Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1861-02-28

may. under ordinary circuus,..es. ,.I,
mainly upon thsir military spirit, but i, /.
deemed sdvissbls in tho present coodi,;o., ar
saair that there should be well instructed
and disciplined army, more namerous than
voaldosa.ily bs required - peace estab-
ishment
also suggest that for tho protection vf
our harbors and ccmmerce On che high seas.
a navy adapted to these objects be required
These peccssities have dcuttlsss engaged the
attention Of Congress.
With 4 Consultation differing only from
that OF oor fathers In 30 far as il is explain
story OF their well known intent, freed from
sectonai coLhiets which have intcrfered with
ths pursuit ct the general welfare: Il rs not uuu
su,i 10 expect that States from which we have
rersntly parted may seek 10 unite their fortune
with ours under the government We have
instituted. For this, your Consultation max -
adequate provision, but beyond this, il mis-.
take not the judgment and will Of the peoplc
are that union with the States from which
We have separated Is neither practicable nor
desirable To increase the power, develope
the RESOURCES and promote the happiness of n
esn'ederscy, Is requisite tiat there should
DO - much Of homocenty that the welfare of
every portion should be the aim II the whole.
Where this does not exist, an,ayonism- are
eDgcbdered, which must and should result ia
SEPARATION.
Aetasied solely by desire to preserve our
own rights and our ,owu welfare, the sepaIa
ton OF the Confederate States has been mar
ked 10y no aggression upon Others aud fellow
ed by no domestic convulsion. Our indus
trial pursuits hsyc received no check. The
cultivation Of our fields has progressed as
heretofore, and even should we be involved
IN war, there would be no considerable dimi-
mutton in the production of the staples which
have constituted our exports, in which the
commercial world has an interest scarcely less
than our own. The common interest Of pro-
ducer and consumer eau only be intercepted
by an exterior force which should oo-truct
its transmission 10 foreign markets, a course
of conduct which would be detrimental to
manufacturing and commercial interests
abroad.
Should reason guide the action Of the Gov
eminent irvm which we hsye separated. 4
pol'cysso detrimental to the world. the North.
ern States included, could not be dictated by
even the stronger desire To bring injury upon
Us. But If otherwise, terrible responsible.
ty will rest upon il. and the suffering OF mil
lions will bear testimony to the folly and the
wiekedncss OF our aggressors. In The mean.
time there will remainto u, besides the ordi.
nary remedies before suggested. the well
known resources for retaliation upon the com
inercc OF an enemy.
Experience in public stations OF suhor-
dinate grade to this which your kindness has
conferred has taught me that care. aud toll
and disapPointwents are the price o, official
elevation. You will see many errors To for.
give, many deficiencies to tolerate, but YOU
shall NOT hnd in me either u want of reA pr
fidelity TO the cause that is to be highest In
hope and Of most enduring affection.
Your generosity has bestowed upon me an
rndeserved disiinetion-one which / neither
sought nor desired. Upon the continuance
OF that sentiment and upon your wisdom
and patriotism, rely TO direct and supper,
ms iu the performance Of tho duty rcqu red
At my hands.