The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1861-04-11
For the Mielligencer.
To the Public.


For the LaielHgenccr.
To the Public.
Unwilling as always am to obtruac myself up
on the public, yet silence under present circum-
stances would no! only be doing injustice to myself
but to my friends.
Reports, prcjudicial to my interests, have been
induatriously and extensively circulated Opinions
and principles have been imputed to me which de-
mand of me positive and distinct disayowal and
charges have been preferred against me which rem
dcrs it imperatively necessary that should define
my position and set myself rectus in cia upon Ger
tain political questions of the day.
1t has been charged that I ana Union man
that was opposed to secession-that entertained
opinions and feelings unfrcndly to the institutions
of the South, and that sympathizcd with and en-
dorscd the sentiments and conduct. OF one John 7.
Horne, who was recently removed from this village
for holding correspondence with Northern aboli-
ionists, ana for giving aii. and comfort to o cne-
mics.
AZ to the last two charges, pronounce them nb-
solutely ard rnqualiiadly f&lsc, sad could have
originated only in malicious disposition to mis-
represent and iniure me. lam free to admit that
have frequently, in the heat of argument, and
when taunted as submissionist, used language
that was indiscreet and perhaps distastefui 20
large portion of the good citizens, and ofwhichmy
cooler Judgment disapprovcd; but most positively
deny that ever, under any circumstances, gave
uttcrance to any sentiment language that could,
BIZ any possibility of construction, be distorted into
an expression of hostility to the institution of slave
ry. did say in the presence of several respecta-
bic gentlemen, (when first heard of Hornes arrest
and before learned the nature of the charges al
legged against him, that had never heard him e1-
press any political opinion in which did not con-
cur and would publicly endorse; but did not en-
dorse the contents of the letters as the gentlemen
referred to will testify, neither could have done
so because was entirely ignorant of the charac-
, ter of the correspondence. As to sympatlizing
with Him, | felt just that degree Of pity which
would naturally be excited Tor unfortunate,
fiiendcss fcllow-being in distress, and tie only
words spoke to him were in conmiscration of his
unhappy condition. I never uttered o word in
justification CIR extenuaton OF lis crime, which
regarded as treason.
As TO the charge .that I was Union man !" and
7" opposed to secession" I plead guilty. If that IS
treason, make the most OF it. have been taught
from ry earliest childhood to love an revere the
Union of our forefathcrs; that Union bought by
the treasure and cencntcd by the precious blood Of
glorious Revolutionary anc stry, and framed by
the labors and wisdom of Washington, an Adams
and q Jefferson; the Union Of which have always
felt proud Of being q citizen, at home or abroad,
and which fondly hoped would endure forever.
1t has been my lot to wander in other quarters OF
the globe, and have always felt proud security
under the ample folds Of the "stars and stripes.
have proudly claimed the title of an American
citizen, and never did the naughty Roman in the
palmiest days of the republic pronounce the magic
password, Ciuis Romanus sum, with greater GER
tainty of prompt recognition.
opposed secession because believed peace
full dissolution of the Union as highly improbable,
but continuation of peace after such dissolution
regard as impossible. Ifit can bcs SO, then is all
history lie and all past experience dclusion. l
did not desire to exchange tried and Stable gov
crnmcnt, however Objectionable it might have been,
for anarchy and civil war, and all their train of at
tendaut horrors. did not desire to see the Union
split into petty contcndns States, the theatres OF
blood-shcd and slaughter. believed that such o
career of madness and folly would terminate as it
always has done in the history of The world, in the
overthrow Of liberty and the establishment of des-
potisn. I earnestly hoped that the South would
have received satisfactory constitutional guaran-
tees, and that a returning sense Of justice would
induce our Northern brethren to treat us as breth-
rcn and as equals; that we should once more be-
come united people, rejoicing in our Union proud
of OUR nation and determined that it should endure
as lasting fruit of the labor and wisdom of our
for ,fathcrs. But my hopes have been disappoint-
ed The Union is Observation-Disclosures is 6xed
fact-sccossion is complete and final The reyolu-
ton is a success-it remains, however, to be seen
whether it will be bloodless one. Reconstruction
is forcgonc conclusion, and 1 claim to be true
and loyal in affection to our new government. My
feelings and interests are identified and my sympa-
thcs arc with her. will conclude with the sem
tmcnt of the noble Decatur-s' My country, may
she always be right; but my country, God bless
her, right or wrong"
JOHN ALTLLWEE.
The Loan and Charleston Banks.