given us of which we may we'll be sroud, under which we may live happily, peacefully and prospcrously. Our ca ual rights are maintained and will be fully sustained. Without equal righ's no government can long survive, The desire to rob us of our dearest rights and to ignore our domestic insttu- tions, has riven and torn asunder the proudest and grandest republic known to mortas.
 The constitution of the Confederate States not only fully recognize equal rights without dstinc- ton, but it expressly declares that none but whue n,en shall hold the reins of government No article says that the white man shall ever equalize with the negro! No, Messrs Editors, I have studied over this noble instrument-this master piece of human wisdom, and can find in it nothing hut that which will serve to better condition everything calculated to ennoble, elevate, refine and enrich the Anglo Saxon race--the white man The world looks on to see the grand results of the bold, fearless and patriotic steps of the Con. federate States. Already across the ocean in the Old World is their independence recognized Happy would it have been for us had we recog- nized their independence sooner, and even n0,s been of their number. 1 mean not only Arkansas but all the border States that will eventually secede. The sentiment now prevailing is that Arkansas should immediately join her sister south ern States composing the Confederate States. The convention has been recalled-the delegates have cone thither Will the Junior members, before in the majority, allow an act of secession to b, passed without referring it to the people for popula vote? We shall see. As l said in my last lette to YOU. gentlemen, we finger at peril tell tn, meabera so through the columns of your journal. | The war has begun. The next gale may waf to our ears the revelry and din of firearms an, musketry. Let us do our whole duty Let us arn for the conflict. Stern as it is, it is neverth eles upon us. We ars embarking in glorious cause We are striking for equal rights. We will strike yea fight for our domestic institutions dear as iif itself Strike for our homes and Gresides, our "i'e | and children; and I feel assured that Uoa justice will be our '.sun and shield
 Pardon my lengthy strain, Messrs. Eoi'ors'
 Yours most truly,
 l HE A. WASHB0URNE